Simon Rae Dorset Tour 2006

Cricket in Dorset June 2006 on the Simon Rae Tour

Photos courtesy of David Inshaw

To mark the great victory over Powerstock in The Pomeroys Cricket Tour of Dorset led by Simon Rae. Let me just remind everyone that 200 sheep passed over the pitch at noon (we observed them from the pub walking up the road) and Ian, (pictured lying down on the right) scored a magnificent century. Clearly, Ian was in the mood for batting that day because he was seen earlier sweeping off the sheep aftermath 10 minutes before the match: Oh bye the way, Artist, David Inshaw did get a bat, he faced one ball and expected another over that did not happen.

To mark the great victory over Powerstock, Swinners (Alan Swinburne) wrote a song  to our team that beat Powerstock by 150 runs.

Memorable Moments

During the innings of Centurian, Ian Smith, in full flow on 81 not out, the Powerstock WicketKeeper remarked "I wish I could borrow your bat" Ian's reply was "Of course you can, but you cannot borrow my wrists"

Mapman, Mark decided to plan a route for the convoy from Powerstock to Little Bredy. After much inspection of contours and cart-tracks, he decided to take the route that most resembled the East face of Everest on a road that two sheep would struggle to pass without giving way.

Oliver, opted to reject the idea of a convoy, he travelled at a predetermined speed designed to cause stress to the driver in front (me). His preferred speed was 22mph. He said "I like it that way" and smiled sweetly.

The Doc performed a magnificent self fulfilling prophecy at Little Bredy. While walking out into the raging sunshine and rolling hill countryside of the little Devon cricket ground, it was evident to me that he was not happy with the prospect of bowling. With a wry smile he explained that he was sick of being clouted to the boundary without reward.

On admitting to Simon Rae that I had not the time or skill to erect my tent at Powerstock, Simon remarked "Cannot we send in the Paratroopers to help you ?

Kit, at the Marquis de Fleur inn at Powerstock eloquently tried to seduce the Scandinavian Barmaid into playing a game of cricket for the Pomeroys. Mark rolled his eyes and suggested that his request was akin to "Come up and see my Etchings" .we all howled with laughter, wherupon Simon and Mark greedily ate a Crab Salad that looked very nice among the plethora of Sunday Papers.

Kit drove the convoy on a wild goose chase around Bridport. On enquiry to Simon Rae as to why we had gone in circles for the last hour when this was in fact Kit's residence: Simon Rae said. "Dont assume anything when it comes to Kit's navigation"

Oliver hauled his kit out of his bag in the Powerstock Pavillion, yes it has not been ironed for 50 years...oh yes and his trousers fell nearly to his ankles when he chased the ball in the Powerstock outfield/undergrowth.

A new world record for the Pomeroys was the occurrence of three family members playing in the same team. Alex, Mark, and Sophie Martin who took the field at Powerstock. All brilliant, except that substitute fielder for the opposition, (Mark) caught me round the corner. I forgive you,

When Becky was faced with the prospect of a high outfield catch, she just giggled and giggled. Coaching from Ian ensued.

David Inshaw (in Photographer mode) was taking an "end of match" photo at Little Bredy. His orders to the 11 cricketers were "Arrange yourselves in a nice group" He also remarked at Powerstock after arriving 2 hours late that there was no tablecloth evident at the teas table. (We had suffered sheep on the pitch and sleep in cars and tents in a place where there was no running water.)

Alex, thanks for the razor and Sophie, thanks for the excercise with the feet. Oliver, thanks for you help with "The tent" His quote was "A one eyed man in the land of the blind is King"

A great tour, thanks, Simon long may it continue

Simon Rae is a famous writer (especially cricket and poetry) , broadcaster, BBC poet, and great friend of mine. Here is a link to some of his work. Simon would always listen to “Poetry Corner” while waiting to bat for Devizes. Much to the bemusement of his team

http://www.writersartists.net/sr3.htm

David Inshaw is a Devizes based (now famous) artist featured on TV recently. Here is a link to some of his work. David has a distinctive style that is beautiful to the eye.

http://tabretts.co.uk/pages/artists/DavidInshaw.htm