Battle for the horns at Ebernoe

It is a tradition with origins in the mists of time and on villagers in Ebernoe gathered once again for the annual Horn Fair.

This year saw Tillington invited to play for the Horns trophy and batting first, openers Nathan Kemp and Graham Westmoor reached a 100 partnership before Westmoor fell to a catch by Matthew Scaife for 47.

Kemp continued to score and was eventually caught with the final ball of the allotted 45 overs having amassed 143 runs leaving Ebernoe a total of 298 for 4 to chase.

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The traditional roasted sheep was brought across the green with Petworth’s Town Crier, Ebernoe club president Ivan Wadey and Ebernoe vicar Peter Hayes leading the procession. The lamb was carved by Bruce and Alice Whittington and served to the cricketers, complete with fresh local vegetables.

The match continued after lunch with Ebernoe’s innings and experienced players Doug Turner (33 runs) and Richard Stemp (45 runs) tried hard to steady the ship as wickets fell - youngsters Hunter Davies and Harry Marchant did well and scored 25 and 17 respectively, but some excellent catches from Dominic Groves and Ollie Pearce, together with impressive bowling from Kemp, Pearce and Dan Thistleton saw Ebernoe all out for 199 off 38 overs.

Lord Egremont presented the Horns trophy to Nathan Kemp.

Children’s races proved popular as the first full day of the school holidays saw families of several generations enjoying the sunshine. The ever popular ‘Dip the Lady’, tombola and skittles saw brisk trade, as did the funfair with its rides and stalls, with the evening sheep roast a complete sell out.

Ebernoe cricketer Steven Morrish, due to open the batting, missed out after breaking his leg. He received regular updates via social media and imparted advice from his hospital bed.

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