Bowl-offs, Raffles and Father's Day 

This one is a bumper (but there are more pictures - it evens out). We've got the Mega Raffle to announce and everything fun about that as well as our usual recap of the last couple of weeks, a celebration of Father's day this Sunday and how the father/child relationship has a good tradition at Old Wimbledonians. 

So let's start with taking a look back over the last couple of weeks,....

We continue to put up some good results club-wide, with many of our teams pushing for the promotion spots in their respective leagues. It's been a strong start so far and as June moves on we look to continue to push.. 

Garfy celebrates with Rum (and a trophy)

In my last post i mentioned the bowl-off  which was won by club legend and stalwart Garfield Fontaine (see above). Garfield beat off competition from 4s skipper Ben Walsh and 3s skipper Max Jacobs to claim the title and bragging rights (and he has brought this up in conversation a couple off times already) .

 This was a fantastic fundraiser which was a lot of fun and appreciated by all and a massive well done to Joe (Social sec and general legend) for putting together. I've caught wind of his next idea for a fundraiser and trust me, you don't want to miss that!. 

Now for the family section...

I spoke at length in my first blog this season about the sense of community (that word again) at the club and at it's very core. Old Wimbledonians have a strong family ideal which we celebrate and with Father's Day on Sunday, I wanted to just share a few of the many combinations we have who are playing regularly. 

Starting with Mark, George and James Pratt who are always at the club, full of enthusiasm and a great family asset to the club (as well as all three individually) 

Mark, George and James Pratt are a wonderful set of chaps to have around the club

These lads play between the 4th and 5th teams as well as playing Sundays and are just one great example of colts developing into the adult teams. They integrate so well and are such an integral part of the club. 

 Many will have read last year of the amazing strength of character displayed by Sachin Shah as he went though some fairly serious health issues and to see him back playing in some capacity is nothing short of unbelievable. His dad Manoj is a wonderful club presence too, filling in with bat and ball (and nattering to the square leg umpire far, far too much) Also we mustn't forget his other son, Rahul who can't play currently as he's away at university (availability excuses really do get wild sometimes).

Manoj and Sachin Shah, batting together after a very challenging year. 

Below we have club savoir Tim and his son Jason. Tim who does so much for the club on and off the field (and probably deserves a blog dedicated just to him). Jason, started as a colt and progressed into the adult teams where he made himself a valuable asset in any team and is also a previous and extremely successful, vice-captain of our 4th team. Jason embodies the wonderful attitude of his dad and his progression has led to him being an extremely level-head to have around the club.  

Tim and Jason off on a merry jaunt 

Then we have the next generation we can find coming through. Quite often on a weekend you can find 4th Team captain Ben Walsh and his son Freddie (see blog edition 'How to Cage the Opposition' for a great Freddie Story) and Adrian Dawson and his son Leo hitting a ball around the club putting the adults to shame with their shot selection. They will both no doubt be great colts who will find their way to the adult sides in a few years time.  We look forward to seeing them start to join the colts in the next few years.  

Leo and Freddie looking onward as to what their adult life will inevitably become.

These few examples above are really just the tip of the iceberg for the parent/child players which we have at the club. There are so many others who i didn't have space or photos to mention but they are just as valuable to the club as those mentioned above (and if you tweet the club account with a photo of you and your playing child, i will gladly retweet)  .

 Without the likes of Freddie and Leo with Ben and Adrian, integrating their kids into the club at an early age, you don't get them to where Jason has got to. The development along the way showcased above with Mark, George and James is proof that club life and the process works and is something that makes club life something very special. 

And finally..........

It's time to bring up our big fundraiser of the year: The Mega Raffle. 

The Mega Raffle will consist of 101 prizes, ranging from the smaller prizes to some quite interesting big ones we'll mention along the way. With tickets on sale at £2.50 soon. The draw will take place following our 8-a-side tournament on Sunday August 29th and tickets will be going on sale soon so keep your eyes on our social media channels to find out more in the coming weeks. 

Sourcing 101 prizes is not a simple task (but it will be rewarding) we are already working with some local businesses who have donated some prizes but we're always looking for more to get involved. We have a captive audience at the club with a number of inter-club communications where we'd love to feature your business. 

If you'd like to donate a prize to our raffle (and I can't express how grateful we would be) please drop and email to matthew.hopkins@hyde-housing.co.uk 

Or if you'd like to take it one step further and discuss sponsorship opportunities within our vastly populated club, please email mdjacobs@mail.com and joseph@guardiansofsafety.com

Or if you have any other raffle enquiries you can email me sbath14@gmail.com and i will gladly get back to you. 

As always, thank you for reading, enjoy your weekend if you're playing or watching cricket or even if you don't even like it. 

Simon 

Campions Vice-Captain and man due runs. 

#WePlayAsOne