Cats In The Jungle With Affection, The Birth Of Tom Sonic

The heat intensifies as the headlines from the rubbish paper scream (in virtual withdrawal now that they don't have steady diet of Fevola headlines) all sorts of fear due to the mercury being in the 30+ range for more than a few days straight. Hold me back from belting out the door to the nearest Clive Peeters to take advantage of 700+ interest free days for some sweat shop produced, plastic cooling utensil that gobbles up power at a ridiculously inefficient rate for a moment of cool self indulgence.

This does not deter the Monday Tan Warriors with Dyno Bells pumping out a low 17 minute circuit, the Domestic Selector comes in at the 22 minute mark - but hey, she is having a decent crack despite the easy option of sitting out. Application in place, a quality required by all Lions as the Tiger is rebounding from a Hawk embarassment.

Tuesday is settled as the time for the senior group to gather at the Manningham Lions Den for the establishment of rules and expectations, to put the correction process in place after the cricket management committee meeting. Legends Harvey and Watts are introduced personally and Skipper Dick is admirable in his passion and eloquence. A willingness to take responsibility for the correct course through the momentary storm. Head directly to the Planet where DKP has the remainder of the group under guidance with skill errors of bat or bal penalised with correctional running. Panasonic, Gasbox and the Exotic Mauritian join for extra activity.

Prior to the session, confirmation was received from Tiger coach J-Lo granting permission for the Lions to train on turf at Punt Road for the Wednesday. Ironic in the timing of the combatant clubs but a welcome gesture to allow us a reminder of what a proper net session entails.

So Wednesday we pack up the caravan in search of turf and the lush grass expanses of Punt Road seem a heavenly oasis. Legs are given a reminder of what a heavy ground feels like and balls belted with fierceness by Tom Tom and Max1 struggle to make the middle of the ground. Lots of balls struck, good heart and spirit with the gut busting gauntlet introduced as the finishing move - a fielding delight that exposed any lack of intensity, file for future repeat. Jester arrives late (was known before and allowed for), padded up and balls thrown from a weary shoulder. Over a hundred balls of various types with runs in between should be an investment for a performance.

Thursday and back to the Planet, a few sets of the Lions 300 at a managed pace to get the adrenalin flowing. Time to return to the main arena with the far end now a proper coating of green. A short burst of heat has started to wither the lower level, it seems as though the sparseness may set in earlier this season. Split the main group in half with Skipper Dick handling the catching variations, the author the pairs ground fielding with returns to directions from the Mauritian (followed by Amex).

Requirement on the pairs to achieve a series of six phases without blemish that needed a few false starts to get going. One false start being a case of mistaken identity with Panasonic referred to as Tom Tom in a call. Sorting through this visual dilemna, at closer inspection it may appear that due to a recent reduction in cardio activity, Panasonic has gained wider proportions. Tom Sonic, the first lion cub of sameness and in breeding is now born.

Groups changeover, Vardichin struck on the toe and despatched for x-rays with little hope due to excessive hobbling. Max1 arrives with good news that he is included in the Bushrangers 12 again. Clock passes half of six and this creates changes unexpected, but with the ability to handle. Recalibration of team balance sorted, session done and connect with those impacted.

Most weeks the task of giving reasons for change far outweigh the good news giving, over time this does take a toll on the emotions. Under the aged branches of the tree which guards the hard wickets, I join Skipper Dick to give The Badge the news that he is to make his debut in the 1st XI this weekend. The news received with some astonishment and a wide eyed look of disbelief. Assurances given it is real, kit packed up and move to the big end of town for finalising of details. Traffic Light Party now has a new venue off site (Manningham) due to carpet restoration which is great if we were an indoor carpet bowling club but from last check we are still an elite (!) cricket club (polite dig to those in control of such matters).

Game sense delivered, Captains Under Pressure the theme, purpose to calm the inner captain within and allow those in control the proper support to act on tactics, strategy and direction.

Head home with Vardichin still waiting at Box Hill for diagnosis, the news is looking bleaker than initially thought. At least it won't damage the cosmetic gains and require a change in his BookFace status, he has been on the Cricket Australia home page for over a week now.

Bring on the Tiger, I think we are ready to return venom.