Backyard cricket and barbeque

The groom-to-be in the family had his stag “do” on Sunday. He decided he would like a barbeque after a game of backyard cricket, to be held at a park area a little up the coast from here.
Instructions to the invited men included that they were to come dressed as their favourite cricketer.

There was much hilarity and nostalgia here on Sunday as the cupboards and drawers were rifled in attempts to find suitable clothing to fit the desired look.

Out came a hand-knitted, cable-patterned sleeveless pullover that I had knitted a long, long time ago and which now fits the owner rather too snugly. A machine knitted wool jersey appeared that my mother-in-law knitted many years ago to help keep out the mean cold winds that can sweep our cricket grounds even in the height of summer.

And then a variety of white floppy sun hats and caps with various embellishments were tried on, laughed about, memories shared and selections made.

A real find for the male being honoured was a precious t shirt he wore with much devotion as a child in the 1990’s. The t shirt was printed in recognition of a national cricketer’s retirement, noting his service to the game.

How that ever fitted him on Sunday is beyond me but I gather our “groom” squeezed into it and wore it in good humour. He was also required to play the whole game with his dominant arm/hand tied in a sling, in order to even up the play as only one or two of the gathered number play cricket regularly today.

The game had various “rules” that were altered as the game went along, keeping in accord with backyard cricket games and certainly not to be found in standard rule books. No one knew who won but it sounded as if they had a lot of fun and mercifully no injuries were sustained.

As for the barbeque the meat and bread and tomato sauce were the popular items. A lolly cake was devoured with gusto but the strawberries and salad hung fire…..no surprises there.

It was good fun standing back and watching the preparations and noting the differences when men organize “dos” and share food together.

This weekend it is their turn to watch and smile as the females gather for the bridal shower!

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Anyone for cricket?

A courier package at the door this morning heralds my blog post for the day. Inside the bag was a small wooden cricket bat…..

While this bat would not feature on Antiques Roadshow it is in many ways a family heirloom.

My Dad loved cricket. He spent most of his life either playing, coaching, administering or fervently watching both family members and favourite teams. As well as being a very able cricketer he was also skilled in carpentry and bat maintenance and repairs.

He very cleverly cut down an old adult sized bat and fashioned this tiny tot’s version. My four brothers may all have used this bat as small boys but I do know that my oldest son was delighted to find he could play cricket just like his Daddy, his Grandfather and uncles when he was given this bat by his beloved Pappa (Grandfather).

All three of my children used it and all went on to play cricket at times in their lives. When my brother had his children the bat went to live at their home and was used by four more small children within the family circle.

The bat has come back to me so I can give it to my grandson to use and enjoy. It will bring back memories for his Dad and for everyone in my immediate family.

It feels as if another turn in a spiral has been made.

Exuberance and Joy

I have seen some of the 2011 Cricket World Cup which is being played in India and Sri Lanka.  I am constantly in awe of how energetic and happy the crowds and crowds of people are at these matches.  People from the sub-continent simply love their cricket.  The crowds dance, jump up and down, wave flags and their arms, smile and laugh with such high energy and joy.  It is infectious.  Noise levels in the grounds are at fever pitch as they clap and cheer for their heroes and for cricket in general.

The piece I had not noticed and which a commentator on the radio today drew my attention to is that there is very little alcohol being consumed by these happy, energetic and genuinely joyful cricket lovers.  In comparison crowds which attend sports matches in my country are often fuelled by drinking alcohol.

It is really refreshing to see people expressing such joy and exuberance without the support of alcohol but also to reflect on how a passionate love of a sport can be expressed so openly and enthusiastically by people of all ages and from all sections of society.