REST OF THE WORLD V. ISLE OF COLL

Robert Bogdan

This 'tradition' began at a midge-ridden barbecue on the banks of Loch Rannoch when the erstwhile Minister from Coll, masquerading as a slimline Ian Botham, threw down the challenge after the Aberdeenshire Rejects annual tussle against the Wee Wildies of Rannoch Moor.

In due course, then, the Road to the Isles saw a motley collection of cricketers, assembed from various points of the compass as far afield as Morayshire and Cheltenham, converging on Coll - by courtesy of Cal. Mac.

On the ferry, the R. of the W. team made the near-fatal mistake of failing to notice a 6'6" giant Australian fast bowler answering to the name 'Stretch' who was signed up for Coll before his size 12 boot had touched the quayside. It was also sad to see Ali Anderson taking the ferry to the mainland and so miss a game in which he has played such a prominent part in past years.

The pitch was looking splendid in the sunshine as the skippers tossed up and the R.o.W. team elected to bat. The opening partnership looked solid against the Coll pace attack until Stretch was introduced, bringing Simon Wilson's valuable innings to an end at 22 runs. Not long after, Frank 'Boycott' Carpenter failed to beat the throw and was run out. Colin 'the minstrel' Saddington defied the mighty Stretch for many overs until Coll discovered a County wicket keeper in their midst. But then calamity struck. Our key batsman, Kevin, returned immediately to the pavilion after catching the first ball full on his toe! This was followed by the steady experience of Keith Ritchie (7 runs), a sparkling 25 from Tony Forbes and a more steady 25 from the skipper whose eventual dismissal heralded the arrival of tea.

Now the journey to Coll is worthwhile purely because of the teas ably prepared by Vicki and her helpers.

Refreshed and back on the pitch, Simon and Mike Taylor continued their duel from last year, followed by a fine 44 from Fraser Cooke and a purposeful 21 from Stretch. John James and Neil Morrison then found themselves at the crease with glory only 20 runs away but the visitors struck and they both retired with ducks, leaving Andrew and Davy who just failed to complete the task.

Final scores: R.o.W. - 111. Coll - 94.

Sunday morning was Andrew's farewell service in the lovely church on the cliff top, It was a delightful privelege for us all to share in this service with so many of the Coll community. The music, the singing and the wooden duck with its 22 yards of string made it a memorable and happy occasion.

The evening was a splendid affair. The Bog Cotton Reel Band provided the core of the entertainment. And with the voice of Simon, the dancing of the Greaves girls, the fiddling of Colin and the 'sea shanties' of Chris, the evening passed all too quickly.

Obviously, the trip must be repeated and plans are afoot for a tour which would include a match at Glamis, a game in Tobermory and then sail out to Coll. Well, there is a challenge!