South Milton Village Sports Day was “the best ever” as the persistent rain for the days preceding gave way to sunshine.

The event, on Sunday, July 23, saw people take part in sack races, egg and spoon races, welly flinging, tug of war, rounders, cricket, potato races and partake in the barbecue and bar.

Jenny Brown, one of the organisers, said: “Organisers were rewarded for bravely keeping faith with optimistic forecasts for the day, recent persistent rain giving way to warm sunshine and the event was a resounding success; pronounced, in fact, to be the best ever.

“The field below the church, kindly offered by Graham and Mary Jinks, had thoroughly dried, the designated cricket pitch received a final mow and preparations began at 10am transporting all the necessary gear, erecting gazebos and welcoming banner, setting up bar and barbecue, installing generators and checking final details.

“Risk assessments had been issued and first aid was checked, available and thankfully unused.

“At one o’clock a continuous stream of eager children and sporting adults signed up to compete in races and competitions - nearly 200 entries with several enthusiastically attempting them all.

“But first on the packed programme was a rounders match ably organised by Jane Howey and directed by Kelly Luscombe. The many contestants were split into two teams, according to the half year in which birth dates fell, and an energetic game was enjoyed by all.

“Single wicket cricket came next attracting a wide range of ages and abilities followed by a new event this year -walking rugby. The rules were a mystery to most, leading to many penalties and turnovers of possession.

“Suffice it to say that enthusiasm overwhelmed technique resulting in wildly chaotic play with many a stumble and tumble. The final score was three ties to one but nobody seemed too concerned; all were just enjoying the event.

“So many entries for competitions and races required several heats to be organised to give everyone a sporting chance. The children were brilliant, happy and so excited, adults not so well behaved, thus identifying winners at the finish line was not easy.

“Welly throwing provided the expected entertainment as boots flew way off course, disappeared into the brambles, one scarcely missing the unaware photographer.

“Tug of War sessions, especially among the children, needed a bit of balancing, faces showing great determination and efforts to keep upright were very amusing. For the adult match, certain folk of stature were called away from their posts at catering stands to add stalwart heft and effort and the fun began. So much energy expended and many sweating brows!

“Barbecue, bar, ice creams and teas provided lots of welcome sustenance as spectators settled down to watch the main cricket match between teams from north and south of the village stream.

“Among the players, age was of no account. Some very small people batted and bowled with amazing prowess and veterans’ skills suggested plenty of past experience on the pitch.

“Mike Brice scored and Graham Collyer and Mike Davies both umpired, all very relaxed as the age old game played out below the village church.

“This very special day ended with prize giving by Village Hall President and long time South Miltonian, Owen Masters introduced by chairman, Anne Berryman who thanked the Jinks family for providing the field and all who helped and joined in so willingly.

“The cricket cup was this year awarded to team South and the rounders cup to the team with birthdays falling in July to December. Prosecco moments went to Chris Luscombe for a spectacular fall on to his back trying to hit the ball out of the ground and to Rafe for joining in nearly everything; while too young to enjoy the bubbles, his grateful father promised him a sip.

“Most coveted of all is the Penwill Cup, given, along with a sizeable donation several years ago, by James Penwill, once a South Milton resident, now living in Australia but holding treasured memories of life in the village.

“This cup, awarded annually by common consent, to the child judged to be the best and fairest on the day, was deservedly won by four-year-old David Berryman who was irrepressible and evidently enjoyed the event from start to finish as did everyone else.

“The smooth running was attributable to Nick Townsend for superb organising.”

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The result were as follows:

Egg and Spoon - children’s heats: William and Thomas came first, David and Daisy second and Edward and Emily came third.

Egg and Spoon - adult’s heats: Jane and Will came first, Helen and Marion second and Lucy, Bettina and Gill came third.

Sack Races - children: Alfie and Rafe came first, Edward and Sam second and David, and jointly Harriet and Daisy, came third.

Sack Races - adults: Robert came first, Gavin second and Sebastian came third.

Welly Throwing - children: Rafe with 14.8m

Welly Throwing - adults: Will with 19.6m

Potato Races - children: Rafe, Thomas and Edward came first, Beth, Harriet and Emily are second and Sam, Daisy and Freya came third.

Potato Races - adults: Sebastian came first, Mick second and Freddie third.

Tug of War - children: all were winners

Tug of War - adults: North team took the title

Running Races - Under 7: Alfie came first, Max second, William third and Beth fourth

Running Races - Ages 7-11: Thomas came first, Sam second and Emily third.

Running Races - Ages 18-50: Sam T came first, Sebastian and Gavin jointly came second and Robert came third.