07.30am, Cowes Corinthian Yacht Club and surprise, surprise, it's raining. Boatshed Cowes is off to watch a cricket match. This is no ordinary match, as the 'field' is a sandbank in the middle of the Solent and is only accessible about once a year, on an extremely low tide.

The origins of the Brambles Cricket Match are attributed to the legendary Uffa Fox, although some believe that the Parkhurst prison inmates were the first out there, as the governor thought it would be good for morale with no chance of escape. After the death of Uffa, Tom Richardson, of the famous Elephant Boatyard on the Hamble River, revived the event with fellow members of the Royal Southern Yacht Club vs The Island Sailing Club and this is the format we find today.

The early morning rain was no problem for this cricket match as 'rain stopped play' does not feature in the BBCC (Bramble Bank Cricket Club) rule book, in fact come to think of it, there do not seem to be many rules at all. The winning team is decided prior to play, bowling is over arm, under arm, over zealous and underhand. Wearing of lifejackets in the outfield is frowned upon, but there are no known drownings to date. Four legged fielders are permitted (much to the pleasure of Fifty, the spaniel and Shep, the collie, aka the Boatshed Cowes Canine Sales Team) The scoring is dubious to say the least, and it is not unknown for a team to be fined runs for
misbehaving.

This event attracts a large following of keen, vociferous and generally unruly supporters, who would make the average test match crowds look like angels. A small armada of boats from the Island and Mainland shore converged on the bank at the allotted time and the match commenced. Due respect to both brave teams who nearly to a man, woman and a child, were turned out in whites and played with great gusto and enthusiasm. You definitely need enthusiasm to race after a lofty six that is likely to land in four feet of water, but small boys in wetsuits and lifejackets proved very adept at this task. Wickets, catches and even just the connection of leather to willow were greeted by much applause but the greatest was always reserved for the fielders who were seen diving for catches in the deceptively deep Bramble Puddle.

One never ceases to be amazed by the British spirit of eccentricity that perpetuates such wonderful sporting events and it was great to see so many faces out there in such a variety of boats. We even saw boats that we have on our listings with their 'Boatshed Cowes For Sale' signs (must remember to take some blank sales agreements with me next year). Our colleagues from Boatshed Hamble were there as well, but I think at the end of the match it was Fifty and Shep that raised their paws the highest in saluting a very enjoyable start to the day.

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