September 17 saw the first every Molesey Tri Club Games, an inter-club challenge of three different sports: cricket, rowing and tennis. The games were a rip roaring success, played with a great spirit of camaraderie and fun
As with many good ideas the seed was sown over a drink, some time back, between Jon Elworthy of East Molesey Cricket Club; Ted Bates and John Parker of Molesey Boat Club and Richard Thorpe of the Pavilion Club. Noting the good fortune of having the three great Clubs in the same post code the idea was mooted for a ‘Tri-Club-Games’, an inter-club challenge of the three sports: cricket, rowing and tennis.
After months of hard work the seed of that idea finally came to fruition and on Saturday September 17 the inaugural games were held.
The three different clubs put forward 8 competitors for each sport. Entrants were encouraged to take part whatever their level and experience and indeed for some it was their first taste of leather on willow, scull on water or string on ball.
All-comers welcome was the spirit of the games with a friendly rivalry and banter maintained throughout the event. The EMCC Team exemplified this in the first event where their more talented players coached and encouraged their opponents as they played – a far cry from some of the competitive sledging we see at international level!
It was then on to Molesey Boat Club where the cricket and tennis club teams were treated to a session in the training tank before they stepped gingerly onto the water in 4 person sculls. MBC provided the cox for each boat and again it was a healthy and entertaining mixture of coaching and competition.
The Games concluded with tennis at the Pavilion Club, where 24 players battled it out concurrently on six courts rotating between men’s and ladies doubles and mixed doubles. A thoroughly entertaining spectacle with high commitment levels occasionally let down by some questionable hand eye coordination!
The competition began at 8.30am and ended at 5.30pm in the Pavilion Club. A long day which left everyone hungry but in high spirits. Not a problem as the EMCC’s Darin Butler had driven from the New Forest to deliver and set up a hog roast. The EMCC also arranged for live music from their very own Ryan North.
Competitors and spectators then settled in for an evening of bbq and live music which ended with a spontaneous (and some would say inevitable) karaoke rendition of ‘we are the champions’ with all teams enthusiastically joining in.
There was a trophy and the Pavilion proudly raised it in this inaugural year but they were the first to acknowledge that it was the games that were the true winner on the day. The Tri Club Games is now set to become an annual fixture which can hopefully grow in to one of the major events in the Molesey social and sporting calendar.
For more great local sports stories check out our Cycling/Sport Section
Follow us on Facebook and Twitter for updates on all the latest local news
