Well after the weekend, it has been a fairly quiet week.
On Monday, Tom and I went to see his auntie in Warrongha (not sure of the spelling). We arrived at about 2pm and sat around watching the cricket while Collette got her computer fixed. We then had dinner at about 6 pm which was very nice. BBQ chicken and the nicest garlic bread ever!!! Nothing can beat it, I am going to get the recipe!!!
After dinner we went to play golf on a floodlit 18 hole pitch and putt course.
The next day I went home to do some washing and Tom went to see Charlotte, he was lucky enough to go snorkeling!!!! She says she wants to go again, so I shall be there like a shot, as Tom said it was amazing!!! Anyway I ended up going to meet them in the evening to go on a sightseeing tour around Bondi, all the way to Manaly. What a tour it was! Some of the best views I have ever seen, including the north and south point gap and the middle point as well. Sitting on the rocks overlooking the ocean having a cold beer was one of the highlights of my trip so far. What an amazing place.
Wednesday was a beach day at Cronulla followed by training. Didn't bat well at all, but fielded OK. Hopefully I can bat well again this Saturday, as firstly. we have to finish off their tail, followed by a long day batting to win the game.
I shall keep this updated more often now!!!
Wednesday, 3 December 2008
Saturday, 29 November 2008
New grade
Well on wednesday of last week, I got the good news that I had been selected for 2nd grade for the weekend ahead!!!! - this was a bit of a shock as I had managed to have the worst net of my life on the Wednesday, including getting out to the 2nd grade captain Huddo.
However I was selected and being very happy about being selected, I had to then think about getting some runs and trying to stay in second grade.
During the week there has been a bit of bad news though, Gran has been a bit ill recently and had to go to hospital. hopefull she recovers very soon.
Saturday came, and with a bit of rain forecast and as rain had already fallen in Oatley, we were unsure as to whether we would get a game or not.
We got to the ground to find out that not much rain had fallen there and not much forecast, so we went out to do our warm up. I can say again I haven't warmed up that badly for a long while. (couldn't hit a ball out the middle in throw downs and couldn't pick up a ball and we won't talk about the throwing!)
Anyway Huddo lost the toss and on what looked to be a belter was put in to bat. I was told to get the pads on as I was batting 3. Huddo got out - arguably caught behind - this left us not many for 1.
So I went in to bat and was very patient at the beginning, which is very unlike my usual self.
I managed to start hitting the ball OK, even if it was a tad slow.
1 of only 5 boundaries in my innings was the first 6 I have hit in australia. Even though it was a rank short ball, I did manage to hit it out of the screws and it sailed over mid wicket for a fair distance. Very satisfying, as I was being chirped a bit and the famous line came out earlier in the day " It is red and round the idea is to hit it".
I got myself out LBW playing across the line trying to pinch a single on the legside, for 52.
After this we collapsed a bit and lost 8 wickets for 48 runs.
However we did have a bit of time to try and get them a few down before end of play. This was not the case! The track was deteriorating and the ball was jumping and rolling. At the end of the days play, we had them 8 for 89 and went off for bad light. Had we taken one more wicket, we would have won on first innings on day one, as one of their players had to go home early.
Anyway, there is always next week to try and get the win and go for an outright win.
A good start to the game and a good start to my 2nd grade in Australia.
I shall update soon.
However I was selected and being very happy about being selected, I had to then think about getting some runs and trying to stay in second grade.
During the week there has been a bit of bad news though, Gran has been a bit ill recently and had to go to hospital. hopefull she recovers very soon.
Saturday came, and with a bit of rain forecast and as rain had already fallen in Oatley, we were unsure as to whether we would get a game or not.
We got to the ground to find out that not much rain had fallen there and not much forecast, so we went out to do our warm up. I can say again I haven't warmed up that badly for a long while. (couldn't hit a ball out the middle in throw downs and couldn't pick up a ball and we won't talk about the throwing!)
Anyway Huddo lost the toss and on what looked to be a belter was put in to bat. I was told to get the pads on as I was batting 3. Huddo got out - arguably caught behind - this left us not many for 1.
So I went in to bat and was very patient at the beginning, which is very unlike my usual self.
I managed to start hitting the ball OK, even if it was a tad slow.
1 of only 5 boundaries in my innings was the first 6 I have hit in australia. Even though it was a rank short ball, I did manage to hit it out of the screws and it sailed over mid wicket for a fair distance. Very satisfying, as I was being chirped a bit and the famous line came out earlier in the day " It is red and round the idea is to hit it".
I got myself out LBW playing across the line trying to pinch a single on the legside, for 52.
After this we collapsed a bit and lost 8 wickets for 48 runs.
However we did have a bit of time to try and get them a few down before end of play. This was not the case! The track was deteriorating and the ball was jumping and rolling. At the end of the days play, we had them 8 for 89 and went off for bad light. Had we taken one more wicket, we would have won on first innings on day one, as one of their players had to go home early.
Anyway, there is always next week to try and get the win and go for an outright win.
A good start to the game and a good start to my 2nd grade in Australia.
I shall update soon.
Wednesday, 26 November 2008
Better late than never!
Well, again I have been slack and not written on the blog for ages.
It has been an eventful cricket time since I last wrote here, as I played the second half of a very eventful game indeed.
After we got to 269 all out at the end of day one the opposition embarked on an interesting journey to score the same as us, even though they have claimed the win.
We fielded all day with some of the worst umpires (from their own team) that I have ever experienced.
This was really cheating taken to a new level. We must have had 10 plumb LBW's and none of them were given - what an absolute disgrace! I have never seen cheating like it on a cricket field. When we walked off at the end of the game to our changing room, we were given abuse and told that WE had cheated in the game - . this was rich coming from them as they had done the scoring all day and the books added up. Anyway, we left the ground thinking it was a tie and then on the Monday, an official complaint was put in by the opposition to contest the declared result. This won't be heard for a while - I don't know what the grounds were, as they are contesting our score of269, even though they put in on their website the week before as the end of the first days play score. All I can say is that I am glad we only play each team once, as I never want to play Burwood Briars ever again.
I managed to have the worst net of all time on Wednesday this week, it was one really from the rubbish pile, however, I have been put up a team for this weekend, which is the highest team I can play in, as there is another overseas playing in 1st grade. So I am happy about that, I just need to score runs now to stay there.
That is about all to report on the cricket front, but this time I will update here sooner.
It has been an eventful cricket time since I last wrote here, as I played the second half of a very eventful game indeed.
After we got to 269 all out at the end of day one the opposition embarked on an interesting journey to score the same as us, even though they have claimed the win.
We fielded all day with some of the worst umpires (from their own team) that I have ever experienced.
This was really cheating taken to a new level. We must have had 10 plumb LBW's and none of them were given - what an absolute disgrace! I have never seen cheating like it on a cricket field. When we walked off at the end of the game to our changing room, we were given abuse and told that WE had cheated in the game - . this was rich coming from them as they had done the scoring all day and the books added up. Anyway, we left the ground thinking it was a tie and then on the Monday, an official complaint was put in by the opposition to contest the declared result. This won't be heard for a while - I don't know what the grounds were, as they are contesting our score of269, even though they put in on their website the week before as the end of the first days play score. All I can say is that I am glad we only play each team once, as I never want to play Burwood Briars ever again.
I managed to have the worst net of all time on Wednesday this week, it was one really from the rubbish pile, however, I have been put up a team for this weekend, which is the highest team I can play in, as there is another overseas playing in 1st grade. So I am happy about that, I just need to score runs now to stay there.
That is about all to report on the cricket front, but this time I will update here sooner.
Monday, 17 November 2008
Finally...............
Sorry again for a bit of delay between the posts. I forgot about it for a while, so here it is!!!!!
Well, two saturdays ago I had a feeling of some form returning. I managed to work my way to 34, before I lost a bit of concentration and managed to chip a fairly easy catch to a wide mid-off. - what a disappointment, however there was another chance to bat because we got bowled out and were asked to bat again. This was bad news, as it meant that the oppo could go for an outright win and put a lot of pressure on us.
We did not get of the the best of starts, as we found ourselves on a hat-trick ball after Patrick Duffy and Sean Mantle got bowled by nearly the same ball - both of them were bowled top of off stump - luckily Alex Wall came out to face the distinctly average hatrick ball - a full toss down leg side.
Anyway the game continued and Alex started to get a tad wound up by their captain 'Daniel Whyyn'. This was a good thing for Alex as it got him into a mindset where most of the balls were sailing a long way over the boundary, including one that almost cleared the pavilion.
He eventually got out however and the day concluded with only a first innings win for the opposition, but 3rd grades first loss of the season.
The next week (this week) was somewhat different. After saying goodbye to Jamie mid week for his trip up to Byron Bay, we had another game and for the first time Jiffy won the toss and we batted!!!! This turned out be the right call.
Patrick Duffy & I opened the batting and got through the opening hour unscathed. That was a pretty good effort, considering the ball was doing all-sorts and we survived a few close LBW decisions.
Patrick was finally out, caught behind for 60. With the opening stand of 117. we had a lot to smile about. However we lost another wicket soon afterwards, before Alex Economu came out to bat. He started to hit the ball well, however, I was given out LBW for 68, my highest score in Australia to date.
We continued to bat for a while, but lost wickets at the wrong times. There was one other partership to mention, that between Alex and Gav Scott, both of them ex 1st Grade players - Gav captained first grade last year. They build a good partership mid way through the innings.
We ended up all out for 266, which is very defendable and potentially a winning score with such a long boundaries.
The opposition had to bat for 5 overs, and we used 4 bowlers in that time to try to unsettle the opening batsmen. This did not work, as we ended up with them 0-5.
Off the field, it has been a quiet week, because of a slight lack of funds. I did, however go to the aquarium yesterday. All I can say is WOW! - there are some odd creatures in this world.
Any way just to finish off HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Mum for Wednesday - hope you have a great day.
I'll update soon.
x
Well, two saturdays ago I had a feeling of some form returning. I managed to work my way to 34, before I lost a bit of concentration and managed to chip a fairly easy catch to a wide mid-off. - what a disappointment, however there was another chance to bat because we got bowled out and were asked to bat again. This was bad news, as it meant that the oppo could go for an outright win and put a lot of pressure on us.
We did not get of the the best of starts, as we found ourselves on a hat-trick ball after Patrick Duffy and Sean Mantle got bowled by nearly the same ball - both of them were bowled top of off stump - luckily Alex Wall came out to face the distinctly average hatrick ball - a full toss down leg side.
Anyway the game continued and Alex started to get a tad wound up by their captain 'Daniel Whyyn'. This was a good thing for Alex as it got him into a mindset where most of the balls were sailing a long way over the boundary, including one that almost cleared the pavilion.
He eventually got out however and the day concluded with only a first innings win for the opposition, but 3rd grades first loss of the season.
The next week (this week) was somewhat different. After saying goodbye to Jamie mid week for his trip up to Byron Bay, we had another game and for the first time Jiffy won the toss and we batted!!!! This turned out be the right call.
Patrick Duffy & I opened the batting and got through the opening hour unscathed. That was a pretty good effort, considering the ball was doing all-sorts and we survived a few close LBW decisions.
Patrick was finally out, caught behind for 60. With the opening stand of 117. we had a lot to smile about. However we lost another wicket soon afterwards, before Alex Economu came out to bat. He started to hit the ball well, however, I was given out LBW for 68, my highest score in Australia to date.
We continued to bat for a while, but lost wickets at the wrong times. There was one other partership to mention, that between Alex and Gav Scott, both of them ex 1st Grade players - Gav captained first grade last year. They build a good partership mid way through the innings.
We ended up all out for 266, which is very defendable and potentially a winning score with such a long boundaries.
The opposition had to bat for 5 overs, and we used 4 bowlers in that time to try to unsettle the opening batsmen. This did not work, as we ended up with them 0-5.
Off the field, it has been a quiet week, because of a slight lack of funds. I did, however go to the aquarium yesterday. All I can say is WOW! - there are some odd creatures in this world.
Any way just to finish off HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Mum for Wednesday - hope you have a great day.
I'll update soon.
x
Sunday, 2 November 2008
Sorry for the delay (2)
I know it has been a long time, but there has not been much going on at my end of the world.
I have finally found a job, which is a great relief. Basically. I am one of those anoying people who stand on the street and ask you to sign up to an e-mail to promote a movie, so if I can remember your e-mail address, be expecting an e-mail because I make a bit of money out of it!!!
On the cricket front, I had a very boring, yet succesfull weekendbefore last, because I did nothing all day, even though we won, I'd managed to get myself out the week before for a duck before the end of play, which meant i had nothing to do except watch my team win well and remain undefeated.
This week was a bit different though, as we fielded first. I'd have to say that,even for my high standards, I managed to wicket keep rather well, and even managed to pick up a leg side stumping to a medium pacer - not bad hey!!! I may even take it up full time now!!! hehe.
We managed to bowl them out for 253 and had to face one over before the end of the days play. I let the night watchman take all 6 of those balls whilst I looked on!!!
I may have got myself a bit of a test next week having given their captain a bit of a send off. I think I may get a bit back!!! Come on the mental toughness!!! I will survive (i hope)!!!
I shall keep you updated on how things go this week!!
I have finally found a job, which is a great relief. Basically. I am one of those anoying people who stand on the street and ask you to sign up to an e-mail to promote a movie, so if I can remember your e-mail address, be expecting an e-mail because I make a bit of money out of it!!!
On the cricket front, I had a very boring, yet succesfull weekendbefore last, because I did nothing all day, even though we won, I'd managed to get myself out the week before for a duck before the end of play, which meant i had nothing to do except watch my team win well and remain undefeated.
This week was a bit different though, as we fielded first. I'd have to say that,even for my high standards, I managed to wicket keep rather well, and even managed to pick up a leg side stumping to a medium pacer - not bad hey!!! I may even take it up full time now!!! hehe.
We managed to bowl them out for 253 and had to face one over before the end of the days play. I let the night watchman take all 6 of those balls whilst I looked on!!!
I may have got myself a bit of a test next week having given their captain a bit of a send off. I think I may get a bit back!!! Come on the mental toughness!!! I will survive (i hope)!!!
I shall keep you updated on how things go this week!!
Saturday, 18 October 2008
Sorry for the delay
Sorry for the long delay between blogs, but I have been very busy.
I am writing this on the sunday following my worst game of the season so far...
We managed to bowl the opposition out after 75 overs, all of which I kept for in the hot 30 degree sun, but this was not the worst part of it. Next was a potentially gruelling 6 overs to bat out the day and come back next week to knock of the runs. Well.... this was not the case - I managed to edge my third ball and get caught for a duck!!!! Not very good at all and leaving my teamates in a bit of a situation next week as they have to chase 250 with only 9 wickets left.
I am absolutly gutted, knowing that I have let the team down and also only have spectator sport next saturday - not fun.
Anyway, after the game was the trivia night, which was very good indeed. I was on a team with Tom, Conrad and Jamie. however they were not much help as Jamie could not even recognise his own country (Wales) - what a nightmare!
After the trivia night, which Jiffy, 3rd grade captain won for the 2nd year in a row, we embarked on a non-heavy time in Kings Cross.
This was very unsuccesful and a bit of a disapointment, as no bar would let 4 blokes in. One club even saying that Conrad could not come in because they have a haircut policy - what a joke.
Anyway I am writing this after a run in the park, which was far far too hot for me.
Tomorrow I have a job interview for a marketing company - I have no idea what to say or do, but if anyone has any ideas about about what a marketeer does then do please enlighten me.
I shall update again soon, and happy birthday to Nik aka Ramps
I am writing this on the sunday following my worst game of the season so far...
We managed to bowl the opposition out after 75 overs, all of which I kept for in the hot 30 degree sun, but this was not the worst part of it. Next was a potentially gruelling 6 overs to bat out the day and come back next week to knock of the runs. Well.... this was not the case - I managed to edge my third ball and get caught for a duck!!!! Not very good at all and leaving my teamates in a bit of a situation next week as they have to chase 250 with only 9 wickets left.
I am absolutly gutted, knowing that I have let the team down and also only have spectator sport next saturday - not fun.
Anyway, after the game was the trivia night, which was very good indeed. I was on a team with Tom, Conrad and Jamie. however they were not much help as Jamie could not even recognise his own country (Wales) - what a nightmare!
After the trivia night, which Jiffy, 3rd grade captain won for the 2nd year in a row, we embarked on a non-heavy time in Kings Cross.
This was very unsuccesful and a bit of a disapointment, as no bar would let 4 blokes in. One club even saying that Conrad could not come in because they have a haircut policy - what a joke.
Anyway I am writing this after a run in the park, which was far far too hot for me.
Tomorrow I have a job interview for a marketing company - I have no idea what to say or do, but if anyone has any ideas about about what a marketeer does then do please enlighten me.
I shall update again soon, and happy birthday to Nik aka Ramps
Monday, 6 October 2008
The good, the bad and the drunkard
Well I have had probably the best long weekend of my life. It started on Thursday, when I, Jamie (Welshy) and Conrad decided to embark on another sightseeing trip, starting on the train to the city , which was very good and I even took a few pictures (you can't see them though).
We decided that we were hungry enough for a steak and thirsty enough for a beer. This small amount of alcohol helped us to loosen up even further and head towards the world famous Bondi beach - the sightseeing was incredible and the weather was perfect.
This led to a bar at the end of the beach, with one of the best views I have ever seen in my life, and a few more beers too.
This gave us the real taste for it, so we embarked on a retutn trip to the city, although this time we were on a mission.
We dumped our bags in a hostel and went to a place called Scubar, where we tucked ourselves into a jug of snakebite each. It's rude not too when they are $7.50 for a jug.
Jamie then decided to be the best tour guide in the world and take us to another bar - Sidebar.
The drinking continued and got to silly levels, until we met up with some very nice girls whom Conrad with his sweet tongue persuaded them to give us a lift home as they were driving and not drinking. Heros!!!!
Thankyou Lisa and Ashlee
Friday was a very sleepy day, however I did meet up with Dave Wilson and Rhys Carter when I heard everything about their Kontiki tour down under - cheers for the update.
Saturday night was another night on the town and again we enjoyed the company of Jamie and Conrad with his new ..... Lisa.
Sunday morning was again very sleepy and we did not rise until gone midday, however we then rushed out of the door for grand final day.... and it was grand. My acquired team MANLY, were in the final and they were the only team to really turn up. A forty - nil thrashing of the oppo was quite enough to get the party started and after the final whistle went, we were not thirsty as we had already consumed 12 bottles of beer - that is, before the vodka came into play.
We met up with the funniest man alive, RAY, and the party continued well into the night, moving from Manly where we started to the infamous Kings Cross, then back to Ray's for copious amounts of alcohol. 3 litres of vodka between 4 of us.
Anyways, during this eventful weekend my camera has broken and so may have my kidneys!
Oh well, I have two of them, but only one camera!!!!!
We woke up at 3pm monday afternoon and Ray appeared at 5.10pm - what a sleep and what a weekend!
Thank you to my tour guide Jamie and thank you to everyone who I have met in Sydney so far
I love it!!!!!
We decided that we were hungry enough for a steak and thirsty enough for a beer. This small amount of alcohol helped us to loosen up even further and head towards the world famous Bondi beach - the sightseeing was incredible and the weather was perfect.
This led to a bar at the end of the beach, with one of the best views I have ever seen in my life, and a few more beers too.
This gave us the real taste for it, so we embarked on a retutn trip to the city, although this time we were on a mission.
We dumped our bags in a hostel and went to a place called Scubar, where we tucked ourselves into a jug of snakebite each. It's rude not too when they are $7.50 for a jug.
Jamie then decided to be the best tour guide in the world and take us to another bar - Sidebar.
The drinking continued and got to silly levels, until we met up with some very nice girls whom Conrad with his sweet tongue persuaded them to give us a lift home as they were driving and not drinking. Heros!!!!
Thankyou Lisa and Ashlee
Friday was a very sleepy day, however I did meet up with Dave Wilson and Rhys Carter when I heard everything about their Kontiki tour down under - cheers for the update.
Saturday night was another night on the town and again we enjoyed the company of Jamie and Conrad with his new ..... Lisa.
Sunday morning was again very sleepy and we did not rise until gone midday, however we then rushed out of the door for grand final day.... and it was grand. My acquired team MANLY, were in the final and they were the only team to really turn up. A forty - nil thrashing of the oppo was quite enough to get the party started and after the final whistle went, we were not thirsty as we had already consumed 12 bottles of beer - that is, before the vodka came into play.
We met up with the funniest man alive, RAY, and the party continued well into the night, moving from Manly where we started to the infamous Kings Cross, then back to Ray's for copious amounts of alcohol. 3 litres of vodka between 4 of us.
Anyways, during this eventful weekend my camera has broken and so may have my kidneys!
Oh well, I have two of them, but only one camera!!!!!
We woke up at 3pm monday afternoon and Ray appeared at 5.10pm - what a sleep and what a weekend!
Thank you to my tour guide Jamie and thank you to everyone who I have met in Sydney so far
I love it!!!!!
Tuesday, 30 September 2008
The game and after.
Well, sorry for the delay in the writing of the blog, but I have been out of office for a while!
Saturday was the first day of the two day match which runs over two weekends and what a successful day it was too!
We bowled first and were very tight which caused the opposition to make silly mistakes and get out cheaply. This was a good way to go on a very hot 28 degree day in the field, as it meant that we didn’t worry about the heat too much as we weren’t out there for long. We bowled extremely well and caught all our catches (even me) and bowled them out for 87 before tea.
After a short (and nothing like an english) tea where I had to drink copious amounts of water we started to bat.
I opened with a guy called Sean (or prawn), although he top edged a bouncer early to depart for not many.
I got out fairly soon afterwards, however I managed to knock up 41 in the short space of time that I was out there - I got out in the worst way possible, caught at point when I nudged it to him like catching practice, what a disappointment!
But after this the real fireworks started. A moved baseball to cricket player (Ben Percy) came in to bat at 5. This was a god send in terms of the match situation. After a few hip high full tosses and a few big sixes, he found himself on about 60, when he was joined in the run scoring by ‘BOB’ as he is known. The next 133 runs came in very quick time and we didn’t loose a wicket and they ended up with the record partnership for the club for this wicket. Not only that, but we managed to pass the oppositions' score, double it and then nearly triple it in the 36 over and then declared. Ben ended on 107* and Bob on a well earned 50.
With only a few over’s left in the day we were all hoping for a few wickets to set us up for a huge innings victory next Saturday. The wickets did come with one night-watchman wicket and one of their best batsmen as well. We are very well set up for a huge win and a few beers next week.
After the game we had a few drinks before finding out that our 1st grade had fielded for 82 overs in the hot aussie sun - not nice.
Anyways I had a barbeque at Conrad’s old friends house on Sunday which turned into an all day event and I didn't wake up till 12pm the next day. Beach again today (Tuesday) which was very good - I think I am now up to date now.
I shall update it when I next get the chance!!!!
Saturday was the first day of the two day match which runs over two weekends and what a successful day it was too!
We bowled first and were very tight which caused the opposition to make silly mistakes and get out cheaply. This was a good way to go on a very hot 28 degree day in the field, as it meant that we didn’t worry about the heat too much as we weren’t out there for long. We bowled extremely well and caught all our catches (even me) and bowled them out for 87 before tea.
After a short (and nothing like an english) tea where I had to drink copious amounts of water we started to bat.
I opened with a guy called Sean (or prawn), although he top edged a bouncer early to depart for not many.
I got out fairly soon afterwards, however I managed to knock up 41 in the short space of time that I was out there - I got out in the worst way possible, caught at point when I nudged it to him like catching practice, what a disappointment!
But after this the real fireworks started. A moved baseball to cricket player (Ben Percy) came in to bat at 5. This was a god send in terms of the match situation. After a few hip high full tosses and a few big sixes, he found himself on about 60, when he was joined in the run scoring by ‘BOB’ as he is known. The next 133 runs came in very quick time and we didn’t loose a wicket and they ended up with the record partnership for the club for this wicket. Not only that, but we managed to pass the oppositions' score, double it and then nearly triple it in the 36 over and then declared. Ben ended on 107* and Bob on a well earned 50.
With only a few over’s left in the day we were all hoping for a few wickets to set us up for a huge innings victory next Saturday. The wickets did come with one night-watchman wicket and one of their best batsmen as well. We are very well set up for a huge win and a few beers next week.
After the game we had a few drinks before finding out that our 1st grade had fielded for 82 overs in the hot aussie sun - not nice.
Anyways I had a barbeque at Conrad’s old friends house on Sunday which turned into an all day event and I didn't wake up till 12pm the next day. Beach again today (Tuesday) which was very good - I think I am now up to date now.
I shall update it when I next get the chance!!!!
Friday, 26 September 2008
The beach
Yesterday I embarked on a sightseeing trip to the beach.
It was a great experience and I didn't even burn!!!!!!! I did not drycooooooook!!!!
I also had training. It was a relaxing time (at the beach that is) and the cricket went well too!!!
Today is the first game - Can't wait, all I can say is I hope we bat first as I dont fancy the 82 overs in the field at 30 degrees!!!!
Anyway I need to go to get ready for the game!! I'll keep you updated on how I go!!!
xxx
It was a great experience and I didn't even burn!!!!!!! I did not drycooooooook!!!!
I also had training. It was a relaxing time (at the beach that is) and the cricket went well too!!!
Today is the first game - Can't wait, all I can say is I hope we bat first as I dont fancy the 82 overs in the field at 30 degrees!!!!
Anyway I need to go to get ready for the game!! I'll keep you updated on how I go!!!
xxx
Thursday, 25 September 2008
new arrivals
Conrad has finally turned up!!! After his 28 hour delay and an unexpected trip to Taipai he has finally got here, which only meant one thing. - we went down the pub.
I went to Sydney centre yesterday which was a very nice experience. I saw the harbour bridge and the Opera House, as well as lunch time in the city on a nice sunny day. I'll leave the rest to your own imagination.
Well tommorrow is training, as well a a visit to the beach. I can't wait to get a bit of proper sun.
I'll keep you updated.
Speak soon.
I went to Sydney centre yesterday which was a very nice experience. I saw the harbour bridge and the Opera House, as well as lunch time in the city on a nice sunny day. I'll leave the rest to your own imagination.
Well tommorrow is training, as well a a visit to the beach. I can't wait to get a bit of proper sun.
I'll keep you updated.
Speak soon.
Wednesday, 24 September 2008
first outdoors training
The day started with an early get up to meet the other overseas who I shall be living with for the next 6 1/2 months, so I got up, showered and changed to meet him at the correct time, however it was not to be. I waited and waited. all to no avail though, as his flight from Hong Kong had been delayed by 24 hours due to bad weather in China. Shame. Oh well there is always tommorrow.
Anyway I had a training session this afternoon and it was a good one. I batted OK, bowled for ages again and finally I have caught some slip catches for the first time in 3 years!!!! woohoo
I am a bit stiff now but happy. Tommorrow I am off to Sydney to see the bridge and the rest.
I shall try to take some photos, though don't hold your breath.
Anyway I had a training session this afternoon and it was a good one. I batted OK, bowled for ages again and finally I have caught some slip catches for the first time in 3 years!!!! woohoo
I am a bit stiff now but happy. Tommorrow I am off to Sydney to see the bridge and the rest.
I shall try to take some photos, though don't hold your breath.
Tuesday, 23 September 2008
nothing really to report
I may have brought the weather with me, as the day in Sydney was wet , cold and windy. Not nice. I woke up to the sound of rain on the window, and decided that I should go back to sleep until it stoped raining!!!! It did at about 10 00 and I got up.
However, I had a fairly uneventful day as I did nothing, and even bored myself so much that I went for a run!!! So not much to report today, except another overseas comes tomorrow, Conrad from a club in Boston (UK that is).
Nothing else to report really!!!
However, I had a fairly uneventful day as I did nothing, and even bored myself so much that I went for a run!!! So not much to report today, except another overseas comes tomorrow, Conrad from a club in Boston (UK that is).
Nothing else to report really!!!
Monday, 22 September 2008
new cricket
I have played cricket for the first time today!!! indoors!!!
This is not the rubbish that gets played in a changing room during an english rain break, this is proper indoor cricket!!! wow it is different!!!
I went along to watch, to get an idea of the game in the hope that I may get a game in the future if they were ever short!! My time came earlier than expected! Whilst sitting down trying to learn the rules and regs, some one came up and said they were a man short and would I play. Well as Bruce had said to bring my kit with me, I was raring to go, even though I had no real clue of what to do!
Batting first, I hit the ball in some odd areas, but it turned out to be strangely affective, or that's what I thought!! Next was fielding - a slightly different story. I can only describe it as a mix between rackets (large and fast squash) and fielding at gully. What a nightmare, with the not so soft ball flying anywhere and everywhere. I can't say i was the best at that!! Anyway I have had the experience and I can only hope they are short again next week.
This is not the rubbish that gets played in a changing room during an english rain break, this is proper indoor cricket!!! wow it is different!!!
I went along to watch, to get an idea of the game in the hope that I may get a game in the future if they were ever short!! My time came earlier than expected! Whilst sitting down trying to learn the rules and regs, some one came up and said they were a man short and would I play. Well as Bruce had said to bring my kit with me, I was raring to go, even though I had no real clue of what to do!
Batting first, I hit the ball in some odd areas, but it turned out to be strangely affective, or that's what I thought!! Next was fielding - a slightly different story. I can only describe it as a mix between rackets (large and fast squash) and fielding at gully. What a nightmare, with the not so soft ball flying anywhere and everywhere. I can't say i was the best at that!! Anyway I have had the experience and I can only hope they are short again next week.
Sunday, 21 September 2008
days after one
Well....
I had my first session on Sunday, which was an experience, as I had to bowl pretty much non stop for and hour and a half - the body is not used to that!!!!
After that there was a social at the bowling club (lawn bowls that is), and I even managed to get a game in, however unsuccesfully as I lost 15:8.
After that I was again in bed very early due to a bit of jet lag still.
I managed to get a phone in the end today after a mission trying to get the old credit card to work!!!! Bloody Barclays!!!!
Anyway I have moved into my 2nd accomodation now and have got settled a bit!!!
I shall update you further soon!!!
P.S. I got some club kit!!!- very nice. Maybe Amersham can take some hints. hehe
I had my first session on Sunday, which was an experience, as I had to bowl pretty much non stop for and hour and a half - the body is not used to that!!!!
After that there was a social at the bowling club (lawn bowls that is), and I even managed to get a game in, however unsuccesfully as I lost 15:8.
After that I was again in bed very early due to a bit of jet lag still.
I managed to get a phone in the end today after a mission trying to get the old credit card to work!!!! Bloody Barclays!!!!
Anyway I have moved into my 2nd accomodation now and have got settled a bit!!!
I shall update you further soon!!!
P.S. I got some club kit!!!- very nice. Maybe Amersham can take some hints. hehe
Day one
Well after a very tiresome flight where I managed to watch a fair few rubbish films and a ridiculous amount of repeat episodes of TV in England I am finally in Australia!!!
The weather is probably warmer than it has been in England for some years even though people are still walking about in jumpers!!! Strange world!!!
Bruce (the guy who has sorted this whole trip out for me) picked me up from the airport and we embarked on a journey around the city as he showed me around the beaches and the cricket grounds that I will play at in the future!
After a busy morning of sights around the town I was treated to Steve Carters favourite food stuff in Australia ‘potato scallops’. (This is a potato slice dipped in flour, batter and then deep fried before being covered in salt).
I managed to stay up until about 9:30 before I could take it no longer and had to go to bed.
A very enjoyable day and tomorrow is the first net session for the season. I can’t wait!!!!
The weather is probably warmer than it has been in England for some years even though people are still walking about in jumpers!!! Strange world!!!
Bruce (the guy who has sorted this whole trip out for me) picked me up from the airport and we embarked on a journey around the city as he showed me around the beaches and the cricket grounds that I will play at in the future!
After a busy morning of sights around the town I was treated to Steve Carters favourite food stuff in Australia ‘potato scallops’. (This is a potato slice dipped in flour, batter and then deep fried before being covered in salt).
I managed to stay up until about 9:30 before I could take it no longer and had to go to bed.
A very enjoyable day and tomorrow is the first net session for the season. I can’t wait!!!!
Friday, 19 September 2008
He got there!
Not posted by Elliot, but by his father - looks as though he's fallen on his feet again - below is the e-mail received from the Chairman / President of the Club that he is joining over there!
Elliot should have Internet access soon, so can post his own tales and hopefully some pictures as well.
Philip,
He has had a sleep this afternoon, had dinner at my place and I have just
taken him home at 10pm our time - a very tired young man. I recommended to
him that he sleep as long as he could now - so his body will adjust to
Australian time.
This morning we had a quick look around and checked out both Bondi and
Cronulla beaches. He seemed impressed with that - and not just for the
beaches - if you know what I mean!! It was a sensational day here today. The
weather forecast looks reasonable for play next weekend...see following: http://www.weatherzone.com.au/nsw/sydney/peakhurst
For your info - there have been a couple of changes accommodation wise for
Elliott - all for the better in my opinion. Tonight and tomorrow night he is
staying at a motel nearby due to his accommodation not being quite ready
until Sunday night. The club will meet this cost and he is very comfortable.
He will move to Hannans Rd Riverwood on Sunday 21st Sept, and then on the
11th October will move into a 3 bedroom house with our 2 other english lads
in Bay Rd Oatley - which is a far more pleasant location - with plenty of
bush, some great bush walks yet all facilities (shops, transporst etc) close
by and still close to our grounds. When you come over here you will see what
I mean.
I have attached a link from Google Earth for a picture of it - and on the
top left - there is a golf course!
http://maps.google.com.au/maps?hl=en&tab=wl
The reason for this is through a past player when chasing accommodation for
the other 2 lads, I was able to secure a 3 bedroom house. The rent for this
place is $420 per week and with 2 lads would be $210 each per week -
unaffordable. However with 3 lads it comes back to$140 each - which is still
the same as what Elliott would be paying at Hannans Rd.
We will fully furnish the house for the lads, and really this property gives
them all their "own space", support each other and also a chance to
experience life more.
I will pick him up for training tomorrow at 11.45am - and we will train
until 4pm. Tomorrow night we are having our gradings night at our sponsors
club where the teams are named for round 1. Keep an eye on our web site for
more information - www.georgesriverdcc.com
Also daylight saving starts here on the 5th October - so when calling
Elliott - dont forget to add the extra hour.
Any issues - please phone me at home.
All is very good and no need to worry.
Cheers
Bruce
Elliot should have Internet access soon, so can post his own tales and hopefully some pictures as well.
Philip,
He has had a sleep this afternoon, had dinner at my place and I have just
taken him home at 10pm our time - a very tired young man. I recommended to
him that he sleep as long as he could now - so his body will adjust to
Australian time.
This morning we had a quick look around and checked out both Bondi and
Cronulla beaches. He seemed impressed with that - and not just for the
beaches - if you know what I mean!! It was a sensational day here today. The
weather forecast looks reasonable for play next weekend...see following: http://www.weatherzone.com.au/nsw/sydney/peakhurst
For your info - there have been a couple of changes accommodation wise for
Elliott - all for the better in my opinion. Tonight and tomorrow night he is
staying at a motel nearby due to his accommodation not being quite ready
until Sunday night. The club will meet this cost and he is very comfortable.
He will move to Hannans Rd Riverwood on Sunday 21st Sept, and then on the
11th October will move into a 3 bedroom house with our 2 other english lads
in Bay Rd Oatley - which is a far more pleasant location - with plenty of
bush, some great bush walks yet all facilities (shops, transporst etc) close
by and still close to our grounds. When you come over here you will see what
I mean.
I have attached a link from Google Earth for a picture of it - and on the
top left - there is a golf course!
http://maps.google.com.au/maps?hl=en&tab=wl
The reason for this is through a past player when chasing accommodation for
the other 2 lads, I was able to secure a 3 bedroom house. The rent for this
place is $420 per week and with 2 lads would be $210 each per week -
unaffordable. However with 3 lads it comes back to$140 each - which is still
the same as what Elliott would be paying at Hannans Rd.
We will fully furnish the house for the lads, and really this property gives
them all their "own space", support each other and also a chance to
experience life more.
I will pick him up for training tomorrow at 11.45am - and we will train
until 4pm. Tomorrow night we are having our gradings night at our sponsors
club where the teams are named for round 1. Keep an eye on our web site for
more information - www.georgesriverdcc.com
Also daylight saving starts here on the 5th October - so when calling
Elliott - dont forget to add the extra hour.
Any issues - please phone me at home.
All is very good and no need to worry.
Cheers
Bruce
Tuesday, 16 September 2008
Leaving soon
So here we are, 36 hours or so from departure and fitting a last game of golf in with the school mates before leaving Heathrow tomorrow night - worried - Nah!, but perhaps a bit apprehensive.
Got all the stuff to take over to Rhys with me and had a farewell curry with my grandparents, sister & parents last night at Spice & Herbs in Amersham - bet I don't get a better curry over there, but hey, I'm willing to try.
So, it's off on Virgin VS200 @ 22:30 tomorrow - let's hope I get upgraded from cattle / outside toilet class!
Got all the stuff to take over to Rhys with me and had a farewell curry with my grandparents, sister & parents last night at Spice & Herbs in Amersham - bet I don't get a better curry over there, but hey, I'm willing to try.
So, it's off on Virgin VS200 @ 22:30 tomorrow - let's hope I get upgraded from cattle / outside toilet class!
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