Monday, March 15, 2010
Round 15 Lions v Panthers - Laps With Smokey (Day 2)
The final round of regular games has arrived with the morning being of ridiculous perfection for the Lions to enter the bout against a cat of likeness, the Panthers. Having ensured that meticulous has been the minimum standard, in a moment of rare jocularity with the Moose, lay some claim that if all is done properly then advantage is gained. We win the toss and bat - simple at times. Moose emits a satisfied harumph.
Smokey has not started the ten laps circuit until a bit later this morning, decide to give him some moral support and join in for a couple. Smokey loves a chat, gives probably a better verbal overview of the Lions than some more intimate to the inner sanctum would be able. Shares some private information about the mid week skills that Skipper Dick shows on the rope qouits circuit. Unsure as yet where this fits in the future of Skipper Dick's sporting goals, normally when rope is mentioned in his presence it contains a different connotation. Very persuasive is Smokey when given the lectern to deliver a sermon, love the passion within.
As the innings begins, order is in place early as Smokey continues the rotations outside the fence. Skipper Dick and Cat Shagger fall as a pair, Trishna / Krishna like - nicks caught behind and pads blown off by a rank medium pacer - Cat Shagger may as well bat with a bail instead of a bat. Smokey decides that he must exert calmness over this bothersome predicament at 2/43 and decides he will remain at the ground while Smash is batting. Little does he know that this will be a committment of substance for the hours ahead.
Myo Kimbo again, yet again and yes again produces the obligatory early pole away from home. With position secure for the 2nd XI, momentum is still the desire with some concern as mail through the season has been the Shepley deck a stink bomb. The Pirate delivers another contribution with a double before Flegwart descends upon the arena to cast a spinning spell. The mystical Flegwart had been working hard in the castle tower to devise a magic potion to rid the Lions from the dangerous blade of Ayres. Flegwart had the perfect elixir, leg side full toss scooped into the atmosphere and accepted by the Badge - 6/106 with Flegwart half distance to a bag of five.
Smash and Gas Box reach lunch, position established and the effect of the secret herbs stashed in the food of Skipper Dick have an amazing impact. In the post lunch session, Skipper Dick moves the sight screen - more than once. Was at the closest end though.
Kitchen Man bats, new open pairing of Product and Dim give a good account pushing the score beyond 50. Junior Cat Shagger with a bung toe is removed from the order temporarily, the absence felt by Kebab, A J Ninja and Sando-o-o as they give - stuff all. The Panda is left to run rampant by his lonesome, seeking any sign of a mate or companion, any gender will do for this loveable creature. Fireman steps up and fixes his nozzle firmly at the marauding young Panthers and blasts them back onto their haunches.
Smash still bats, Smokey is still watching.
Spin twins, the mirror image of exact opposites in Flash Jack and Desperate are released by DKP as a pair of boa constrictors that strangle the resolve of a Panther middle order coming off a triple hundred chase smorgasbord, bowled out for 168.
Smash still bats, Smokey has afternoon tea and the Panda nears the ton as Fireman develops a sense of giddiness from moving into the sixties, 66 in 88 minutes has a nice symetry to it, time for a shift change and a stumping ensues.
Smash goes well past the ton and loossens the shackles, shots flowing in all directions around the Planet, including a missile that disappeared amongst the low flying satellites before settling into the JB Hi Fi register at Westfield. Smokey is still wating. Panda tons up, embraced with genuine affection by Son of Chairman, lovely emotional fellow when he steps away from the Xavier clinches.
Light is dimming as darkness starts to close, Smash exits the surface with 174 unbeaten, complete magnificence. Smokey can go home now and Skipper Dick can head off for a recovery session after moving the sight screen on multiple occasions, an impressive new stat for the career resume. Panthers are wounded, to what extent we shall see.
Saturday, March 13, 2010
Momentum Building - In Patches
The invite goes out to most recent premiership captain to join the fold and give us a burst of optimism. Skipper Dick undergoes a grilling and confession of all things so we have a complete understanding - nothing left to chance is the agreed theme. Robust discussion covers all that is deemed relevant, game plan agreed upon.
Group assembled, introduced to most recent premiership captain, always a pleasure to have visitors involved during the preparation phase to see the inner workings. An alternative vision point gives feedback that is needed, very hard to see all. The change in message deliverer gives cause to a few that were sore (?) suddenly finding the inner beast to be involved.
Standard reaches competitive point as the seriousness of the situation becomes aware to all. For the second consecutive season we enther this last round with three sides very much alive, two already secured. A full list is expected to be available that means a few hard and probably unjustified decisions on selection will eventuate. The smallest deviations from effort start to stand out as a reason for change.
Nets completed, breathing through exertion a pleasant sound, Lions break into three prides for ball handling. Surface is close to perfect allowing the highly skilled predators to shine in the spotlight. Cubs are starting to understand the point of difference that fielding can provide when evaluating the ability to progress and possible role. The conveyor belt of lower grade cricketers will always churn out options to replace those that seem unable of wanting to break through to the land of 100 overs, colored clothing and the white ball.
The next destiny point is to be unveiled, very soon.
Friday, March 12, 2010
Round 14 Lions v Saints - Salvaging (Day 2) - 3 & 1
Day starts as planned with Furious displaying a preference for early imbibement, taking out the stumps of Beer in the first over. Alas for some time, that was it as Rummans made the skill of batting look incredibly simple.
Across the road at least a start was going to be possible on the Ross Gregory surface masquerading as a cricket facility, what a bucket of pus this was. Anyway early dramas abound as Sando-o-o in another version of "Where's My Head At" (Track 20, this site is awesome) - involved in a minor vehicular collision. An incident that became all the more bewildering as I was being personally informed by the Kitchen Man of an impending delay, Sando-o-o is walking into the rooms in front of me.
Energetic warm up ensues, have to distract the young Lions from the crazy inner thoughts that can emerge in such poor surroundings. All done and bowling first, Fireman with a full hose to release, packing up the kit when approached by some poor unfortunate Saint person, their captain, where an exchange with a minor violent tone ensued.
Him - "Can we steal some cones, mate"
Me - "What do you need"
Him - "Is it ok if we steal a few cones, need to cover some wet spots in the outer"
Me, after locking in the eyes and a deep breath - "For a start you have not said please, second it is your home ground, third this poor excuse for a cricket venue is disgraceful and you can go for a walk to your first eleven across the road and get some gear. Should I get a roller, some stumps and a ball for you as well?"
Him - "No need for that, just after some help"
Me - "Exactly, and while looking for help extend the search for manners"
Conversation ends. Dice for attitude imbalance has been rolled.
Still no sign of life with poles for Lions coming from the Junction, Resident Emo tests the patience of Skipper Dick with some mobile phone activity at the break. Does not go down well in the sombre dwelling, expected eruption takes place, easy target that one - whack.
Arrive back at the Planet, they batted on but were hastily evicted by the ever efficient Myo Kimbo and this time supported by Flegwart who despatches the son of the man who actually discovered Warne - 303 is the chase, and Warne has a cousin, Warne, also playing. The psychotic midget fest in Mad Dog Ginger and Little Guus is let loose upon the Saints, blunting the new ball to greet the fourth leather flinger until Little Guus makes an error. Fearsome, finally settled after a longer incoming landing at the Planet due to another road mishap, locks in with Mad Dog Ginger who is progressing in a commanding fashion.
As tea nears, the pair are reaching the century union. DKP squad gather for afternoon feeding, Vardichin dismayed at some of the fielding down below but the competitive spirit tells we are still in this and he has some more left if needed. Mad Dog misjudges and becomes the second Lion this season, joining Gas Box as a victim of the Warne straight break.
None of this bothers Fearsome as he slathers the ball in all degrees of the point direction, minor support from Jester and Panda, both succumbing to rank short rocks. Maiden ton is reached by Traralgon's new favourite and just as boots should be filled with rivers of chocolate, bunts one to mid on. Sweet Heat and Amex, on the batting medication today, wipe of the 50 plus needed in a controlled manner with impressive composure. Points to the Lions, a chase of significance but there was some help from Casper the wides ghost.
More points as the DKP squad with Tomahawk finding enough time to return from the water skiing schedule and rip out three poles and the top team is gasping for some oxygen flow to the brain and explain the demise. Scalped by the Tomahawk, never a pleasant experience - imagine if he ever gets seriously fit. Just quietly in the background, yet again the Lion of influence in Desperate has an impact again. Knocks over the top scorer, direct hit run out to cause the middle collapse and the winning catch. Good things happen to all Lions when Desperate is in the action.
Kitchen Man and the crew are given the task of 168 from 30 overs, generous task. Vault Pole is left in the case, AJ Ninja and Kebab get things humming with Kebab falling at 91 short of a deserved century in the situation. Some moments of tightness as Junior Cat Shagger cannot find a friend to share his bowl. With everything complete at home, the Eastern inbound journey with the Nokia receiving a live commentary broadcast from the Commandant as the requirement was in the low teens. Only complication was young Sarge being at the crease and I could feel the tension from the Commandant dripping through the speakers.
Thankfully Sarge held his nerve and was able to recall recent glories in handling the tight situation, whack and then whack over the fence from the flowing Kookaburra with a roaring Sando-o-o in the background as the Nokia came close to self destructing. Game over, more points for Lions - not a bad day for the club in the end, back to back 3-1 results in our favour v Blues and Saints.
Monday, March 8, 2010
Loading Up - Has Anybody Noticed
Could it be that the Abax appearance on Tuesday evenings has resulted in an increase of attendance and urgent need for treatment by some, we are suspicious in ways and at all times observant of those ducking off. Pandas may be endangered but surely the Lions Panda has not reached such a perilous state as of yet.
As a by product, those with responsibility for planning the Tuesday schedule have deliberately been loading up on the stressful workl. The theory being that having come from a softer mid season break, hardening up now will have us in good stead for when the need for back to back days play action under the pressure of finals is demanded. More running and effort drills have been factored in to the session, with a lingering finishing activity in smaller groups.
Such a difference in now having a group with more depth and physically stronger to handle the increase, last year it was more like the Epworth infirmary. Even Jag looked a possible healthy option back then.
To support the logic, recent form line has been solid down the lines with key measurables in runs per wicket and partnership improving along the required part of the scale to indicate that when the big show arrives, we can progress on normal behaviour. Stronger performances do seem to be credible, while the need to manage the physical assets that are now starting to realise the endurance needed (The Badge, Kebab, Panda and Little Guus) all in place.
Only worry, more emotional, is The Badge starting to sneak off early under the reasoning of emplyment that takes him through the night. Has he become a Vampire of sorts? Has he learnt to read and taken special notice of the excitement around Twilight? Can he handle the ongoing jibes from Panasonic as he departs and "leaves his mates" behind.
All this will surely be revealed on FriendFace soon. At least it should be better than some of the Max1 inane outbursts and Mad Dog Ginger dance shots - Whip!
Round 14 Lions v Saints - Complexities of Product (Day 1)
Curator at the Junction seems to have a misguided view of conditions as we stand in the middle, wicket uncovered, stumps inserted (it is 9.40am) and the drizzle is starting to become rain. Eventually logic kicks in and the covers are applied.
Warm up is confined to indoors, the rooms spacious enough but when Lions use floor space in a prone position, even with Moose locked to the bench face down, things do get crowded. Check with umpires and delay until post lunch is obvious, check the radar with nothing of serious disruption apparent, but also no wind to lift. Back in the chariot and traverse along Punt Road to the Planet, incoming call from Kitchen Man to advise the 3rd XI play is abandoned for the day. Maybe not a bad outcome here as it gives Fireman another week to repair the rig.
Jester has inserted a weakened foe and true to form in the gloom, we are being whacked all over, the ball soggy and damp. The darkened leather becoming useless until the magician arrives to help - ShamWow. The domestic cleaning cloth, hygienic heaven to housebound goddess types in outer Berwick Springs now has a new application. Cricket ball love and kindness. No sooner had the ShamWow been brought into action, The Pirate found the missile moving in all directions prompting The Badge to ride his horse back into town.
DKP squad batting first against the top side, usual trouble with a muddled start but in conditions at the top end of the complexity scale, Product decides that it is well and truly time to put away the sook face and give us a maestro like performance. Wielding the willow like an Uzi, he pummels the attack to all sections of the lower planet with Vardichin continuing his competitive return giving support. Product becomes the latest addition to the Lions centurion list, causing bewilderment amongst the judgement executive as to where has this been. Donuts in the car park with teary eyes do not appear in the preparation manual.
Flegwart and Fearsome do their best with opposite spin techniques to suffocate the scoring. This rotating pressure allows Pirate and Myo Kimbo to reduce the likelihood of a large target, Pirate now progressing beyond thirty poles for the season again. Chariot launched again for the Junction return with the Lions inserted and an attitude of strangeness permeates the situation. None of the Lions can make an innings of substance, all getting to a promising stage with balls faced, time consumed and runs mounting but all fall victim to the temptress of balls with width.
The experienced Saints attack, almost military like in cohesion, continue to exploit helpful bounce at the inviting length to induce nicks. We oblige, they catch, we are out and a chase of languidness is the offering. Hardly befitting of two teams at the upper end. Loke Patton, we shall return.
Parko Gives Inspiration - Simple & Direct
Where are you going?
What can we do to help?
Words of simplicity that are directed specifically to the attitude and intention of the athlete. David Parkin may have not been actively involved as one of the leading coaches since 2000, but the four-time premiership coach delivers the message to the gathered corporate executives as though we were about to run out onto the sporting field of battle.
Knowledge is an eternal journey of unknown routes for discovery, to be able to share an intimate experience with Parkin a pleasure in many ways. Not just because of the obvious sporting connections and references but also to reflect on experiences in academia land and normal life that stimulate the mind.
Relevance to Lions from this is to ensure as we enter the final phase to hopefully progress, we have the confidence and health in place amongst the group to plan proactively, make sure that nothing is left to chance.
What can we do to help? - this will be placed large on the board as of now.
Round 13 Lions v Blues - Scholes Returns (Day 2 - 3 & 1)
Well it takes about ninety seconds for the obvious Zoolanders in Gas Box, Monster and Furious to be down to their boxers - how the hell can we keep it serious from here. Try our best, energy remains high but conditions get more extreme to cause abandonment.
Warm up by combatants, interjected with claims from other side about pitch tampering and not making an effort for fair conditions. Spark ignited early today, Smash returns from duty and Dyno Bells moves down to give the extra bowler. Torch damages a wing, rendering himself as a no option for the day. Blues overnight manage to get through the opening before Moose finally uncoils the massive frame to whack out the last three to join the upper order kiddies and points are ours by midday.
Resident Emo and Myo Kimbo cut a swathe through the much vaunted top order, the Blues taking the gas on their home patch at 6/67. Dyno Bells and The Badge saunter in for the mopping up with support behind the sticks from Amex.
Skipper Dick pulls out the T20 version, pasting the attack in all directions including a cut shot over point into the neighbours yard. From what seems surreal it all goes weird with Lions being slaughtered mercilessly as balls hit in the air are caught all over. Little Guus joins Panasonic, a frustrating midget fest for the Blues attack as the clock ticks on and the partnership pushing beyond the sixty minutes range. Little Guus remains unbeaten and defiant in the sheet anchor role, the lowly 110 giving the Blues 169 in 32 for a reverse victory.
Pirate and the Monster were successfully combining again to give the Lions the ascendant position with the pair returning in the middle to snuff out the work to be completed, a flurry of run outs ending the chase well short at 187. A hostile pairing again, flung together by necessity to a degree but ensuring that the pain from an absent No Name and Little Man has been absorbed.
As the chase in the main event began to arrive at a possible crescendo, the Skipper Dick and Max1 showcase stepped up a level with Fireman arriving as a sub holding a pair on the fence to start the rot. Delicate and dazzling footwork by Smash in a leg slip position, inspired by a past Sandri experience, contributed to another pole as they fell all over. Tom Tom able to navigate sky balls with only the aid of his own eyes, the pair of catches eerily preempted before the match in an isolated drill. Tension builds as the last pair hold on and hold on some more to escape the embarrassment of an outright total, but at least the Lions have secured six valuable points with three victories for the day.