EMWCC Tug of War and Sixes Report 2022
By Adrian Lee & Lynda Gray
The days of relentless sunshine changed to more overcast conditions for Easton and Martyr Worthy Cricket Club’s annual fund raising events on July 21st and 22nd.
Thursday evening saw the 9th successive Tug of War. Four teams of adults: EMWCC, The Cricketers Inn, Richard Steel & Partners ‘Made of Steel’ and Will Barrett’s local building company, Francis Construction, entered as ‘The Undesirables’. The teams battled to be presented with the Easton Tug of War Cup. Once again the Cricketers Inn team, managed by Trevor Compton, was triumphant. At the same time as the Tug of War, an inter-club U11s / 13s cricket match was played, along with adults’ cricket training, making it a busy evening at the Club. The bar, BBQ, music and further fun ‘tugs’ for adults and children present, ensured plenty of entertainment for spectators and participants.
The annual Sixes cricket competition, sponsored by Knight Frank Estate Agents, took place the following day (Friday). Each match is played over five overs and won by the team scoring the most runs. There were two leagues of four teams each: New Stream Renewables, Fenwick Elliot Eagles, Avington House, Carter Jonas, Happy Hot Tubs, Charters Estate Agents, Anglesea Capital and the Itchen Ringers. The brightly coloured playing shirts ensure each team is easily identified and Hampshire League umpires prevent any misinterpretations of rules and regulations! The bar was provided by The Plough from Itchen Abbas and Paul Moffitt again supplied the popular hog roast.
The final was played between the bright pink playing shirts of Avington House, in their debut year, and the seasoned Happy Hot Tubs, wearing red shirts. Batting first the Hot Tubs set a target of 69, with Wilf La Fontaine Jackson retiring after 5 balls in the first over scoring 24 runs and EMWCC 1st Team Captain Ben Stanbrook retiring on 20 runs. Avington House scored 72 to win by three runs. Two runs were required off the last ball and Jude Organ found the boundary with an expansive drive; brothers Gregor and Monty McKenzie had both retired on 21 and 22 respectively. The winning Captain, Joe Lewis, stated he has played in each of the previous tournaments and his team has won three of the last four. He said it is always an enjoyable and fun day with cricket played in good spirits. Ed Hallett of Happy Hot Tubs agreed and vowed he will be back for revenge next year!
Adrian Lee (Club Chairman) presented Avington House with the Easton Sixes Cup. He thanked all the individuals and organizations who continue to support this important Club fund raising event, both financially and with their valuable time. Adrian was pleased to report that many Senior and Junior teams at the Club are heading towards a very successful conclusion to the 2022 season.