After a really enjoyable and competative days cricket on Sunday, I decided that I needed to put down in words the absolute buzz and fulfillment that I got from skippering the team against Harlow vets.
I think the first thing I should say is that I was totally consumed by the whole event from the moment that I was offerred the opportunity by the selectors and for me it took the game of cricket to a completely new level.
Firstly, with the preparation on Saturday, checking the side to see who was available and actually playing, through to looking at various websites and confusing oneself with a myriad of different field setting options. In fact the only thing that seemed settled in my mind was the straighforwardness of the batting order which took care of itself...... or so it seemed.
C'mon Marcus it's only a friendly cricket match!
Anyway, matchday and seeing as I am giving Mr Bell a lift to the game, I telephone him to let him know that I'll be picking him up at 12.40pm I want to be the first Rosaneri there so that I can greet the opposition and get things rolling.
Our team arrives and the banter immediatelly reverts to the last weeks Mayfield game as I knew it would. Whilst everybody is standing around in a circle delivering one liners I am laughing along whilst at the same time wondering weather or not we should bat or field.
The home team arrive and show us to our changing room. It's getting close now. I musn't get anything wrong and make a fool of myself. Jim asks me if i'm ok and gives a quick quiet pep talk. 'Ask them if they are strong in any particular discipline. What format do they prefer? Enjoy it'
Their skipper seeks me out and we walk to the middle for the toss. Graham seems like a decent chap and tells me they prefer batting. The timed game format interests him because they do not play too many. 'Let's do that then' He tosses the coin. I call 'Heads'
Great start Marcus.... what do you want to do then Graham?
The game ensues.
I won't bore you any longer with minute by minute coverage, but needless to say I found myself concentrating for every second of every over with the intensity that I can only compare to that of a really important day at work. Not any old day at work but one of those that really makes a difference.
I absolutely revelled in the tactical battle of trying to tweak the field to stifle the batsmen and the rotation of the bowlers to put doubt in their minds and not let them settle. Oh, and whenever we took a wicket.... Endorphine alert!
Eventually after a great tea, it was our turn to bat and I have to say that by now the adrenalin had slipped away a little, probably a mixture of the food and the feeling that I had done my bit. It was time for the batsmen to play their part, smash a few sixes and take the spoils.
Ah, cricket, what a game.
A dramatic finale was played out with the Rosaneri sucumbing to the craft and guile of the opposition (ok, some poor batting by yours truly and a few others helped)
But it didn't matter. It had been a really enjoyable day, spent with a great bunch of lads.
So, if the selectors come calling and ask you if you want to have a go at being skipper you have got to say yes. I promise you it will be a tad stressful but also a great buzz and you never know, you might go one better than me and actually win!
Cheers lads