Round 9 Lions v Magpies - The Runs Monster

The cultured elite is the new combatant, a return to perfect away conditions and a club with strong connections to the private education sector that have built a tremendous home facility at Camberwell. A far cry from the old Magpie days in Collingwood at Victoria Park - a time of Rose, Ryder, Bird, Laughlin and Vimpani.

A recent trip to Perth presented ample down time to revive a copy of "Rose Boys" written by Peter Rose about the Rose family featuring his father, the legendary Bob, the tragic life of his brother Robert and the limitless love from his mother. This book, from my own personal view, would have to be at the upper end of substance and quality for a family memoir of tribute. If Bob Rose (who Nathan Buckley possesses an uncanny resemblance) was of the modern era, his ability and persona would give sport and sacrifice greater meaning. Alas Robert, cut down in his prime on Valentines Day in 1974, we shall never know what could have been.

Skipper Dick has been in a genuine patch of quality form for some time now, his last twenty innings for the club have consisted of four centuries, five scores of fifty and beyond plus another four scores in the forties. An overall total of just under 1100 runs and interspersed with this was a period during last season where due to a serious back injury he was unable to play consecutive games. The Magpies are one opponent where his record is not in the exceptional bracket so seems like a good reason to correct that part of the record.

The focus of recent weeks has been to correct the importance of batting the duration, not giving anything away, feel the 100 runs and collectively the Lions 300 drills. Skipper Dick emphatically made his mark with an imperious double century, 209 not out from 262 balls in 292 minutes. A performance of brilliance that will live in the minds of those present on both sides for seasons to come. The overall total of 3/449 declared (at 4.40pm as well) with contributions from Smash and Gas Box with Tom Tom just missing the gravy train was just shy of the all time club record.

The Runs Monster on this day though had an extra head, a little bit Hydra like, the extra head was that of Max1. Prior to the match was adjusted to number five in the order, but returned to number four after lunch to enter with the score at 2/217, a victim of lateness - drinks for all the penalty next week.

During the lunch break with the Cricket Show on in the background while scoffing a few roles, Max1 had one of those spontaneous moments where the mouth engages before proper thought is complete. The Cricket Show quiz was happening between S Clark and Haddin.

"Four cubed is equal to?" asked Simon O'Donnell

"Sixteen" blurted from Max1 oral zone, the eyes of blankness giving away the fact that little thought existed, just a response.

The Exotic Mauritian rolled his eyes, not unexpectedly, while Panasonic was still going through the available digits and checking that he heard the word "cubed" correctly, not in the meaning of a geometrical shape. Max1 realised the slight error and as is his style, moved on. The irony in this moment is that his century achieved before tea contained 16 boundaries, maybe a karmic connection, maybe not.

The century from about sixty balls was not anything unusual, nor was the base set from the first twenty balls being less than ten at that time with a mixture of solid defence and proper leaves. The sheer ferocity when unleashed that pushed the team score to 354 meant that the partnership achieved was 137 in 56 minutes and allowed Skipper Dick the time to completely regain control and pursue the double. Torch claimed the token pole before the end of play, leaving nine for next week.

Lions batting with purpose and conviction at the Planet, Little Guus continuing his form streak and Flegwart making another 50+ but with plenty left in the tank and a declaration just past 300. A visit via the Central outpost for the 3rd XI gave chance to connect with the travelling Kebab family, wonderful people who are justly proud of the path their son has taken this season. They were genuinely appreciative of his improving condition, something that initially worries parents from the country when the children move away. Unfortunately Lions were bowling here so not much of his improved skill was on show today but overall the Lions group are on track for 1200+ runs for the round - surely this is enough.