After much of the competition had been blighted by grey skies and called off games, it was great that Windmill Whack Finals Day was able to take place on possibly the nicest day of the “summer” so far. All three games were keenly contested and the day ended with the first “double” in Whack history being claimed by the Apple Financial franchises.

The lunchtime Women’s Final was a repeat of the 2020 finale as the Apple Financial Phoenix (formerly the Sharks) took on the Burley Bandits. The Bandits batted first in the terriers format contest and made a net score of 296 from their 20 overs. In reply the Bandits made the Phoenix work hard for their runs but Phoenix eventually prevailed, finishing on a net score of 317 to take the honours by 21 runs and repeat their success of last season.

The men’s play-off game in the morning had seen the Apple Financial Firebirds take on the Govani Maestros in a contest which was played 12 months ago as the Grand Final. Missing all-rounder and star attraction Josh Lamont, the Birds may have been expected to struggle a little, but their other big names stepped up with the bat as Harry Jenkins and Tom Daniels both made unbeaten half centuries. Shrey Shah took 3-9 for the Maestros but the Birds total of 197-9 was a daunting one. The Maestros lost early wickets in reply but John French, having made a remarkable recovery from recent injury, made 50 from 41 balls to keep his side in the hunt. Will Bottoms also plundered some late blows, but it was not enough as the Maestros closed on 188-9 to lose by nine runs.

This all meant the evening Grand Final was a showdown between the Firebirds and the Chairman’s Choice (appearing in a record fourth Finals Day and third Grand Final). The Birds were dealt an early blow when Nehal Butt dismissed Jenkins in the first over but Daniels continued his excellent day with another fifty, and Alex Ward also made a half century as the Birds innings rapidly gained momentum. Rohan Mayor, fast becoming a WW legend, then made 52 from 27 balls to help the Birds to a commanding total of 205-3. Choice skipper Pete Thompson was run out without scoring as his side started their chase but Nehal Butt made 50 from 28 balls and Scott Simmons played fluently for 33. Gus Siggins took up the mantle as the Choice stayed in the hunt but Alex Ward claimed the prized scalp of Terry Wyatt to put the Birds in control. Siggins fought to the end to make an unbeaten 46 but the Choice finished on 182-4 to lose by 23 runs.

Despite the difficulties this summer with restrictions and then the weather, the men’s and women’s events have once again proved a huge success. More than 100 players took part in the men’s competition and more than 110 ladies took part in the women’s event. As in 2020, the games have once again been great fun and provided a real sense of community during these strange times.

The competition would not be possible without all those who work behind the scenes to make it happen, so we must thank all of the captains vice captains, everyone who scored and umpired (and of course in these modern times the commentators) and all those who worked behind the bar and assisted in other ways on the busy Sunday afternoons (well done Den and Ange)!!

And of course, the event would not be possible and would never have got off the ground without the support of our magnificent sponsors. Their financial support is appreciated by all at the club and even more so over the last 18 months. We urge all of our members and supporters to support these businesses wherever possible:

Men’s Event Sponsors:

Hunter & Co. Chartered Certified Accountants – Also the Club’s Main Sponsor
Kushoom Bugh Tandoori Restaurant
Apple Financial Solutions
Govani’s Family Chemists
Reality Group

Women’s Event Sponsors:

Ace Creams and Tapas
Tolan Construction Services
Apple Financial Solutions
Reality Group
Burley Transport Ltd