Cricket In The Rain

The tarpaulin in the picture enabled Knowl Hill Cricket Club to get the game of cricket on yesterday against Stratfield Turgis after all the rain on Friday and showers on and off all day yesterday. It was a long tiring day beginning at 9:00am and the game ending close to 8:00pm. I can't remember how many times the cover was pulled on and off the wicket and how much water we had to clear off it, but with the club pulling together and an opposition more than willing to help the game was completed. An especially heavy downpour at tea almost did for the game, but we weren't to be denied and with sawdust everywhere resembling a wedding confetti scene we got the game back on after a lengthy delay. To complete a satisfying day we won the game right at the death which was of course the icing on the cake! A special mention especially to Mr Alex Plank whose purchase of the tarpaulin and single minded doggedness to get the game on and finished was a supreme effort...

What yesterday showed to me was the great spirit that still exists at grass roots club cricket. The team spirit, the pulling together to get a game on, the competitive nature on the pitch and friendly spirit off the pitch between two sides. Also how whilst I am still physically able to continue to play this game at the level of performance I want to, I must make make the most out of every game left in me possible. Not that this middle-aged body has any plans to stop playing just yet!