Bowl-out decides tournament

St Cross cricket Club was a kaleidoscope of colour on Sunday as twelve teams kitted out in 'pyjama-style' commemorative shirts competed for the Mark Parker Shield.

It was the second six-a-side competition staged in memory of the popular New Zealand cricketer (pictured right) who tragically lost his life in the 2002 Bali bomb incident.

Players from far and wide gathered to join teams entered by club sides throughout Winchester, complemented by the Wykeham Arms and several St Cross sides ranging from Andy Quick's veterans to James Burridge's juniors.

The matches provided great entertainment for an audience of about 100, none more so than 'Team Honeysuckle' - whose unique vest shirts are surely destined to be the next big thing in cricket apparel!

In the group games, there were few surprises as each of the top four seeded teams progressed smoothly into the semi-finals - where Easton defeated a strong Greens team and the all star 'Coogar', marshalled by Chris Marlow, overpowered Matt Perry-Lewis' 'Dogs of War'.

As an expectant crowd keenly awaited the finals, the heavens opened, making any further play impossible. A bowl-off would decide the winners and Easton elected to bowl first, hitting the stumps with their first three deliveries.

Despite clawing back the deficit, Coogar still needed anchorman Martin Jones to strike with the final ball but he was inconsolable as his miss handed Andy Birch's Easton their only trophy of the season.

Net proceeds raised exceeded £1000, which all goes to the Mark Parker Memorial Trust Fund. The fund aims to support young leadership development by sponsoring exchange visits between English and New Zealand cricketers from all levels and the coaching of juniors.

Special thanks go to Greens Wine Bar, who provided all the beer and barbecued food. Meanwhile, Winchester Ladies Hockey Club worked tirelessly to ensure that no-one went hungry or thirsty.

Groundsman Roy Clarke also deserves praise for toiling through another wet week to prepare the pitch.