Unable to comprehend the amount of incoming contact since first light today (Thursday), must be plenty of anxious Lions out there. To be fair in some cases have given extra time to clear fitness and health concerns before finalising all teams. Some phone calls placed to players known to be missing out which is never easy but the Agents of Change are about to be awakened. Cricket Victoria issue direct instructions, play on all grounds as scheduled without deviation.
Generally thought, all is calm in the temple, finishing touches on planning detail and the Domestic Selector agrees that all is in place.
Following scheduled medical to ensure own health at optimum Lions level, connect with Evo (mentor of Max1) as he is about to embark for Samoa as Cricket General Manager, got the approval the evening before tsunami hit - ponder that one for a while on the scale of life.
Contact over chili chicken with Jester (now happily residing in North Melbourne but in desperate need of a couch) to complete 2nd XI overview. Agree the overall quality, structure and options are impressive but a foe of genuine difficulty lies in wait to test the theory.
Meetings during afternoon, collide with end of month real work duties causing a slight delay to expected arrival at the Planet. Chairman Tim calls as leaving office to confirm selection issues with fitness concerns all handled - done.
The Planet is awash with Lions, parents, volunteers (brilliant organization MT, CO and GM), staff - wonderful, warming sight indeed.
Fielding drills marked out, agreed that 1st XI have all hitting and bowling work done - just need ground work as a group to garnish.
Younger Lions under the strictest control of Sam G operate in the best manner of private schoolboy chaos with nervous energy emitting from every limb. Appears that some have played their game already - Saturday will tell and then we can start the management realignment where necessary.
Nets done, move into the bunker for reaffirming of Cricket Committee objectives and a visual presentation of Muse at Wembley Stadium. Not the whole two hour concert that some may have feared but the opening intertwined with a personal witness from the past where a young group encountered a moment that would test their composure. And now they are huge, especially for those that know them.
Teams announced, Skipper Dick repeats support in that this is the start and results are what counts from here. Clothing handed out, checked for sizes, team meetings and a walk through for the 2nd XI on the main arena. Dimensions are all the same, short boundary for this match as expected, wicket is flat - but the outfield will require a special determination and effort.
Lock up for last time before we compete, all required kit assembled. Close the door on the shed and spy the rat on the back rail, much easier to see now that he has little camouflage - he looks distressed, but not us. Bring on the Cats.
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