The Bugle Annual John Merricks Sailing Trust Cricket Match
by Suzy Hamel 19 Jul 2007 09:44 BST
15 July 2007
£1,328 raised at The Bugle’s Annual Charity Cricket Tournament, in aid of the John Merricks Sailing Trust, on Sunday 15th July, in spite of rain stopping play.
Ben Ainslie and Ian Walker, Olympic Medallists and America’s Cup helmsmen, turned out at the cricket grounds at Hamble-Le-Rice for an all day cricket festival sponsored by Cricket Telecom. Many supporters gathered to cheer on the teams from four pubs in the village: The Bugle, King & Queen, The Victory and Ye Olde Whyte Harte who were all competing for the coveted Bugle Cricket Challenge Cup. The object of it all? To raise money for the John Merricks Sailing Trust and for everybody to have a great time doing it.
An overcast muggy start did not deter any of the teams and the first 10 over match, The Bugle v Ye Olde Whyte Harte, got underway at 11.00am. Ye Olde Whyte Harte went into bat first and achieved the day’s highest score of 79 runs for only three wickets. The Bugle lost three wickets in quick succession, yet after a vigorous defence never quite managed to catch up with previous score, they ended on 69 runs for 5 wickets.
The Bugle ran a fantastic BBQ and everyone enjoyed a sizzling lunch before the next match took place.
The King & Queen opened the batting against The Victory and knocked up 57 runs for just 3 wickets. The Victory came on to the field brimming with confidence and narrowly snatched defeat from the jaws of victory after losing a few wickets to the demon South African bowlers of the King & Queen. They ended on 55 runs for 8 wickets managing to play on as thunder rumbled all around and the first few drops of rain started to fall. As the match finished the heavens opened and lightning flashed all around the pavilion as the crowd ran for cover. Many gathered under the pavilion porch in anticipation of a quick storm and the possibility of a return to the field for the final. However the rain was too prolonged and unfortunately the cricket square was completely flooded, so play was abandoned for the day.
The remaining crowd retired to The Bugle for post match analysis and refreshing beverages where the raffle was drawn by Dave Wybourne from Cricket Telecom.
The final will now take place on Tuesday 17th July at the Hamble Aerostructures Cricket Field at 7pm – weather permitting. All welcome to come and cheer on their favourite team.
Without financial support from other people, 1996 Olympic 470 Silver Medallist, John Merricks would never have been able to fulfil his ambitions and demonstrate his remarkable talent for sailing. Set up by those closest to John following his untimely death, The John Merricks Sailing Trust seeks to help other young sailors achieve their goals.
Since 1997 the John Merricks Sailing Trust, a registered charity, has supported youth sailing all over the UK by awarding more than 80 grants. Totalling over £137,000 these awards have been made to deserving individuals, clubs and youth organisations that have demonstrated their commitment to sailing and financial need.