History Reclaimed, Cats & Rats

Not a lot of hope was held for the conditions that would greet the Lions for this Sunday, the last before the season where usually the day would be packed full of cricket activities to fine tune. Reflecting on last season where we had turf wicket match simulation and two matches against Box Hill at Elgar Park occurring - no such luck today at all.

An earlier committment for operations had been given to Chairman Tim in helping to clear out the shed. Also to the Black Curator that the covers would come off to allow some air flow to the wicket - in the end both tasks completed to varying degrees of value.

Covers nearly removed successfully before players arrived with one last tug to complete pull over - footing lost, slippage, backwards crash into wet puddle and turf. Lions woollen vest and tracksuit now have another need to be washed again due to clumsy carelessness not physical effort. The Domestic Selector will no doubt be cranky on this additional burden upon the Simpson whitegoods without a shot yet fired in anger.

The random scheduled start had nearly twenty in attendance by half of the nine, off to the shed we head with double doors flung open wide to allow Fireman and Tom Tom assist Chairman in directing activity. Everything out, obvious junk into the wheelies and historical artefacts carried to the Lions change rooms. Amongst the early objects removed were the most recent past glories in the 1st XI Premiership Shield from 01/02 and a club photograph from the Championship season of 61/62, soon to be restored in a position of prominent acknowledgement.

With only a few boxes of non-cricket items remaining on the shelves, Kyle started to move one that appeared to contain assorted crockery when upon the disturbance a plump, furry rodent exploded towards this correspondent landing upon the left shoe. With a reflex, deft movement from the left foot of a sort that Adam Schneider was incapable of executing the day previous, the filthy rat was sent hurtling towards the wall where it scurried away to a new abode.

Family Considine combined to finish sweeping the shed floor of unwanted debris, Skipper Dick given charge to embark upon a warm up run for the group. Fireman with the able support of Mad Dog Ginger set up a conditioning circuit of activities around the rooms under the gaze of the newly exhumed historical photos. Current players in Moose, Tom Tom and Little Guus had past player sponsor images hung from the rail (Note for any new sponsor of interest - Ben Waterman - bwaterman@cricketvictoria.com.au is the Lion to connect with for all valid details) proof that styles of image change quickly within these photos of record.

Group return with Myo Kimbo at the tail, penalty push ups applied. Pairs then sorted for the beginning of Motschall's Masochism with balls, iron and flesh combining in a symphony of exertion under the expert eye of the Fireman. As conditions outdoors deviated between hopeless and just, some players were directed towards hard wicket nets to use conditions as best as possible.

Exertions end with a few repeat efforts at the tail, knowledge implanted of the health services available within the group done. We move onto the main arena confined to boundary limits for handling drills using the daylight available to catch plenty. Tennis racquets hitting soft balls from the bounce, stump nicks - repeat, repeat and repeat, workload level here to be a constant level of increase over October to perfect handling.

Time for the younger end to become exposed to the Max1 / Princess special fielding drill - Man Love Fly Balls. Contact allowed but no holding while the catcher establishes position to catch the ball as it plummets from orbit. Allow a little bit of contact amongst the boys and watch the energy level accelerate, amazing (think to self, how can this be incorporated into batting and bowling drills?). Noise as well, comical giggles from TMc who just needs to get rid of the rapper pants down look very, very, very quickly.

Rain starting to become heavier, race down to bottom ground to cover exposed wicket and bowling machine packed away. Return for more fly balls and stump nicks, send group to nets for own choice of hitting upon which Sando delivers impressive leadership by arranging a net at Topline where several head off to for indoor activities. Little Guus and Charlie Eppes embrace the Man Love Fly Balls drill, LG becoming seriously gymnastic to flex backwards and make one particular impressive catch. Mad Dog Ginger joins in for some reflex off the racquet work and we decide that is a day, go home to get warm and view the post GF celebrations of the Cats.

Lock up a soggy Planet, deposit assorted balls in color and type containers in the rat free shed - cricket season we are now officially on the cusp.