A first grade cricketer has had an underwhelming fill-in appearance.
With the Belconnen Bulls’ first grade side rotating players before the finals, fast bowler Simon Flanders chose to play for the thirds (out of finals contention and short on players) for extra match practice.
But Simon’s cameo in the two-day game against Evatt didn’t start well.
“We bowled first and I took 2/50 off 10 overs. While I got the last two wickets, I was pretty pissed off at myself,” said Simon. “I didn’t feel like talking to anyone after, so I volunteered at square leg so I could think about what I did.”
While Simon got some grief from his first grade teammates that night, he said he deserved it.
“It was my fault for getting complacent. I thought I’d just turn up and take a bag. I should have taken it more seriously.”
Though Simon’s attitude changed, turning up to training early on Thursday and having a long bat and bowl. It paid off on day two, as he came in at number eight and made 50 not out as Belconnen took a 100-run first innings lead. Then he took 5/10 as the Bulls won by an innings.
“I know first grade finals are more important, but I wanted to prove a point. A few of the Evatt boys said I was taking the piss coming down to their grade. I wasn’t switched on the first day and I had to make amends.”
Though the Bulls third grade captain wasn’t surprised by Simon’s approach. “Most of our boys are counting down the days until the off-season, so I can’t blame him for thinking he’d walk up and dominate – he’s pretty scary in the nets. But he made the most of it on the second day. And the boys enjoyed having him around.”
The Gurgler presents stories of the Park Cricketer, where we explore the lower reaches of the great game of cricket from the suburban ovals and rural grounds across Australia.
