Flaming June? Not exactly but the poor weather failed to dampen the spirits of the 20 tourists who made the annual pilgrimage to Bournemouth. Tour manager Woolly found the Hotel Celebrity which suited our needs nicely. Eleven of us began the week on the golf course at Canford Magna in glorious sunshine. The pros took the money (Sparky and Phil Hales) and Dan Moore robbed Woolly of ‘nearest the pin’ with the final shot at the 16th. Mystery still surrounds how Geoff’s head cover was filled with talcum powder.
We arrived at Broadstone and had the unusual problem of having to select a team. James was elected captain and promptly lost the toss. Conan, for once, did not get into ‘Broadstone mode’ and was quickly dismissed. That meant the arrival of Sparky who brought his good form from the golf course to the cricket pitch. A rapid 60, along with some power striking from Nick Shea in the final over, saw us post 107 for 4 in 16 overs. Dan Moore (3 for 22) and Geoff Bowyer (2 for 18) took wickets as the game was always in the balance. With 2 wickets and 2 runs required in the last over, 5 leg side wides gave them victory with 2 balls to spare.
After checking in to the hotel we assembled in the Jonathan Creek, the local pub of choice, where the skipper kept us entertained with his home made quiz. We stayed there until closing time before moving on to another establishment, but everything is a little vague from here onwards. Naturally we finished the evening with a kebab and the chairman performed his role of making sure the virgin tourists were delivered back to the hotel safe and sound.
I can’t really advise on the quality of breakfast, but the strategically placed bench in the garden was ideal for sleeping off hangovers.
The Tuesday game saw us visit Ferndown Wayfarers for the first time. A very nice ground with the unusual feature of pylons surrounding the pitch and wires crisscrossing the skyline. We batted first and Woolly failed for once. Nigel, who couldn’t run due to having gout, scored a useful 21. Our overseas player, Wurzel from Belgium, was bowled for a golden duck, before a partnership of 49 between Geoff (32) and Ian (19) helped the cause. However special mention should go to top scorer Extras (58), who made a fine half century as we finished on 162 for 9 in 40 overs. A lively opening spell from Curtley Armstrong (2 for 23) and some tidy spin from DJ (1 for 37) kept us in the game. Their skipper came in and crashed it everywhere before Sparky held a fine catch. The chairman (5 for 33) put us on top before a stubborn 9th wicket partnership of 40 took them to a one wicket win.
We returned to the Creek for another quiz from James followed by more beers and some good negotiating in the kebab house from the tour manager.
Wednesday saw the long drive to Portland. It lashed it down all the way and the breathtaking scenery was not visible due to the sea mist. Things got worse when we discovered the pie shop had closed early. We amassed in the clubhouse and enjoyed an early tea, before the game was called off and we retired to The George where Squeaker entertained with his Anne Robinson stories. However we had to draw the line when he started talking indoor bowls with Johnny.
An early call on Thursday confirmed that our final game also was washed out. However the rained stopped and we made it down to the crazy golf course for the highlight of the week. A record field saw Phil Hales win the cerise jacket with an impressive 17 under. Curtley 16 under and Nigel 15 under were the nearest challengers. The jacket was a snug fit but the winner wore it with pride. Thursday evening was incredible as Nigel discovered the cure for gout was pints of bitter with sherry chasers. It worked a treat and the limp was gone!
Friday we went for the traditional stroll along the promenade and got drenched. After sheltering for 30 minutes under a beach hut we gave up and headed back home with some good memories and the thought that it is only 51 weeks to the 2012 tour.
The final word goes to Nigel – ‘ I DO NOT HAVE GOUT’!
Here are some photos from previous tours while we are waiting for the 2010 and 2011 pictures to be developed!
