The weather did not disappoint on Sunday 28th and a marvellous sunny day brought the crowds to The Recreation Ground in Marsh Gibbon to see a shock result as the Captain’s Team overcame the hoodoo and beat the Chairman’s Gentlemen, to win the Horace Leonard Memorial Trophy for the first time. We now know how that first England side to lose to the Colonial Convicts must have felt!
Vi Leonard and President Summers both addressed the throng at the end of the game to congratulate all and present the awards. Stuart Leonard collecting the Trophy (from Gran!) and Diddle Stringer was selected as Man of The Match by the President for his devastating 3-13 spell, ripping the heart out of the Chairman’s batting! The Champagne Moment was awarded to young Martin Deeley for his death-defying flying slip catch. (death defying as at his age we thought things might snap on landing!).
MGCC would like to recognise and thanks all those involved with creating such a wonderful community day, especially but not limited to :
James Dodds for the loan of his PA system, a set to rival the noise from any Hundred match.
The Bar Staff who fought back the crowds tirelessly as the stock was depleted on 3 occasions and replacement drink was brought in by many, from far and wide. Great work from Borsky, Grant, Tom and his Pony-tailed accomplice, and many others who stood in and fetched wine and beer. Special thanks to Tony and Vicky for allowing us to raid the Manor Farm Barn Wedding drinks stock!
Debbie Cross, Selena and all the ladies who supported with baked goods and the mammoth task of feeding and clearing up after everyone.
Our tireless Umpires, in Barry Timms (who has stood in virtually every game for us this year again) and Mark Leonard, who both managed to keep order and proportion in the pressure cooker environment out in the middle.
The day was a great success thanks to all that came and watched whilst meeting up with new and old village friends – plus many former players and families. The drinking continued late into the night – well, until the bar ran dry for the last time as no where was open to replenish it!
We are already looking forward to next year and the Chairman’s Revenge!