The annual cricket match on the Bramble Bank sandbank in the Solent did not let a small matter of excess water stop play.
The annual match on the Bramble Bank sandbank in the Solent, which for some, even cricket lovers, may seem a trifle eccentric, pits the skills of the Royal Southern Yacht Club and the Isle of Wight’s Island Sailing Club against each other.
The ‘rivalry’ dates back to the 1950s and sees the teams take it in turns to ‘win’ the match, cheered on by spectators anchored around the wicket. This year, as our gallery shows, a Fairline sportscruiser doubled as the pavilion.
The Royal Southern Yacht Club took this year’s honours, played in challenging conditions and a higher than usual tide due to the low pressure.
The Bramble Bank wicket caught out another visitor earlier this year when the car container Hoegh Osaka ran aground on it.
Words Philip Reynolds
