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.