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.
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