Honest questions uncovered a common theme for a desire to complete a task collectively, gain a sense of proper effort amongst the pride of Lions. Suggestion acknowledged and instructions distributed to bring non Lions kit for Tuesday session and plan to be required until 8.30pm. A good way to flush out any that may not see the appeal in a hard session being broadcast through deciding that something else is of importance, absence observed.
Training commenced as normal, turf centre available down low for the senior group to let rip with new balls, nets working as normal and Coach Ash with the batting tutorials. Several polite enquiries as to what was going to happen - stony silence (with a smile) the response. Group assembled, reminded that 0-4 completely unacceptable and even moreso as we lost both games at home and created defeat in games where we entered the last half hour in control. The exact type of game situation that a brave Lion would want to experience, a situation that a conquering outcome delivers a sporting euphoria that no synthetic substance can mimic. That chance has wastefully gone, now is the time to begin the complete cleansing - gather your non descript clothing with bat and come together in central Planet control on the blessed turf which is ours. Here we press the start button to recognise the pride that swells in the chest from the epicentre of our home domain of battle.
Strip out of Lions uniform, adorn ourselves with non descript garments, if failed to bring (poor preparation observed) then turn inside out the Lions badge so none is exposed. Understand that we are to make an offering of effort to take the next step in recovery and while doing so reflect upon those that make the effort of support each week, those that are nourished by the deeds of Lions. It is their oxygen, food and water and should not be deprived through insipidness.
Groups of three established amongst most recent batting order and we embark on the first phase of 25 runs of various stanzas. A late arrival by Cat Shagger causes confusion of group placement, no bat, kit in car, retrun to gather, back to group, go with Panasonic, three becomes a four, slows the group down overall - aarrrgggghh. Ok - run a ten, Mad Dog and Panasonic join to support, collective catch up complete.
Right, 25 down need to sort this out so we stay on message. Cat Shagger and Mad Dog Ginger instructed to act like Krishna and Trishna before surgery, must run together. Spontaneous touching of the tilted heads draws an appreciative sigh from all and an ironic recognition that the pairing depicts the future contest between Lion and Bulldog (Cat and Dog - how sweet) and that these two will be opening partners.
Next 25 completed, curt acknowledgement to the crowd of the 50 milestone but not getting to far ahead of ourselves. Skipper Dick already picked up on the overall task with a nod of appreciation. Little Guus and Max1 counting each run with laser accuracy as they understand how precious every run means.
Move into the 70's with a mixture of simulations in overthrows and fumbles, things that do occur when one spends serious time in the middle. Justin Langer NZ carpark story told in abbreviated form and Sando continually reminded of the direction to face when turning.
Unlike Duran Duran, the Lions blast through the 80's and a cheeky single gets us to 97, one proper blow away from satisfaction, all faces directed towards the adoring crowd to allow a full frontal celebration feeding of the will that pulsates behind the glass every time we play. Stroke of choice to make the three needed and any method of expressiveness in the century milestone is allowed.
Amex takes this to an indulgent level by ripping his skins around his knees in some attempt at a nude up while extending his bat skywards when jumping for joy. Sort of like the Liberty figurine that watches over New York but with a gap of exposed flesh in the middle. And as is the case with Amex, pigeon toes extended, but gracefulness is evident that belies an improved sense of balance which has been observed in recent keeping performances, fully noted - pressure coming on the Exotic Mauritian.
As the exultant joy is restored to normal, all are reminded of recent Lions conquests with the willow by Skipper Dick, Gas Box, Junior Cat Shagger, Mad Dog Ginger and Max1 in that when the ton grows beyond the advantage swings massively in our favour.
Hungry Lions accept the extra meat and off we go for ten more to establish the next phase of dominance. Back now to central Planet control, proud of an achievement under the glint emanatng from a watchful Jag by the sight screen. Remove non descript and adorn ourselves with the warranted Lions armour for the battle ahead, we are now ready as an offering of substance is validated.
Footnote: Interesting that in the immediate aftermath, Little Guus and Kebab deliver with tons, Panasonic and Product get 95 not out - evidence that old school for young Lions still has reason for application.
Race off to Como Park, South Yarra for the launch of The Ashes, Gideon Haigh's latest fund raiser for the Yarras masquerading as a literary event, heavily pregnant Charlotte managing the finances while the Tragic signs endless copies. The walk down the hill revives so many memories of this once wonderful cricket arena that has since the glory days of the 90's deteriorated due to council inactivity. Still so much personal significance, the birth place of ResultsVault on the balcony being prominent. Even though I am late, still get a chance to glimpse Eddie Perfect and connect with the Molloy family, expected limp handshake from Mick sapped of strength as the Richo departure is still an emotional burden to be lifted.
Books purchased and signed, a few moments to scan honour boards and photos of past glories - a reminder of the alluring attraction of this great game.
No comments:
Post a Comment