Rotarians from Manningtree were ‘smitten’ by a team from Rotary Club of Grays Thurrock and East Thurrock in the district multi-sports final
The Hugh Markham Trophy is the highlight of the sporting calendar across District 1240 covering Essex and the Hertfordshire and Suffolk borders where clubs compete in various – sometimes obscure – sports. The final match played at the Cross Keys gastro pub in the village of White Notley, near Witham, saw the two clubs face each other at ‘Smite’. A game originated in Scandinavia that is a cross between skittles and boules.
Regulars at the Essex pub looked on fascinated as two teams of four took hold of the Smiter and hurled it at skittles in the middle of their pub garden. Grays Thurrock won by two sets to nil winning 2-1, 2-1 in the best of three sets.
It was a closely fought battle that ended with the two clubs making the most of the pub’s great reputation for superb food and beers.
PICTURED: Grays and East Thurrock Rotary Club celebrate their victory (centre) surrounded by opponents Manningtree. Grays team (L-R) David Hamilton, Alan Peaford, Ivor North and Steve Payne.
