C Boomer's Cricket Poetry.

[C Boomer]

Sadly nowadays, even amateur club cricket is becoming more professional with many choosing to put money before principle at any 'cost' !
So just in case you're ever tempted, may I urge careful thought and prudence before plunging headfirst into the unknown, for as we all know, calm seas don't remain that way for long !

Farmer Fred

A bunch burly of northern cricket players
sought a credulous cash cow,
so headed south to procure purveyors
not even taking time to say 'chow'

Stopping at a village quintessential
resplendent in floral decor,
impressed by the apparent potential,
for it was steeped in cricket lore

In order to attain premier dollar
first, they must exhibit ware,
so from rooftops, loudly did holler,
'We'll easy beat your team on yon square'

News spread quickly of this bold impugn
and folk rallied to the cause,
their kinship collective and commune
just as it was, back in both world wars

Next day on green village square
large crowds congregated,
to watch their heroes debonair
face off, against northerners migrated

The toss fell for north's skipper
who elected to bat first,
and with their openers looking chipper,
the home side soon feared the worst

But when involved in bloody, bitter battle
men of guile and guts come fore,
so Fred, a farmer of purebred beef cattle
was called upon to check advancing score

A most unusual, unorthodox slow bowler
made that cherry dance like a fairy,
in the mould of Awdry's portly controller
took command, batsmen no time to parry

Both openers fell flatly, one after other
as did the rest, just like collapsing cards,
for when Fred's on form, nothing's a bother
an exceptional bowler, between 22 yards

Despite such encouraging beginnings
the journeymen were skittled out,
and as for chasing such a paltry innings
Fred stood aside, let colleagues complete the rout

So the moral of this tale is clear and primeval
grass looks greener, when viewed ahead,
and lure of easy money, oft causes upheaval
especially against a wily bowler, known as farmer Fred !

(Awdry's portly controller refers to a character from the Reverend Wilbert Awdry's famous children stories about Thomas the Tank Engine and one of the central characters along with Thomas and his friends was 'The Fat Controller')

 

[C Boomer]

Hashim Amela always walks....

My cup runneth over

Though the well may be dry
no need to sadly sigh
and wither on the vine
For the challenge of life
in comfort or in strife
is to walk the righteous line

The spoils of decadence
soon rapidly condense
viewed through, discerning eye
If consumed by wanton greed
a heart cannot bleed
when little children cry

The corrupt and morally unshaven
seek sanctuary or haven
behind walls of ill-repute
But a house is not a home
if built on tainted loam
and will bearforth, rancid fruit

So take a leaf from the good book
don’t grapple on the hook
of avarice or imposition
For if the soul is pure
it is written de facto, de jure
your cup will overflow, through wise volition

 

[C Boomer]

Don't believe all you read in the paparazzi papers ??

Rumours

Listen to my story, a poetic allegory
your reputation, how to keep

Avoid gossip idle, and a lawsuit libel
for talk is often cheap

A rumour is a social cancer, not the definitive answer
and difficult to contain

It makes silly asses, of countless masses
on entering the brain

And what is stranger, adding to the danger
these rumours seem like fun

Hence spreading infection, of invidious deception
without a smoking gun

If rumour is part truth, only a clever sleuth
can pinpoint its source

Thus it spreads profuse, like Chinese whispers, let loose
mutating into topical discourse

So don't bite a poisonous apple, or in hearsay dabble
for both are subterfuge

Question a rumour's validity, to counter its morbidity
and not look a stooge

Trust to wise judgement, should a rumour augment
then nip it in the bud

For ignorance is bliss and what's more, is this..
Red not green, the colour of your blood !





Posted 10/01/16 (20:39)

 

[C Boomer]

He only played the two competitive games last season, yet left a favourable imprint on those involved and spectators alike. And even if old bones will groan, creek and may someday even give way, his enthusiasm abounds...

Fight the good fight

As an unassuming, energetic lad, he enjoyed a bit a craic
never gleaned or nurtured, like privileged Etonian stock
his upbringing less kid gloved, he carried his own sack
sidestepped idle talk, preferring more to walk the walk

That chosen path was cumbersome with many a jagged edge
but his gait was ever forthright, purpose in his stride
and if the way was blocked, he'd always find a wedge
to help remove the obstacle, then journey on with pride

Born of competitive spirit, he played the gentleman's fine game
indulged in victory's adulation, reverent in defeat
aware that when the crowd had gone, it was a moment's fame
and they'll judge not if you win or lose, but how you did compete

Faced down the aggressive tyrant, affording him scant regard
the thief he had no time for, chased him from the place
as for the sly old fox, spouting innuendo, conceit and canard
he silenced him in one fell blow, when he said it straight to his face

And now a chivalrous octogenarian, still, he has guts and soul
adversity he obliterates, from a self-effacing, humble turret
with truth and virtue by his side, he has but one treasured goal
to onwards fight the good fight, knowing, if the flesh should wane...
willing is the spirit!

 

[Dutch]

Bam! Boomer's back!

 

[C Boomer]

It's not that long ago when the all conquering Australian side seemed invincible,
though nowadays a pale shadow of their former selves, reduced to accusing their
opponents of cheating cause one guy was seen sucking a boiled sweet ?

Dearie me, how the mighty have fallen...

Ode to Arthur

They came from the land down under, where woman whinge and men blunder
dressed in yellow, donning baggy green caps, a touring team of cocksure chaps
each six foot plus and full of muscle, they'd journeyed far to pillage and rustle

Their coach a moustachioed man named Rod, a kind of loud, abrasive sod
stood on his soapbox and appealed, his likely lads were unbeaten on the field
his bowlers fast like Thommo and Lilly, his batsmen made others look rather silly

And so it proved to be no idle boast, they vanquished all from coast to coast
with county sides they wiped the boards, and even stuffed the M.C.C. at Lords
then just a week before the first test, they boarded a boat and duly sailed west

Their first port of call a country pub, who's landlord Arthur sponsored a cricket club
himself the chairman of that team, on recognising his patrons, began to scheme
' would you fine men consider a game, against our village side? ' He did proclaim

At first they scoffed at his bold address, considering it a pointless, no contest
Preoccupied, lapping up the liquid black, like thirsty dingos from the outback
But Arthur was not the least put out, offering the winners gallons of free stout

The temptation proved much to great, as up spoke Rod, ' good on ya mate
let's get it on straight after lunch,' then downed a pint with a stiff rum punch
So at two o'clock on a pleasant day, two sides faced off and began to play

The touring skipper called the toss, bowling first in hope he'd be back on the sauce
and yes they bowled at lightening pace, but most deliveries went all over the place
sundries aplenty kept the scoreboard moving, as Rod looked on so disapproving

Soon one hundred on the board, even though both batsmen had hardly scored
They turned to spin and a guy named Shane, but this caused Rod even more pain
as though it turned it must be said, every ball was short and pitched outside leg

With two hundred runs easily accrued, the home side declared, Rod now subdued
When his opening batsman took guard, the umpire remarked, 'towards you a yard'
And on receipt of the first red cherry, he swiped and missed, no more to tarry

So began a limp procession, ten hapless batsmen all dismissed in similar fashion
No player reached double figures and with each wicket, louder grew the sniggers
And as for Rod such was the disgrace, his coiffed moustache fell from his red face

As his rambunctious side began to chunder, Rod resigned and returned down under
bypassed the poms and conceded the test series, as to why there's lots of theories
The secret known only on the Emerald Isle, where a landlord pours a pint with a smile?

( chunder...Aussie slang for vomiting)

Arthur Guinness - Wikipedia

 

[C Boomer]

Merry Christmas to all here on Planet Cricket!

 

[C Boomer]

Fortescue's dilemma..

Lord Fortescue could not sit alone
and bide away precious time,
always by the book, no babbling brook
straight talking his regime

A retired colonel, a decorated career
served King and country well,
though civvy street, gave him itchy feet
so he began to rebel

After dinner parties at his home grand
guests, ceremoniously drilled,
and any gentleman, whose boots were bland
made aware of his déshabillé

And when the vicar called for weekly visit
he too, subject of short shrift,
shown the front door, for nothing more
than asking for philanthropic gift

Though once a colonel, his wife, the general
finally had enough,
the good Fortescue name, must not be shamed
so took him by the scruff

"Horace, my fine fellow, now listen here
relinquish your dominion,
accept your station or take permanent vacation
none regard, inflated opinion!"

But Smithers the family butler, long standing
listening with keen antenna,
knew the master's malcontent, not his natural bent
sought cure for this dilemma

He organised a local cricket match
the venue, Fortescue's estate,
his Lordship chipper, appointed himself skipper
of that, there was no debate

A fine, competitive game ensued
Fortescue led by example,
his innings prolific, his leadership terrific
courageously, he bore the mantle

Out LBW on ninety-nine, adjudged by umpire Smithers
but acceptingly, he departed,
as applause pulsated, reputation reinstated
ne'er again, stand-offish nor cold hearted

The old military officer, now back to former self
willow replaced, the swagger-stick,
aided by stellar gent, Smithers, his manservant
knew what made the master tick

And as for Lady Fortescue, a woman of substance
relieved the worm had turned,
no more in dread, her husband brings his bat to bed
between them, things now feel firm!

 

[Dutch]

Ha Ha that last verse! Nice!

 

[C Boomer]

Our domestic season almost finished, just this coming weekend to decide promotion or the dreaded drop for a few teams, senior 1 in particular http://www.northerncricketunion.org/

 

[C Boomer]

Good luck to those teams preparing for their remaining all important league defining games this weekend, but whatever the outcome, I reckon we all owe our president an enormous amount of thanks and gratitude for his sterling service and no small amount of effort he has given during his term in office...

A salute to the President

A former Comber, North Down resident
2018, accepted office of NCU president
a once fine cricketer, this dapper gent
with welcome smile and posh accent
like a meandering, migrating goose brent
at every cricket club, he did frequent

A distinguished General will cement
moral of battalion and thus augment
fair play, bravery, discourage dissent
instil principle, encourage and ferment
that's how he played, so where he went
his badge of honour, proud to represent

Be it illustrious kingpins, crowning advent
or hopeful juniors, chance to ascent
he graced each venue with joyful intent
and if the weather would turn inclement
open his umbrella or stand under a tent
'Carpe diem' .. he knew what that meant

We may not see his like again, our lament
for his seat in throne, just a yearly event
with players and supporters, had consent
made his mark, indelible imprint, his present
autographed books, no payment nor rent..
Thank you Clarence, forever indebted to the highest extent!

http://www.northerncricketunion.org/database/thencu/officials.shtml

 

[zimrahil]

Good luck to those teams preparing for their remaining all important league defining games this weekend, but whatever the outcome, I reckon we all owe our president an enormous amount of thanks and gratitude for his sterling service and no small amount of effort he has given during his term in office...

A salute to the President
A former Comber, North Down resident
2018, accepted office of NCU president
a once fine cricketer, this dapper gent
with welcome smile and posh accent
like a meandering, migrating goose brent
at every cricket club, he did frequent

A distinguished General will cement
moral of battalion and thus augment
fair play, bravery, discourage dissent
instil principle, encourage and ferment
that's how he played, so where he went
his badge of honour, proud to represent

Be it illustrious kingpins, crowning advent
or hopeful juniors, chance to ascent
he graced each venue with joyful intent
and if the weather would turn inclement
open his umbrella or stand under a tent
'Carpe diem' .. he knew what that meant

We may not see his like again, our lament
for his seat in throne, just a yearly event
with players and supporters, had consent
made his mark, indelible imprint, his present
autographed books, no payment nor rent..
Thank you Clarence, forever indebted to the highest extent!

http://www.northerncricketunion.org/database/thencu/officials.shtml

welcome back?

 

[C Boomer]

After near 25 years of playing cricket, today I had my first opportunity
to watch a complete game above and beyond my own league,
and yes indeed, what an excellent advertisement it was for local cricket
at the iconic Wallace Park setting. Lisburn entertaining Donacloney in a
thrilling match with the home side too strong on the day, though
the absence of the holidaying Dawson and a bad ankle injury during play
to the 'Cloney skipper, surely hampered their run chase, but take
nothing away from Lisburn, an exciting and very talented all round outfit,
doubtless well worthy of the league championship.
And as it transpired, providence being what it is, Donacloney maintain
league status, they have a fine, eclectic mix of players and in my humble
opinion, certainly did not deserve the dreaded drop.

Yes, I sure enjoyed myself, despite one minor complaint
that is...

My Big Day Out

I packed my flask and sandwiches, took seat by picket fence
the watching crowd expectant, boy, they got a show,
fine bowling, superb batsmanship, no quarter given nor asked
many dignitaries in attendance, from now and long ago

Though late in the season, rain tried, but did not spoil the day
as after all, Mother Nature appreciates a game of cricket,
two hundred runs accumulated, the batsmen, they dug deep
though bowling, fielding excellent, well earned each wicket

Turn around after splendid tea, home side determined to defend
their bowlers took a stranglehold, backed up in the field,
try as they might, visiting batsmen, could not get a partnership
despite late lusty blows, wickets fell, a home win was sealed

So when all is said and done, someone must win, someone lose
it's why we enjoy the game, and I got to meet important folk,
everyone so very cordial and polite, when I introduced myself
told them I'm a cricketer too, alas, they'd never heard of such a bloke?

(Well that's it done & dusted for another season, and if the almighty umpire in the sky doesn't raise a beckoning fore finger on my innings to date, hope to see you all again next year... winter well friends)

http://www.northerncricketunion.org/database/2018/leagues/League1.shtml

 

[C Boomer]

Was considering retiring from the game, but then again. the fireside, pipe & slippers can wait, well at least till end of September anyways..

Hobson's Choice ..

Creaking, groaning joints, aches, pains
guess my bones are getting brittle,
stiff and sore, alas, not supple anymore
a fall could see me, land in hospital

Where once I caught bolts of lightning
returned skywards, nonchalantly
these days, all I catch, the common cold
do older men, think retrospectively?

Yet, despite snow up top, fire burns below
chastens morbid thoughts of slumber,
petrichor, aroma of fresh cut grass, stirs
senses, defeatism is ripped asunder

The feel of leather, carved willow in hand
inspires, adds rhyme to reason,
better to go glorious, in company gregarious..
I'm gonna play again this season

 

[C Boomer]

Despite two early cry-off's, and a narrow loss, it was a fun day out for all ....

Muckamore V's away ..

Our day began poorly
early cry off, one down
soon ten became nine
another not found

Skipper Ben unfettered
neither Bob nor Matt,
two fry up’s in Maloney's,
at Muckamore into bat

Fifty partnership, classy
next Ben solid, strong,
Josh liked their bowling
hit them over long off/on

106 of 25, splendid effort
no quick turn around,
Bob & Matt hungry again
sarnies, scoffed down

Opening pair accurate
gave zilch away,
Daniel Greenaway, keeper,
caught everything his way

Streaky runs, Benzo on
bagged 4 wickets fine,
a few boundaries, Matt
got one of a catch sublime

So close, alas, it got away
Muckamore got the runs,
afterwards to the chippy
Matt, Bob ate battered buns

A grand day’s cricket no doubt
man of the match, guess who?
neither Ben, Bob, Matt norJosh,
but Daniel, 3 catches on debut

http://www.northerncricketunion.org/database/2019/leagues/Junior7.shtml

( I play for Victoria 2nds )