Fit Aussies snub historic hotel

Fitness-conscious Australian cricketers have snubbed a 12th century hotel that has served the team for 70 years because its rival has a swimming pool.

Since the 1930s, the Australians have stayed at Taunton's Castle Hotel each time they have played against Somerset - until now, said Kevin McCarthy, the hotel general manager.

The hotel, which is built on the site of a Norman fortress and was home to the Bishops of Winchester at one point, counts Don Bradman among the many Aussies that have stayed there.

But the Australian cricket team currently touring England decided instead to stay this weekend at the rival Posthouse hotel which boasts a swimming pool, sauna and gym, unlike the Castle Hotel that does not have a pool.

"Clearly, it's disappointing that they're not staying here," McCarthy said. "There's a great deal of tradition associated with it. Unfortunately, times have moved on."

Part of the tradition was also to serve the Australians whortleberry pie, made from locally grown berries.

It started in 1938 when Somerset all-rounder Harold Gimblett plucked some whortleberries on his way to a match against Australia and gave them to a hotel chef to prepare a pie, which the Australian cricket team enjoyed that night.

Bradman thoroughly approved of the pie and serving it to the Australians became a regular feature.

This year, McCarthy says he is trying to find a way to serve the pie to the Australian team, despite the difficulty finding whortleberries right now and the fact that the team is not staying in his hotel.

He has made a plea to the local community for help in finding the berries and has already received a few responses.

Australian Cricket Board media spokesman Brian Murgatroyd confirmed on Wednesday the team had opted for the Posthouse because it had a new gym and pool but he was unaware of the tradition of staying at the Castle Hotel.

The four-day match with Somerset starts on Friday and is the Australians' last game before the second Test against England beginning at Lord's on July 19.

Mail Cricket Editor