Old Dogs v Young Pups

Yesterday was our club's annual Old Dogs v Young Pups match, dividing the club along age lines and having an afternoon of cricket, drinking and shit stirring. Bragging rights for the year are at stake so the importance of winning cannot be understated.

This year, for the first year, I was an Old Dog. We had a decent team but I think the young blokes would have been favoured heading into the match. There was also the spectre of rain about threatening to derail proceedings but we were forced to take our chances.

After losing the toss we were sent in. First ball I faced I edged the ball through the vacant 2nd slip area and got off the mark in a somewhat dubious fashion. Next ball, Eddie carved one straight at cover and was caught, so not off to a great start. Peter and I put on a decent stand, consolidating the innings and gettting us back on track. After he got out I had partnerships with Matt and Jerome and was eventually dismissed for 56 in the 31st over. However, this does not really tell the full story. Over the course of my innings I was dropped 5 times, providing me with much amusement and many opportunities to remind the youngsters how crap they were. Rain started to fall during the final over of our innings but we finished it out and ended up with a score of 164 from our 35 overs.

Sadly, the rains did not stop and despite John's best efforts, there was nothing that could be done. We consumed the beer we had at the ground, retired to the pub for more beer and pizza and called it a day. In fact, this was my last game of the year, so I am now looking at a long winter "off season" to put this year behind me and get into decent form for 2010. Overall, personally, it was a poor year. I scored two 50's and a few other OK knocks, but should have done better. As for my bowling, well, I might have lost the plot there. I will give it one last crack to see if I can find it again but not being able to practice and playing relatively infrequently...along with getting older I guess, have ll taken their toll.

I am now awaiting the broadcast of the Grand Final, 4 hours to go. Go the Eels!