The Final Touches - Part 2

Day started early, connect to specialist coach Joyce at Gluttony to plan the next phase with Lions upper level now that we will be in competition mode. The venue has allowed a relationship between proprietor (bald, smiling Shane - cracker fellow) to resume from Musashi a long time ago.

Meet with Kettlebells at the trendy St Ali in South Melbourne sitting in the Richo spot, mind is directed on course and future business growth explored (banner & kit needed!). Message on mobile from a nearby Furious on futsal patrol.

Perfect timing for lunch. Furious exposed to the Don Don experience, a steaming bowl of Japanese curry in his hand just as the words for the order tumbled forth. Composure regained, food being consumed we completed the bouncer plan for contests ahead.

Training at the Planet with purpose to increase the quantity of ball handling with various drills to challenge balance, movement and clean hands. Simple and effective, the need to hit incessant amount of balls now reduced - more of a requirement to have the body conditioned to movement in the open spaces on a lush surface.

Pitch surface on #2 starting to resemble a decent wicket, has come along quickly since Sunday following a few reasonable days of weather.

Jeff Harvey delivers group message about the purpose of the Cricket Management Committee and the committment to our players that this will involve, selection policy outline - time to clean up and move to Golden Lions function.

The Golden Lions are a deeply passionate and committed group that deliver critical support for the well being of the club - we must never lose appreciation for this treasured asset. With the baton being passed from Ralston, Denis and Ron to Mitch, Tim et all - the transtion appears to have been handled with aplomb. Attendance of 100+ and a quality speaker in Damien Fleming gave the audience tremendous value.

As befitting of these events to reflect and commemorate aspects of the club history, for Jeff Harvey and George Murray to sit together, the John Scholes committee and our key sponsors (The Manningham, Bendigo Bank, Rinnai, Topline Sports) all together depicts solidarity.

In the past, the Scholes group present a bat to a Lions and Blues player after the match between the clubs which is always a fierce contest built on a tradition that will last. As this game does not fall until Round 13 it was decided to make the presentation this evening and Panasonic was the young recipient. Not completely unlike Barrel in stature, different hair color and little chance of any manly upper lip growth appearing - his performances will be watched closer by more from this point.

Damien Fleming, there would not be many better cricket speakers doing the circuit at this present time. The Bowlologist is the consumate professional in his preparation, delivery and knowledge - sounds advice for all cricketers. The words presented of his international career, matches against the Yaarpies, Warnie, The Kluesinator, singing the song in celebration, the value placed on premierships, television career - absolute proof that even the ability that starts from swinging a cricket ball at a tender age can be the catalyst for a career of enjoyment.