There was a cloudy sky with a stiff breeze in the trees around the pub when 18 players drew for partners in the Petanque knockout competition.

There was a wide range of players but the draw for partners system evened the odds.

However, Pip Gilman, a founder member of the Morcott team, and his novice partner Steve Shaw were the eventual winners. Money collected will be donated to The Big Pink Heart Charity.

The White Horse Cricket Club played their old foes Barrowden Cricket Club, re-igniting a duel which will hopefully become an annual affair.

In aid of the Multiple Sclerosis Society, an eager crowd were not disappointed as Morcott, put into bat, thwarted a strong bowling order.

Coddington and Birch began slowly but confidence grew as they posted a solid score.

However at 97-0 Morcott slowed their score rate as the scratch members of the team took their place at the wicket, ending 115 all out.

Barrowden, despite a wonderful catch by Ross Clephane and some fine bowling by Rob Ellks, soon chased the Morcott score down and won by nine wickets.

Thanks go to the hospitality of the hosts at Barrowden, although Morcott have vowed to avenge the defeat, perhaps with a little more practice.

Any team wishing to take on Morcott in a friendly game please call 01572.

Thanks go to Matt and Kim, landlord and landlady of the White Horse, and to Tim Keogh for organising both events.


Coffee Morning

The September coffee morning will be on Thursday September 11 at 2 Mount Pleasant.


Morcott Book Group

The next meeting will be on Tuesday September 23 at the home of Brenda Lynch in Ketton, when the chosen book is A Fine Balance, by Rohinton Mistry. The author was born in Bombay but lived in Canada from 1975.
The story tells of four disparate characters who put together a new life during a period of turmoil in India.
For further information about the group or the books telephone Jane Gilmore 7737324 or Mo Holley 747639.


Benefice Service

On Sunday, August 31 at 10am, Tixover Church, through the farmyard and into the fields, will host the Benefice Service for the group of parishes.