Racehorse trainers take to the cricket pitch for charity tournament in aid of Retraining of Racehorses in East Garston

“A fair few quid” was raised for charity at a very competitive cricket tournament in East Garston at the weekend.

“There was never a doubt that gathering 16 racehorse trainers on the cricket pitch would be anything other than very competitive - and so it turned out on a glorious day in East Garston,” said organiser Freddie Tulloch, from East Garston Cricket Club.

The trainers were paired up and the eight teams of eight players were placed in a knock out format of six overs a-side for the tournament on Sunday (September 1).

The “fast and furious” competition saw four teams - captained by Murphy/Teal, Henderson/Ffrench-Davis, Channon/Johnson-Houghton and Cox/Balding - make it through to the main semi-finals after the first round matches.

The teams of Hannon/Hughes, Hills/Portman, Smyth-Osbourne/Ward and Osborne/Morrison were then given another chance in the Plate competition.

“The early rounds were not without incident – broken fingers and a trip to hospital, eight lost balls into the river or deep jungle and damage to a posh BMW after Tom Fillery hit a 110 metre six,” added Mr Tulloch.

“After a few refreshments and delicious lunch prepared by The Queens Arms, the real action took place in the sweltering heat.

“Henderson/Ffrench-Davids broke the hearts of the local team sponsored by Ed James’ Sporting Agenda, vocally encouraged by Murphy/Teal, after they had posted what looked like a winning score whilst team Channon swatted aside Cox/Balding.

“The early wicket of Fillery who fell cheaply was key – you could tell that by the look on Balding’s face as the catch was held.”

In the Plate, the Hannon/Hughes team were knocked out by Hills/Portman, while Osborne/Morrison knocked out Smyth-Osbourne/Ward, before there was more refreshements thanks to Will Theakston and his brewery.

“It might have only been for the Plate but to Osborne/Morrison and Hills/Portman this was a big match with a lot of chat on the boundary,” said Mr Tulloch. “But it was Morrison who made the impact, taking a great catch in the deep just as the opposition were just starting to get going.

“With not a big score to play with, Hills/Portman worked hard to save every run but when things got tight young James Hills spilt a spiralling catch and it looked like all was lost.

“But in a desperate bid to salvage the game, captain Hills, who hadn’t been playing, subbed himself on to bowl the last over. Alas, his long hops were not the magic his team were looking for – both balls being dispatched.

“You can imagine the wild celebrations from Osborne and Portman as they lifted the trophy.”

It was then time for the finale.

Channon, sponsored by Will Puxley’s Spectacle of Light, was put into bat and got off to a flyer with 44 runs off the first two overs.

Ffrench-Davis then put Billy Tulloch on to bowl and he promptly took three wickets in his over which led to Channon stuttering to a gettable target of 79 off six overs.

“Channon started well as their opening bowler restricted the opposition to just 2-1 off the first over,” added Mr Tulloch. “But up stepped Tulloch, who despite getting an enormous amount of grief from the very entertaining Fillery and Murphy who had taken over the microphones, went into turbo charge and destroyed what was a formidable attack.

“Moments later, after two massive sixes and numerous fours, Tulloch retired to be replaced by his school mate Josh Dickinson and the punishment continued.

“While Tulloch was brutal, Dickinson was stylish with his deft touches and beautiful drives.

“Ffrench-Davis’s team were now favourites with just nine needed off the last over and it all came down to the last ball with Dickinson needing four to win.

“He struck it well but unfortunately it went straight to deep cover and Team Channon were crowned champions by Shaun Hinds whose Newbury Racecourse had sponsored the event.”

The day was all about raising money for charity, Retraining of Racehorses.

“Massive thanks to Tim Abbott who had worked tirelessly to prepare a fantastic venue and James Pryer, Richie Beeson, Theakston’s, Ice-cool trailers, Bite, The Queens Arms and Henry Wilson and to all the teams, sponsors, umpires, scorer and the large, enthusiastic crowd who had totally ignored the BBC’s forecast of thunder and lightning,” added Mr Tulloch.