I've seen the future , and it's awesome

Sunday XI V Development XI

First game of the season. The heart swelling joy of seeing your teammates primed for battle for the first time in 7 months, the unblemished optimism and unlimited possibilities that a fresh start brings and the knowledge that this is simply the first skirmish of five months playing the greatest game in the world.

Arriving at the ground the Roving Reporter noticed the pint sized opponents doing something called, and I think I am correct in this, a warm up. Talking in a Circle on the outfield, discussing targets and the way to approach the game whilst the Seniors drifted in with greater concerns for muscular support than focused preparations. The young ‘uns observed, were impeccable in their manners, but were perhaps mentally picking the sporting nursing home their opposite numbers would be eventually be despatched to.

This actually is not totally accurate. Yak was slamming balls off the centre of his bat and sent the cherry towards the face of Mandeep who therefore claimed the first scar of battle of 2025.

First wicket to fall was debutant Will Bale, undone by a swinging beauty sent down by Fergus Weir that rearranged the furniture. We suspect that won’t be the last time that tale will be told this year.

Walshy replaced Will and soon was sat on his bat handle at the non strikers end either watching the action or trying to catch his breath. All we know is that one slight change of angle and the handle would ensure that constipation wouldn’t be a problem for a considerable while.

As expected by a will drilled team Fleckney ‘The Next Generation’ bowled tightly, fielded with increasing intensity and backed each other like any good team does. The artificial wicket however rarely offers too much assistance and frequently bounces into the ‘smack it zone’. A final score of 246 did no justice to the efforts the Juniors put in.

In reply Mandeep (we really must check his birth certificate) was dropped third ball behind the poles by some ham fisted twit, whilst Manraj (mini Mandeep) displayed the concentration and restraint that simply isn’t in his Dad’s vocabulary.

Pick of the Junior batting was Max Nicholson who wasn’t afraid to take the ball on , even from the back foot, and no-one would have complained if he had managed his 50. Really impressive knock young man, keep it going

Frank Smith, his career now measured in aeons rather than simple seasons, grabbed two more wickets to his vast collection, Nigel (or was it Victor?) took the final wicket to fall as the Juniors feel 50 odd short.

That might have been it but there is one thing left to mention, and it needs saying.

One player was a bit down afterwards because their seasonal debutant didn’t go to plan.

Buzz Aldrin wasn’t thought of badly because Neil Armstrong got his boot on the moon first. Martin Peters scored a goal in the 66 World Cup final and it doesn’t matter that some bloke called Hurst got a hat trick. Gareth Gates did do too badly after Will Young won Pop Idol.

The point is it doesn’t matter if you have a good game or a bad one, you are Fleckney. Take a wicket, drop a catch, score a century it’s all the same, you are Fleckney. We back each other, we are a sporting family and that counts for more than what you contribute on any given afternoon.

No game next Sunday as it’s a interclub match for Easter Egg CC but we will be back the next week and everyone regardless of ability will be invited to be there.

Have a fantastic Easter.