Cricket on Islay

After a gap (some say) of at least 25 years, the game of cricket returned to the Isle of Islay. The occasion was a return challenge match with the Isle of Jura for the 'Adders Tail' - a nicely presented jar with the remains of an adders tail, pickled in gin, found on the Jura pitch when they beat Islay last year. 

The match was played on the unlikely surface of the Port Charlotte football pitch. This has to be one of the most sublime settings of any sports ground in the UK. Across the ocean lies Ireland. Behind one of the goals is a neolithic chambered cairn. In the Loch, boats were fishing for Tope - a species of shark. 

The wicket was cut just to the side of the centre circle and was rolled with the heaviest available roller on the morning. It had to be done so late in the day because there was a full eleven-a-side soccer match the previous evening. Fortunately the surface had been dampened by overnight rain which helped make the pitch malleable. It played well. 

Following a humiliating performance on the Jura airstrip last year, it was time for revenge. The jungle telegraph had been put to work and any male who had ever played cricket was contacted. A South African (shy, retiring…hardly), several English and willing Scots were dragooned into service. Age was not a barrier. It was felt that if at least half the team could bat their age then a decent score would be the outcome. 

It was clear early on that the Jurachs had travelled more in hope than anticipation. The first over they bowled was a relatively sedate affair. The next went for 23. The edge of the football pitch was the boundary. Hitting straight was not easy. The grass was very long so shots on the ground scored very few whereas a good biff did the trick. Two of the younger members tucked in and scored freely. Mizzly drizzly rain made fielding difficult and several catches went down. After 20 action-packed overs Islay had scored 150 - 2 with one retired. 

Terrific cakes, sandwiches and Pimms helped the interval go with a swing. 

Jura were under the cosh from the start. A succession of steady bowlers, helped by more reliable fielding reduced them to 67- 7 after their 20 overs. At this point 'local rules' were called into play and they were allowed to bat for another 10 overs. They finished on 99 - 10 (they had twelve players). People who had not batted in the Islay innings then had 10 more overs to strut their stuff. Previous participants got stuck into the Pimms.  Another 25 runs were eked out before midges and refreshments called time. 

A slap up tea with scones , cake and buns followed with single malt accompaniment. Speeches and thanks ensued. The 'Adders Tail' was duly presented with appropriate ceremony. 

Then home to a hot bath and an appointment with a masseuse!