The drive to Frankston, an expanse of black top that comes at a cost (another broken government promise - thanks Mr Bracks) in currency but allows a reasonable time period for sonic pleasure. Mastodon the noise of choice today, the electric rumble being symptomatic of the day to unfold. Unable to fathom the connection of road side art in the form of a miniature hotel to a toll road - more like a cheeky slight towards the greater public.
Frankston by the bay, a picturesque panorama and a wicket table that can appear inviting but has been known when unveiled to conduct in the manner of a wicked seductress. Humid evaporates as the sun comes out with the temperature starting to approach a light sear. Win toss and bat, Tom Tom and Skipper Dick depart with uncertainty earlyish by the clock but Gas Box and Smash settle in with conviction. All appeared on course as a base was established at 2/50, run rate at a lesser rate than preferred but to be at the break in this position more than acceptable.
Warm up completed with 3rd XI, Kitchen Man losing another toss and being given the task of bowling first in conditions that would take some application from a younger attack this week going through a restructure. Kebab displayed some unique bowling preparation through the application of diagonal logic, thankfully the Speed Demons were focused, impact here was imminent.
2nd XI at Schramms were in the field with the recovering (?) Resident Emo out to prove a depth of resilience with some early poles. But as the radiating sun kicked in with serious Heat, it all went wrong on the main ground. Batsman walking out faster than they could get in as one end became a rotating frenzy while Gas Box looked on in mute disbelief, unable to fathom what was so difficult that was not being sent in his direction. Collapse complete and a pithy total to defend. Stoic resistance at Schramms was also unfolding, the diametric opposite while Cookie Monster and the Pirate cut a swathe into the Heat top order allowing the spin pythons to step in and suffocate before Son of Chairman sent down a series of square rocks of dots.
At least the DKP Squad maintained a semblance of normality, reasonable start to be at 3/112 (again) and then a complete collapse to be done with, well shy of 200 that could have given a challenge. Young Jmai giving good sight with another effort of determination.
The mind is frazzled, the logic evaporated, the warnings non existent, get me out of here - I hope that I am dreaming.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Scramble For Numbers - Two Day Matches Are Back
Injuries have seriously kicked in. The stocks of speed demons have taken a pounding over recent weeks with the trifecta of Little Man, No Name and Fireman as good as gone until 2010/11 and Vardichin slow on the recovery. The Badge and Myo Kimbo showing signs of tiredness that will need some careful nursing as they have proven to be of exceptional value.
Poor Vardichin, the eyes of sadness as he struggles with the frustration of injury. Bravely he fronted up to lead an under strength attack on the weekend, giving his all as is the custom. The competitive fire though is dulled by genuine pain and we may have to exercise caution here.
Plenty of younger Lions involved in the pathway events with several in battle against each other. Desperate having an outstanding carnival as one of the highest ranked spinners while at the bottom age, along with having to survive a week with Sando-oh. Little Guus unable to get the car into top gear, lots of solid starts but the reward of a place in the final to be played at the Big G. Little Guus off to the Big G - enjoy the path and take a moment to reflect with Max1 how special a place it is.
Latest episode of knowledge install is focused on the ability of David Hussey to adjust his feet to allow clean, straight hitting in a classical manner. Game review of the bowling skills of Max1 and Skipper Dick and the glove work of Samurai in recent T20 reveal something directly common with Hussey. Balance, head still and relaxed - basic ingredients for efficient execution of skills repeated.
Danger game for the Lions, the Heat are always a challenge and with all Bushranger players returning a round of intrigue awaits.
Poor Vardichin, the eyes of sadness as he struggles with the frustration of injury. Bravely he fronted up to lead an under strength attack on the weekend, giving his all as is the custom. The competitive fire though is dulled by genuine pain and we may have to exercise caution here.
Plenty of younger Lions involved in the pathway events with several in battle against each other. Desperate having an outstanding carnival as one of the highest ranked spinners while at the bottom age, along with having to survive a week with Sando-oh. Little Guus unable to get the car into top gear, lots of solid starts but the reward of a place in the final to be played at the Big G. Little Guus off to the Big G - enjoy the path and take a moment to reflect with Max1 how special a place it is.
Latest episode of knowledge install is focused on the ability of David Hussey to adjust his feet to allow clean, straight hitting in a classical manner. Game review of the bowling skills of Max1 and Skipper Dick and the glove work of Samurai in recent T20 reveal something directly common with Hussey. Balance, head still and relaxed - basic ingredients for efficient execution of skills repeated.
Danger game for the Lions, the Heat are always a challenge and with all Bushranger players returning a round of intrigue awaits.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Who Would Have Guessed - Wet Again!!
"Heatwave, Code Red, High Alert", the words of terror spat out of the AM radio dial by the lunatic fearmongers who rely on scared bozos and muppets to feed the audio beast. Prefer the way that the heat was described by a laconic business operator from Halls Gap - "we get hot days in summer, this looks like another one". Get on with it, please.
Of recent friends who have fallen, the iconic Rowland S Howard succumbed to illness (liver cancer) with his fragile body unable to reach 2010. Rowland gained acclaim through the song "Shivers" that he wrote as a sixteen year old that was recorded and released by Boys Next Door. As the band morphed into the seminal and crazed The Birthday Party, the wicked guitar noise from Rowland helped this writer through many a dull high school art or textiles class in the formative teenage years. To Rowland, short lived proof that class is eternal and will be duly remembered.
Monday 6pm, 42 degrees was the reported level as only the hardest of hard core presented themselves at the Swan Street Bridge for the running group. The translucent Rooster did not disappoint as he approached, as his ambling gait seemingly fluid, twisted torso glistening with sweat. Slightly scaled back the workload as the conditions had hit the insane, incline work of any solid pace practically impossible without reasonable oxygen available to replenish. Anyway, we were there and worked for the hour as normal. Learnt some more about TRX suspension training, is in the plan for core work deficient Lions - check in with Dyno Bells.
Cricket Management Committee is scheduled with all eventually present, some car trouble delays the Harvey Murray pairing but this allows selection to take place beforehand. As a group perched above, the ability to observe the session unfolding below directed by Smash, an assortment of drills laid out.
A late storm had rendered the surface unfit for cricket activity, shirts off and teams being the instruction. Did take some time for the optics to adjust with the contrast of a semi nude Kebab experiencing body hair regrowth against the toned and chiseled torso of Gas Box. It never fails to confuse how some laconic cricketers become animated and energized whenever a football is presented. Suppose underneath we are all closet Richos.
Running drills and ball games completed with fun and the Chairman departs with support and determination to press our council for further support in the next phase of planetary development. Forecast looks to be on the improve, disappointingly several players that should not be looking for an excuse, decided upon absence tonight instead of an effort to attend and present.
Heading into the business end of the season, every behaviour is scrutinised when it comes to a line ball decision on structure, role and selection. Would always much rather deal with pure form and results.
Of recent friends who have fallen, the iconic Rowland S Howard succumbed to illness (liver cancer) with his fragile body unable to reach 2010. Rowland gained acclaim through the song "Shivers" that he wrote as a sixteen year old that was recorded and released by Boys Next Door. As the band morphed into the seminal and crazed The Birthday Party, the wicked guitar noise from Rowland helped this writer through many a dull high school art or textiles class in the formative teenage years. To Rowland, short lived proof that class is eternal and will be duly remembered.
Monday 6pm, 42 degrees was the reported level as only the hardest of hard core presented themselves at the Swan Street Bridge for the running group. The translucent Rooster did not disappoint as he approached, as his ambling gait seemingly fluid, twisted torso glistening with sweat. Slightly scaled back the workload as the conditions had hit the insane, incline work of any solid pace practically impossible without reasonable oxygen available to replenish. Anyway, we were there and worked for the hour as normal. Learnt some more about TRX suspension training, is in the plan for core work deficient Lions - check in with Dyno Bells.
Cricket Management Committee is scheduled with all eventually present, some car trouble delays the Harvey Murray pairing but this allows selection to take place beforehand. As a group perched above, the ability to observe the session unfolding below directed by Smash, an assortment of drills laid out.
A late storm had rendered the surface unfit for cricket activity, shirts off and teams being the instruction. Did take some time for the optics to adjust with the contrast of a semi nude Kebab experiencing body hair regrowth against the toned and chiseled torso of Gas Box. It never fails to confuse how some laconic cricketers become animated and energized whenever a football is presented. Suppose underneath we are all closet Richos.
Running drills and ball games completed with fun and the Chairman departs with support and determination to press our council for further support in the next phase of planetary development. Forecast looks to be on the improve, disappointingly several players that should not be looking for an excuse, decided upon absence tonight instead of an effort to attend and present.
Heading into the business end of the season, every behaviour is scrutinised when it comes to a line ball decision on structure, role and selection. Would always much rather deal with pure form and results.
Monday, January 11, 2010
Round 11 v University - Country Round (2 + 1 tie + 1 loss) - Doug Rumble Returned
The country round is always a feature on the annual fixture with this season the Lions having the benefit of being the home side, therefore being able to determine the location and venue. As pre season in the Shepparton region had gone well the initial plan was to play a day/night match at Deakin Reserve in Shepparton. Unfortunately as the ground conditions were not to the level as expected, an inspection over the festive break following an alert in December, caused the requirement for the match to be transferred to Mooroopna Cricket Club and a day fixture starting at 12pm.
Both clubs compete for the Doug Rumble trophy in honor of the cricketer who played for each club and passed away in 1986. Rumble was the wicket keeper at Fitzroy when Ray Jordon was not available in the early 70's, transferred to University for 20 matches and then returned to the Lions to complete 167 matches to overall claim 286 catches and 25 stumpings.
With hot conditions expected and the training schedule altered for the first week back, players were given the option to train on Thursday and then travel to Mooroopna as best seen fit. This blogger took the chance to head off early on Thursday and spend an evening at Killeen in Avenel - not the Gretel type from Big Brother - but a homestead belonging to the Fowles family. A final welcome relief of holiday type activity before normality resumes. As supporters of the local wine makers (Plunkett Fowles) and doing our best to reduce the levels of surplus chardonnay (only the quality gear on hand here) - can only recommend to the highest order bottles of "Ladies who Shoot their Lunch". A splendid taste after feasting on whole snapper and lazing on the warm grass while giving the occasional forward thought to the impending release of Furious, Moose, Emo and Torch from the cage.
Arrive in Mooroopna on late Friday afternoon - it is already hot and going to get hotter. The football club are belting out time trials around the lush green expanses of the main oval. Centre wicket inspected by Samurai, Furious and a freshly bleached Fearsome with all pleased by the standard. Furious making note of the hardness that gives a natural rebound and a comfortable approach. Connect with remainder of family to finish all Christmas obligations, a few quiets with the brother to catch up on local sport news and skim through another viewing of Heat (Pacino, De Niro classic - not Frankston) before retiring to dream land.
Collect Torch from the hotel before the others stir, he has Resident Emo as a room mate with all in order so far - no midnight nude rehearsals from the Emo, totally absorbed in the pay TV sports channel. Head off for a coffee and toast to cover the events of the week and qualify support and feelings for the day ahead. It is unknown how the emotions will unfold but we seem to have it together.
Warm up completed, very warm, stinking hot in fact. Skipper Dick wins the toss and has no hesitation in batting first. Plans of a massive total under review with both Skipper Dick and Moose victims of run outs, leaving Smash and Gas Box to take command as the temperature soared with flames erupting from maroon helmets. Hard running the feature of the partnership, the sizeable outfield allowing no cheap boundaries. Gas Box misjudged the tempo to lose his poles, Panasonic nibbled and nudged giving as much strike to Smash with his little legs pumping hard. Little legs under needed modification after returning from an indulgent festive break - the time in the sauna will only help.
Smash brings up his second century of a resurgent season, the moment celebrated with a meaningful gesture to the black armband. We have a special extra Lion today, his presence binding. Welcome refuge during the break is sought in the cool room, a nod of thanks as well to family Gas Box for the scoreboard work.
A final total of 9/240 will take some chasing down, the bowling group is stacked to give control. Furious and Resident Emo give a great start with the runs coming at a trickle. Fearsome and Moose get the initial break throughs, Dyno Bells gaining the key poles and a run out to have the chase at 5/115 and the run rate climbing. Did I mention the heat. It feels like we have busted the level into somewhere high 40's. Energy is draining, fluid seeping from every available pore, the crowd building and well lubricated as they enjoy the lengthening shade.
Skipper Dick returns in a late thrust to damage the remaining batting structure after copping some early punishment. He duly delivers as a mis hit is skied towards Gas Box looking directly into a blistering sun, the initial movements in the wrong direction. As the ball descends all seems to be ending in grief for the Lions but Gas Box thrusts his body against the grain and holds the catch sending the Lions into raptures.
Fearsome enjoying some generous encouragement from the crowd, Moose returns to adminster the last rites. Skipper Dick getting the final nick claimed by Samurai with the Rumble trophy secured and we can all get off this infernal arena.
The post match elation, words of value from Skipper Dick and Smash, drained emotions and the sweet sounds of the song gave a memorable and lasting experience to all present with a wish that the spirit could be captured as an example to all of why sport is at times, beyond just a competition.
Both clubs compete for the Doug Rumble trophy in honor of the cricketer who played for each club and passed away in 1986. Rumble was the wicket keeper at Fitzroy when Ray Jordon was not available in the early 70's, transferred to University for 20 matches and then returned to the Lions to complete 167 matches to overall claim 286 catches and 25 stumpings.
With hot conditions expected and the training schedule altered for the first week back, players were given the option to train on Thursday and then travel to Mooroopna as best seen fit. This blogger took the chance to head off early on Thursday and spend an evening at Killeen in Avenel - not the Gretel type from Big Brother - but a homestead belonging to the Fowles family. A final welcome relief of holiday type activity before normality resumes. As supporters of the local wine makers (Plunkett Fowles) and doing our best to reduce the levels of surplus chardonnay (only the quality gear on hand here) - can only recommend to the highest order bottles of "Ladies who Shoot their Lunch". A splendid taste after feasting on whole snapper and lazing on the warm grass while giving the occasional forward thought to the impending release of Furious, Moose, Emo and Torch from the cage.
Arrive in Mooroopna on late Friday afternoon - it is already hot and going to get hotter. The football club are belting out time trials around the lush green expanses of the main oval. Centre wicket inspected by Samurai, Furious and a freshly bleached Fearsome with all pleased by the standard. Furious making note of the hardness that gives a natural rebound and a comfortable approach. Connect with remainder of family to finish all Christmas obligations, a few quiets with the brother to catch up on local sport news and skim through another viewing of Heat (Pacino, De Niro classic - not Frankston) before retiring to dream land.
Collect Torch from the hotel before the others stir, he has Resident Emo as a room mate with all in order so far - no midnight nude rehearsals from the Emo, totally absorbed in the pay TV sports channel. Head off for a coffee and toast to cover the events of the week and qualify support and feelings for the day ahead. It is unknown how the emotions will unfold but we seem to have it together.
Warm up completed, very warm, stinking hot in fact. Skipper Dick wins the toss and has no hesitation in batting first. Plans of a massive total under review with both Skipper Dick and Moose victims of run outs, leaving Smash and Gas Box to take command as the temperature soared with flames erupting from maroon helmets. Hard running the feature of the partnership, the sizeable outfield allowing no cheap boundaries. Gas Box misjudged the tempo to lose his poles, Panasonic nibbled and nudged giving as much strike to Smash with his little legs pumping hard. Little legs under needed modification after returning from an indulgent festive break - the time in the sauna will only help.
Smash brings up his second century of a resurgent season, the moment celebrated with a meaningful gesture to the black armband. We have a special extra Lion today, his presence binding. Welcome refuge during the break is sought in the cool room, a nod of thanks as well to family Gas Box for the scoreboard work.
A final total of 9/240 will take some chasing down, the bowling group is stacked to give control. Furious and Resident Emo give a great start with the runs coming at a trickle. Fearsome and Moose get the initial break throughs, Dyno Bells gaining the key poles and a run out to have the chase at 5/115 and the run rate climbing. Did I mention the heat. It feels like we have busted the level into somewhere high 40's. Energy is draining, fluid seeping from every available pore, the crowd building and well lubricated as they enjoy the lengthening shade.
Skipper Dick returns in a late thrust to damage the remaining batting structure after copping some early punishment. He duly delivers as a mis hit is skied towards Gas Box looking directly into a blistering sun, the initial movements in the wrong direction. As the ball descends all seems to be ending in grief for the Lions but Gas Box thrusts his body against the grain and holds the catch sending the Lions into raptures.
Fearsome enjoying some generous encouragement from the crowd, Moose returns to adminster the last rites. Skipper Dick getting the final nick claimed by Samurai with the Rumble trophy secured and we can all get off this infernal arena.
The post match elation, words of value from Skipper Dick and Smash, drained emotions and the sweet sounds of the song gave a memorable and lasting experience to all present with a wish that the spirit could be captured as an example to all of why sport is at times, beyond just a competition.
Friday, January 8, 2010
Roarrrr!!! - Lions Have Returned
The Lions have returned en masse in 2010 to resume the remainder of the season in collective good spirits that could possibly yield plentiful rewards if the equations of application and optimism are matched.
Dyno Bells stripping in good condition as the Monday running group kicks back into gear around a dusty tan choking with resolution makers, a solid fartlek outing and incline sprints completed in fine form.
With the planet turf not quite in perfect lunar nick just yet, Tuesday scheduled to be a time trial around the Princess park circuit. A reasonable test to see which Lions have paid attention to more than just personal grooming and allow the local Blues a sneak peek at the glory of the maroon. Some impressive times by Dyno Bells, Furious, Myo Kimbo and Cat Shagger - some ordinary times from the circumspect trifecta of Panasonic, the Badge and Product. An old saying in racing parlance is that "weight will stop a train" - take heed in the break next season youngsters.
First change of character for the New Year, the previously known Exotic Mauritian has returned with a wonderful tuft of erectile follicle work protruding from the centre of his cranium. One could say almost warrior like. Therefore he has become Samurai, another "Sam" amongst the Lions is always welcome, especially as the resident Bad Girl has become unusually distracted of late. Samurai also delivered an offering for the best excuse to leave training early so far this season. His mother demanded that he attend "puppy school" to help with the training needs of a new arrival, presenting another use for inners - what a warrior.
Turf conditions all good for the Wednesday session, bowlers lined up separate before hand to reset the radar and let a few go with loose fingers without the distraction of batters. Session devoted to bat and ball contest, new rocks of whiteness and plenty of energetic banter. Sando whops a rank ball past the centre square with rarely seen power, an indication of the boy becoming aware of the body - keep whacking when valid!!
Review of current club position and then a viewing of match footage showing the footwork used by David Hussey in the Max1 T20 debut v NSW where consecutive sixes were smashed in the most safest of zones, back over the bowlers heads. No wild slogging, just a slight adjustment of the feet and a clean, crisp, controlled straight hit - twice in a row, no fluke.
Lions accepting the importance and significance of this round - competitive and emotionally - all the more tantalising as the Students are a difficult foe to command.
Dyno Bells stripping in good condition as the Monday running group kicks back into gear around a dusty tan choking with resolution makers, a solid fartlek outing and incline sprints completed in fine form.
With the planet turf not quite in perfect lunar nick just yet, Tuesday scheduled to be a time trial around the Princess park circuit. A reasonable test to see which Lions have paid attention to more than just personal grooming and allow the local Blues a sneak peek at the glory of the maroon. Some impressive times by Dyno Bells, Furious, Myo Kimbo and Cat Shagger - some ordinary times from the circumspect trifecta of Panasonic, the Badge and Product. An old saying in racing parlance is that "weight will stop a train" - take heed in the break next season youngsters.
First change of character for the New Year, the previously known Exotic Mauritian has returned with a wonderful tuft of erectile follicle work protruding from the centre of his cranium. One could say almost warrior like. Therefore he has become Samurai, another "Sam" amongst the Lions is always welcome, especially as the resident Bad Girl has become unusually distracted of late. Samurai also delivered an offering for the best excuse to leave training early so far this season. His mother demanded that he attend "puppy school" to help with the training needs of a new arrival, presenting another use for inners - what a warrior.
Turf conditions all good for the Wednesday session, bowlers lined up separate before hand to reset the radar and let a few go with loose fingers without the distraction of batters. Session devoted to bat and ball contest, new rocks of whiteness and plenty of energetic banter. Sando whops a rank ball past the centre square with rarely seen power, an indication of the boy becoming aware of the body - keep whacking when valid!!
Review of current club position and then a viewing of match footage showing the footwork used by David Hussey in the Max1 T20 debut v NSW where consecutive sixes were smashed in the most safest of zones, back over the bowlers heads. No wild slogging, just a slight adjustment of the feet and a clean, crisp, controlled straight hit - twice in a row, no fluke.
Lions accepting the importance and significance of this round - competitive and emotionally - all the more tantalising as the Students are a difficult foe to command.
Saturday, January 2, 2010
Farewell to BDC (Meerkat)
An unforeseen tragedy has struck over the festive break. A loss within a family of one of our own. An accident born of innocence that will bond forever within those who were to be in the immediate unfortunate location, or who came together later in the day to grieve and share memories.
As details became clearer through direct conversations with family over the ensuing days, some in person and some over the phone, the bewilderment of having someone so precious snatched without due notice from the garden of life leaves an unexplainable emptiness.
The ceremony to celebrate the life that was, a tribute to all involved in the heartfelt emotions that flowed through the room. An estimate had the crowd upwards of seven hundred, the brightness adorning several adding to the sorrow and respect.
The Torch is now to be confronted by a time of discovery, the Lions will be galvanised to support in every way.
Farewell BDC, may you rest in good spirits and peace.
As details became clearer through direct conversations with family over the ensuing days, some in person and some over the phone, the bewilderment of having someone so precious snatched without due notice from the garden of life leaves an unexplainable emptiness.
The ceremony to celebrate the life that was, a tribute to all involved in the heartfelt emotions that flowed through the room. An estimate had the crowd upwards of seven hundred, the brightness adorning several adding to the sorrow and respect.
The Torch is now to be confronted by a time of discovery, the Lions will be galvanised to support in every way.
Farewell BDC, may you rest in good spirits and peace.
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