But I haven’t used a corkscrew in years, ever since I saw a pro opening bottles with a simple $5 two-prong cork puller. These devices are cheap, quick, easy, and just about foolproof.

First, you insert the longer prong next to one side of the cork. Next, you shimmy the shorter prong around the other side. Then, pinch that loaf! Pinch, wiggle, turn, and squeeze one out. But be ...

Every championship needs a springer, a pinch of chilli, an unforeseen X factor. Few are thus blessed. Still, what if the weather improves, Cork get top of the ground and Alan Connolly carries on ...