The annual Easton in Gordano cricketing 6s competition

From left to right: Duke of Swiftage, Lord Leslie Abrahams, The Rt Hon Matty Patterson, Sir William de Rollason,  Mr Ian Pearce (formerly of this footballing parish), Robin

Real Wood lose in semi-final thriller

The last time some of us played cricket on a regular basis the game was contested by gentleman and players, Britain had an Empire and Richey Thack was still in short trousers. It was that long ago! On Saturday four gentlemen of Real Wood – Sir William de Rollason, Lord Lesley Abrahams, The Rt Hon Matty Patterson & The Duke of Swiftage – bestrode the green acres of Easton in Gordano in the company of three "players" in the form of Mr Ian Pearce (formerly of this footballing parish), Robin & Whiskers,  all erstwhile cricketing colleagues of Chris Lester.

The annual Easton in Gordano cricketing 6s competition is a fundraiser and some of the proceeds are passed on the Chris’s family, so it was important that we were represented on the day. Les will be posting some photos of the team posing by the willow planted in memory of Chris.

The format of the tournament is two groups of four; the first group is for proper cricket teams, the second for teams, like ourselves, with inflated and unrealistic opinions of our cricketing prowess. These were quickly reassessed upon watching some seriously meaty batting amongst the first set of games… and yet, with a bit of tactical nous and some inside information from Pearcey, we saw of our group opponents with ease to top the group unbeaten. 

After a long wait filled with tea, cake, beer and a very loud PA system, we ventured Into the semis against the big boys – and I mean that literally – but acquitted ourselves admirably by posting a challenging total which the real cricketers only managed to overhaul off the final ball of the match. 

Real Man of the Tournament was undoubtedly Matty Patty who revealed a hidden talent for this batting lark and champagne moment was either Les’s suicidal/valiant attempt at catching a warp factor ball or scoring 10 runs off a leg bye.

Well done everyone for turning out on a beautiful day and thanks to Easton in Gordano for inviting us and putting on such a grand event.

Swifty