MATCH REPORT ISFIELD V ALFRISTON 5 SEPT 2009

Alfriston 138 all out (H Williams 4-20, Hawksworth 2-48, Halsey 2-10). Isfield 140-3, (Chasseaud 64, Thornicroft 27, Watts 19*)

Isfield won by 7 wickets and take Div 7 championship.

CHAMPIONS!

It was another hot day in the south of France, the cote d'azur to be exact. The hotel wasn't the most salubrious sitting as it was next to the main coast road between Cannes and St Tropez but it did have the advantage of being just 50 yards from the beach, (or as they say in France, 50 metres a la plage).

For breakfast you had to cross the road and turn left or right for a selection of beach restaurants. Having cafe au lait with croissants to thesound of gentle surf on the white sand of Cavalaire made a more than pleasant start to the day. The more adventurous had a qick dip in the warm sea before checking the bicyles for punctures and donning the lycra.

With preparations complete the ten cycle-tourists set off along the specially built path that ran along the promenade, beautifully designed with wave patterned granite and quartz that sparkled in the rapidly warming air. The sky was deep blue as usual as the temperature headed towards a high of 27C. Just outside the town the route led off the road along a dismantled railway. Almost immediately we found ourselves passing through a tunnel, delightfully cool after the sun on our backs. Out of the tunnel the views became even more breathtaking as we followed the coast passing above secluded coves with the sea taking on shades of turquoise, contrasting with the vivid green of the pines.

Lunchtime saw the group pausing at a rustic sailing club which sat on a Caribbean-like bay, for top-ups of beer and paninis. The beauty of the place drew gasps of admiration at the near perfect setting. It was difficult to drag oneself away to continue the journey but finally bikes were mounted for the final section to Bormes-les-Mimosas.

The sting in the tail for the day was a two mile climb to one of the most celebrated of villages-perches in France. It was an effort but well worth it as our hotel, Le Grand, came into view at the very top of the hill. Grand in name, grand in aspect but cheap in price, it was worth every drop of sweat to reach. The balconies had panoramic views towards the Mediterranean across fields of vines. A bottle of wine was purchased and was consumed sitting out as the sun settled behind the Chestnut tree clad hills of the Maures.

It was as this deep reverie threatened to banish thoughts of home completely that it was rembered that far away in another land (another world) a group of men and boys were battling for the East Sussex division 7 championship. A quick text message and reply and all was well. Hurrah!! a triumph!! The smile of well-being grew even bigger, all was fine.

JH