We would all like to believe that social evolution brought about the change in the rules of the MCC, which this week voted to allow women to become members of their elite cricket club. Perhaps more pertinently, money from the National Lottery led the MCC to vote for the second time this year on whether or not to move into the 20th century.

In February, 56 per cent of the members voted to admit women, less than the two-thirds majority required before this week's historic change of mind.

The fact of the matter is that the MCC had been refused £4.5 million in lottery money for replenishing their wine cellars . . . er rebuilding . . . although new president Tony Lewis said that this had nothing to do with the change of heart. There are many people who believe Mr Lewis was talking rot.

First Fitzwilliam TC, then the MCC. Why, there's only Portmarnock GC left!