Round 2 Lions v Dragons (1-3)

Disruption, disappointment, disturbance and distractions - before the morning of the game had properly arrived several matters had emerged in the previous 24 hours to give pause for wide ranging thought and hope that this was not an indication of what lay ahead.

DKP had a close encounter with Dorothy the civilian, rendering his vehicle useless causing recalibration to the mobile service required to transport cricketers across Melbourne. The much awaited Slayer concert became "Slayer The Instrumental" with lead singer Tom Araya humbled to lead mute due to a serious throat condition blowing out his voice. Victory pumped 0-3 by Sydney FC, the game done by the 20 minute mark. Players concerned about selection pre game.
Garage sale to be set up to sell unwanted things including old cricket pads ($4). A double fatality on the Eastern Freeway that needed an alternative route to the Planet, many arriving late by traversing through Ivanhoe, Heidelberg and the like.

Sando and Kyle (no Jackie O?) in full Lions gear prepared to spend the day in support and for a first hand experience at what life at the 1st XI level is all about. Warm up conducted in bottom pocket as the lunar surface needs delicate handling. Skipper Dick wins toss and no hesitation in batting, groups split for final touches as the Cat Shagger prefers to bat in a net while Smash, Max1 and Panasonic prefer the playing surface. Panasonic copping plenty of advice for how to hit the ball off the square, his first rock apparently arriving much too quick for his liking.

Badgirl had the moves all happening before the start that rapidly escalated to a minor internal frenzy when Skipper Dick punched the first ball for three and then Smash a cover driven boundary. The dancefloor in front of the scoreboard became an empty space at 4/55 due to several self inflicted wounds, the Cat Shagger then joined by Panasonic to apply urgent resuscitation to the innings.

News filtered through of the 2's taking early poles, being joined in the field by 3's and 4's as well. Base of partnership established, drinks done and the Dragons decided that the return of friendly Holt to bowl with men deep on leg would sort out Panasonic - ahhhh nope, nadir, zero, no. Lions started to move away and score moves past 150 with the left and right hander trading blows over the fence.

The closing overs arrived with the pair in no real danger apart from self harm continued to pummel the Dragon all over. The personal milestone of a maiden century achieved in an undefeated partnership of 190 and a total of 4/245. Guard of appreciation as batters returned to the rooms, the maroon head on Panasonic matching the colour of his helmet - "a big purple knob" was how one described the melon.

Myo Kimbo had snaffled another 4 poles to manage the pursuit total at 211, the Kitchen Men downstairs could not take enough poles and had to chase 256 and the DKP squad with big ripping leg spinner Jackson being prominent in chase of 176. Lions seemingly alive everywhere.

The drive to Bill Lawry oval was a more regular journey than the outbound from earlier, settled into chair as Tom Tom cracked a drive to applause. The only early concern here was that Dyno Bells had copped a stiff one first up and was sharing space off the arena as well. A series of errors in judgement tore the middle order heart apart - a low bouncing wicket with sideways movement, generally best to play forward and a straight bat (think that logic started around the time that Blackham played).

Incoming alerts that Furious and Moose had caused a collapse and Charlie Eppes had the pillow over the Dragons face with three consecutive maidens to snuff out any flame. AJ Ninja was gaining support down below and Obi Wan making a fist at the DKP squad. More wickets tumble as Starspangledbanner salutes at Caulfield - we seem gone here but alive elsewhere and Melbourne were making tough work against the Magpies.

Pondering the complete circuit to Bundoora, knowledge received of middle order dramas, rocket ship pointed back towards the Planet. Feels much more like cricket season when sun has stayed out and pleasant warmth gives comfort. Roger in mild state of ecstacy as the left arm rippers are given an extended opportunity to the Dragon tail. The viewing room from upstairs has built a healthy crowd, giving the bar a reasonable working over. No disappointment for Roger as Fearsome obliges by finishing the beast taking 3. Repeat effort - walk off intact, take the ten - it does work, plus the bonus point.

AJ Ninja with Sweet Heat in flowing support have arrived at 4/200 and a whiff of the possible is stirred. Quick wickets always stem run flow, some lusty blows / catching practice by Small Man offer hope but falling short again is the outcome. Post mortem to deal with the emotions, understand the hurt but must start to take the ten, especially as opponents in these rounds finished top 4 last season.

Start the review gathering knowledge, scores entered, Max1 decorations start to appear for the 21st ahead - Lions gather in celebration but some more victories are needed, soon!