Saturday, February 27, 2010

Round 13 Lions v Blues - A Battle So Fierce (Day 1)

No special methods of ignition are required when the fixture clicks around to this one against the Blues. A battle so fierce that at some stage the game takes on an ethereal wierdness that is not comprehensible, throwing all semblance of sensibility off the nearest cliff face.

Wonderful clear day, Smash away in Bushranger kit allows Little Guus to make a proper debut and to be thrust into the cauldron at number three in the order with Skipper Dick batting first. Letting straight balls go is never a good option as he forlornly departed with the timbers disturbed. Skipper Dick had seemed to find his flow zone, scoring at a rate and with ease, a willing partner in Max1 matching stroke for stroke. Both removed in the short time before lunch, Lions becoming lured by the feast yet again as Gas Box a victim of poor application. Thankfully Panasonic, still carrying some festive paunch, was not in need of tucker and found a wiling ally in Dyno Bells to establish a base.

Post lunch the searing bolts of hate directed to the Lions, were met by equal force determination as the temperature rose into levels of discomfort. With Lions batting in the top three games, the conditions offered an advantage too good to pass. Cat Shagger had resumed his love affair with form against this foe, the umbilical cord flowing back to the Planet as Junior Cat Shagger and Sando-o-o had some spade work to do from a precarious four down for fifty.

Panasonic slashed repeatedly over point, emulating the earlier aggressive lead from the Skipper. The first hour post break negotiated with success, Dyno Bells taking advantage of a wasted deep point, a partnership of fifty significant at this early stage of the match as the bowlers begin to tire as the BellSonic wall is gritty and unflinching.

Entering the war zone of the foe, Cat Shagger standing tall with a broad Kookaburra willow, absolute dead straight. Closer approach to the fence at the short boundary revealed a wicket so wicked in the filth of the blackness in the demeanour of the south end, positively putrid. Hussler unable to keep a leg spinner from going behind the fetlocks but Sweet Heat giving a broad face from the start, positive step forwards to allow the Cat Shagger to grow the extra whisker as he pounded beyond the century mark.

Meanwhile, Sando-o-o keeps going, Junior Cat Shagger in rhythmic sibling syncopation, but alas he falls a few short. Tomahawk and Jingo have ripped a swathe through the Blues belly, Vardichin neglecting a smashed foot to claim a pole, the memory of such sending him into a hypnotic swoon. Obi Wan lost in another galaxy far, far away at this point, just failing to snaffle the chance diving forward that would have had Desperate close the job for 145. Last pair kicked and 225 realised, DKP gains another furrow to the worn brow.

Panasonic falls, Torch swipes a few but the end is nigh for a smidge beyond 200 with the knowledge that the Blues are not good at chasing modest targets and 30 overs remaining provides enough for a red hot crack. Moose kicks the upper order kiddies back into the shed, one apparently has a manager, Furious unleashes to dispose of the two guns - 4/34 and the sniff of blue blood is over powering.

Sando-o-o whacks some more, ignoring the crowded fence line of hapless fielders, drooling at the feast of friendly offerings, the century is not enough as he tucks in for the end of play.

Max1 greets the audience, resplendent in cream clothing for a welcome wardrobe change with an immediate pole and Skipper Dick unleashes an arm that is played like a mesmerising python by the willow wielders as he dismisses a past tormentor. Stumps reached at 7/103 with nervous energy coursing through, within and under the veins of planet in a cross sectional frenzy.

Cat Shagger ends on a career best of 167 and with the Badge, some mighty smites takes the total beyond triple figures, a well constructed team effort on a putrid wicket. The same next week would appear likely as this turf is beyond respiration, can the top team mount a chase?

Wednesday, February 24, 2010

Balls, Balls, More Balls & A Leaf Blower

Looking back at the reasons why we became a bonded group of resilience, the sum result was that we absorbed stacks of balls, then more balls and then even more. In the process blunting the attack at us and returning fire with substance that delivered totals beyond the triple score on a regular basis.

Logic checked, need to return to this space now that the shortened versions are complete -increase the volume of balls. Arrive early at the Planet and enlist Tom Tom to get the bowling machine activated, but at first we must expand our collective gardening skills by activating the electric leaf blower and clear the synthetic path for correct bounce. With incredible dexterity, Tom Tom blasted a surface of cleanliness, the departing debris sent away with more force than irregular rectal explosions from Kebab after a night on the curry.

House in order, extra balls of practice begin. The direction is clear - we must ensure the volume of balls in various typesis continued ongoing as we have plenty of batting to do. The journey of batting mastery is a long term study requiring patience, application and optimism.

The week to date had seen an increase of incoming concern due to the fluctuation in Lions form, grilled by the Heat. Many from usual sources but the Scribe also genuine in heartfelt passion, her desire for the Lions to continue beyond authentic as the option of another Ramsfest was unpalatable. The work to date by the Scribe on Furious, Panasonic and Smash of top shelf in standard, an upcoming work on Sando-o-o-o (pre-empting the weekend here) may bring things back to earth. Emotions incoming deliver extra nourishment for Lions.

Game sense revolved around stepping up into the big show, a portrayal of adjusting to the big time and holding ones sh*t together. For the example, the opening sequence of Any Given Sunday was presented. Truly one of the best filmed sports movies ever to date, lids doffed to Oliver Stone and the technical crew as one honestly gets the feeling that they are within the game and feeling the sweat, breathing and pain. The film gets ongoing recognition because of the Al Pacino "inches" speech, Archie Thompson quoted ad nauseam in the Victory championship year of 06/07, repeatedly playing on his iPod. Is worthy but do not dismiss the totality of this film. Lions are ready, bring it on.

Birthday Drinks - Skipper Dick

One of the most enjoyable times of the seasons in this bloggers Lions life to date is the timing of the celebrations for the birthday of Skipper Dick to Lions crisis. In 08/09 it was the moment of the Knowles departure that was tempered by a Gas Box career best performance of a ton plus plenty against a quality Cattery on Black Saturday.

In 09/10 we have the aftermath of the Heat Cooked to contend with, despair all across as the top two Lions went down miserably to lesser ranked.

The evening prior had required attendance at a joint 40th in Ascot Vale, missing the chance to relax in front of the visual box and cheer on Max1 in 12th man duties again. Rather it was the connected celebration for Chunk and Mrs Chunk - a rare man in Chunk to have a CricInfo profile with absolutely no detail, something that our Skipper is in advance of. Chunk & this blogger have a past connection of Tigers in cricket and Tigers in football, the football spirit has not broken us as we are keen punters as well so therefore have a distraction. Something that may be now more increasingly required with the post-Richo era upon us. Alas the 40th allowed the opportunity to share moments with the Hound, Sheeds (benefactor to Skipper and Samurai), Simmo the intellectual and the great Buck Rogers - board man to K Sheedy for absolute ever at Bomber Land.

Next day, early in the am drop off the Hound and EK at "Hoe" head home for a kip and off to beach for normal Sunday run, walk, soak and Lions deep thinking. Balance to all things restored as Ringwood done by Uni & Two Blues smash Cats outright, not a lot of damage done.
Gather the Domestic Selector, she is all frisked up as we have a series of social engagements apart from this with an interstate mate and the gay neighbours. Due to the need of continuing, she is driving - tick. Arrive at Dog of Salt and proprietor in non coaching role is out the front being the perfect host. Inside venue the Lions are already mingling and settled in various states of repose, Panasonic impossible to not notice at this early stage.

Music kicks in, a few quiet moments with the man of celebrations to knock off Heat issues, next weeks opponents gather (weird feeing this) and then Simmo the intellectual appears (as arranged) giving the feeling that we have not separated fully of recent times. His partner though is of good stock having a pair of brothers in the AFL of the Grimes variety, the pair bring great hope to many who need (this blogger included).

Fireman scopes the floor, pretending to pay little attention to possible prey and giving faint recognition to incoming text requesting interest in "afternoon delight", oh to be a man in demand like he with a big hose and strong ladder.

Leave in daylight, all appears in order with the great leveller of emotions (drinking alcohol in daylight) having an impact to soothe the wounded Lions.

Thursday, February 18, 2010

John Scholes - Reflection and Remembrance

John Scholes is tragically no longer on this mortal coil, taking his leave in 2003. He left a mark on many, some not so obvious and some completely in their face. Over the years this blogger has had the good fortune of listening to many stories about Barrel and it does not take much to understand why he was respected by so many.

A factual overview as a starting point, and apologies in advance for the mountain of statistics that are absent. First XI debut at the age of 15 for Carlton, scored the first of his 26 district centuries at the age of 18. Overall scored 12,693 runs with only Warren Ayres (14,090 - a recent victim of Flegwart) and Gary Watts (12,933) in advance of this. Played 396 matches, 278 at Carlton and 118 for the Lions. In his nine finals he had a batting average of 77.5 with 620 runs, when the pressure was on, Barrel performed.

An emotional reflection from one of his greatest admirers in Darren Berry, unashamed in his determination to ensure the legacy of Barrel does not fade away.

The warring factions of the Lions and the Blues have come together with the support of those connected to John in awarding a promising junior a new cricket bat as recognition of the qualities that John espoused. Last season the recipient was Torch and this year Panasonic. The decision is not a trivial or fleeting thought, it is carefully considered and based upon qualified substance that is on the path to become enduring. Barrel is often remembered for his preference to think and support others, sometimes to the detriment of himself. This generosity in character can come with time, experience and involvement to these recipients as the game is not always played in the middle or the nets.

Finally, an indulgent reflection from this blogger who walked into the old Bat and Ball in Dudley Street and at the time was in his first season as senior captain, struggling with the willow after coming off consecutive fruitful seasons. Struggling not only with the basic requirement of gathering runs but also the knowledge of leading men. Plus the fact that it was now the end of December and the weather had conspired to limit the number of match innings to only four completed, hallucinations and fear were given plenty of empty space to take hold. The immediate challenge was to chase down a score of 310, in that era of suburban cricket the total seemed impossible - but we had to give it a fair crack. Therefore to be able to hire Barrel by the hour on any afternoon that suited was far too good an opportunity to ignore.

It was December in 1994, had even tried the trick of a new bat (not waiting for Santa) to soothe the wandering mind that was always able to find plenty of reasons and excuses for the struggle with the willow. Bless Barrel for applying some simple logic.

"What number do you bat?" - at the top.

"What is your role?" - score heavily, bat most of the day.

"What shot can you play really well?" - forward defence, straight drive.

"What shot is getting you out regularly - in training and games?" - my better shots.

"What are you doing in your own time to improve that?" - concentrate.

"Are you watching the ball?" - probably not closely enough.

Looking back on the conversation, nothing startling or remarkable here and the type is played out on countless occasions across this great sport at every level wherever the willow and leather collide. Barrel then took me through a simple set up process with position, head and feet, the reference point being David Boon. The purpose to understand the zone to operate within - everything else is left until the innings is properly set. Always the full face of a straight bat. Over the session there were only about twenty balls hit, more time spent on rehearsing and getting the movement right.

Full of confidence, we bounce out the door, but a new pair of gloves on the way, unable to contain the patience for the innings tomorrow. All preparation is as needed, take the first ball, leave a few, work a couple of singles and then the full ball lands in the zone. Weight transfers forward, full face of the blade, hands close and firm, solid contact made as the ball races past the bowler towards the longest fence for a boundary. Moment of pause to admire the result, keep it simple and let the bowling come to me.

Next ball, faster, short and wide with the obvious choice to let harmlessly pass. With the display of poor selection, the blade flashed to catch the ball at an erroneous angle and the catch was taken at backward point. A brutal lesson learnt as the arena was exited.

Fast forward to last game of the season, played on the expanses of East Keilor with the season well and truly over. Only ten players were available and of this group, three should not have been here and never played even the grade below again. Temperature gauge was nudging 42 and a strong wind blowing, toss was won with batting the only choice with the hope we could last until after tea so that any bowling would be minimal. Decide to bat in the middle to resist as best as possible but at 5/38, hope was melting in the stinking heat. Drinks gave a moment to gather thoughts momentarily and reflect on the guidance of Barrel and decide that today we would stick to the learnings, no matter what, not to be distracted by the game situation without an attempt to influence. Helmet discarded, club cap firmly in place, off we go. What unfolded over the next 55 overs was a total of 227 all out (batting one short) and an individual performance of 125 with the overwhelming majority of balls scored from, placed with confidence in a forward direction - repeatedly. The total was enough and the game won next week, completely against the odds.

We look forward to the warring Lions and Blues, moreso to identify those that keep their bottle together when faced with adversity in times of difficulty. When all is done in this stanza, a quiet space will be found to enjoy the taste of a refreshing lager and a dutiful nod to the spirit of Barrel. Long live greatness.

Wednesday, February 17, 2010

Round 12 v Frankston (Day 2) - The Heat Is Real, We Are Cooked

Decide to start from the Planet as weather is mixed and a desire to see if the Cat Shagger and Jester can build a platform of resistance to launch into attack in pursuit of 294. Again the want and the reality are not connecting, Cat Shagger seemingly lost without the conjoined twin of Trishna mixing up his thoughts applicable to the art of batting. Trigger pulled and a soft collapse of disappointing proportions unfolded against an attack that would not have frightened Casper.

Honest point of worry here is that the bravado in some is far in excess of actual results and the justification for pressure through the Lions ranks is diminishing, as well as time in the season. But we have hope and the disappointment will be overtaken by dreams of triumph and victory.

Off to the ring road to pay the toll in currency and emotion arriving on one side to a snore fest of a contest with no outcome and the other side to a successful chase. Vault Pole gives enough support to the Kebab to close in on the target leaving Sweet Heat to defend a few and enjoy Sando-o exhibiting the whiplash on drive that is launched beyond the nearest moon.

Some batting practice ensues amongst the elder Lions, debutant on the second week in Little Guus quickly learning that a back foot attacking game is required at this level. He gets through undefeated, guided under the watchful gaze of an unbeaten Smash continuing the vein of substantial form. The Heat may have to be encountered again as the result revives their season, but they pay a heavy toll with many of the striking options incurring injuries of concern. Health not a problem for most of the Lions - could even say we had a rest game in some cases.

Scholes Trophy is rapidly arriving, definitely a contest that needs no artificial motivation.

Am I Awake Yet & The Bloody Tote Is Done

Am I awake yet. The Nightmare of Heat Street is tragically real and did happen. Not only are the slash marks on my arms still visible, all the gory detail is recorded in the paper as well.

And if that is not bad enough, The Tote has fallen to government pressure as it is now classed as a venue of high risk! In no way will I pretend to be any more relevantly connected to The Tote than the hard core rockers all over but it does hold a special place in the value chamber of my heart. I had the good fortune of being allowed to enjoy a birthday celebration some years ago in the BBQ area and the Cobra Bar with The Ramones and The Pixies being the only two albums played all night - the rights of the birthday boy. For some light entertainment, the star of Tiger TV did his Rodney Rude McDonalds routine on the small stage - muchos thankos, has kept my rural brother amused ongoing.

Anyway Young Lions, do not ignore an opportunity to bow at the temple of Tim Hemensley and Ray Ahn, The Powder Monkeys and The Hard-Ons respectively are glowing testament to the value of unwavering committment and honesty - bless them.

Structure adjustment required as Max1 has been recalled to the KFC feast, hopefully as more than a groupie this time although improbable. Little Guus may be in calculations but the brain will need some examination, hopefully not too drained from recent kiddie contests that give little challenge but allow a triffid like mass of polyester clad cricket gurus to stride the pathway stage.

Belief to be restored as we have some salvaging to do, Mrs Santa must still hate the Mad Dog Ginger as he has some friends on the side already including Amex and Little Guus. Kebab enjoying the peaceful week sleep of not out and the entree consumed, bring on the main course.

Turn the rock up loud, blow the unwanted cobwebs across the bay. Might just need to check if the scalpel, stethoscope and magnifying glass are in the bag in preparation for minor corrective surgery to reduce the unwanted Heat from further affliction.