Tag: Paddington Recreation Ground

We do do Nets

Lallingrad
Lallingrad in full form

We had our first net last Wednesday and it was EXCELLENT. Six turned out and we thwacked our way through two hours. Great to sweat in the net again. Of course, we had to thoroughly discuss the skills afterwards in a hot-bed discussion workshop in the pub. ANALITCH provided us with some fascinating stories, the likes of which I am only just recovering from. More please!

Anyone can book a net, it’s not rocket science. But until then I shall book another net for the week after our drinks! They really are a great way of building the team morale, boosting abilities and knackering yourself out.

NET Comrades!
NET Comrades!

The beauty of nets

Lallingrad AKA Vikram Lall
Lallingrad AKA Vikram Lall

Comrades!

Such is the beauty of nets, we can celebrate two new recruits. Vikram Lall, now LALLINGRAD is pictured here and also, Russell Townley, equally strong and vigorous, who I failed to photograph. Both were lured by the sporting righteousness of the SCC and our fun approach to the challenge that is cricket. Lallingrad is a great medium pace bowler with some interesting wristy actions, and Russell (yet to be renamed) is a very enthusiastic all rounder with a stoical batting approach.

We need to be getting netty, comrades. We need to get that muscle memory back and improve our stamina. What better way to get to bed in the winter/spring than with that dull ache in the lower back, those stiff arm muscles and the sense of satisfaction at re-bonding those SCC comradeships. It always has an undoubted beneficial effect on our skills so please try and get down to some.

Sleet Nets
Sleet Nets

What about the terrible weather? Well comrades, we net on. Over the years we have netted in showers, temperatures below zero and last week, in sleet from above (as opposed to that from below?!?). But wrap up, getting bowling and batting and you will soon be warm and invigorated. It’s the kind of determination of spirit that saw us have our great victories of last year, Lindfield and Xiles to name but a few (well, most I suppose!)

When are the next nets – Next week, either Tuesday or Thursday. Details will follow and it will be awesome. It will no doubt be at Paddington Rec and is a fave of the collective. So comrades,  get along!

Brandonovski in Street Sweeper style
Brandonovski in Street Sweeper style

Net thrills give way to Match excitement

Altmananov
Altmananov

Comrades!

Last night we had an excellent net session. I was delighted to see a new face, Tom Mayhew – long time friend and sporting comrade to our very fine Cobramovich. Also joining us was VCC (and SCC occasional) – most welcome Rob Muller. Both he and Tom will be needing a CCCP nickname so comrades, get thinking. At the nets too was recent acquisition, John Hirst (nick name please!), Robski, Danny “Hillerenka”, Brandonovski, Altmananov and myself, Yuri.

Comrade Muller proved a happy addition to the night as he was able to bring in his more extensive knowledge of the game and bring out the best of some our fine comrades. Thank you, Rob. SCC’s Robski was lucky to get some batting tips and we all agree that his style and dare i say, communist elegance is sweeping to the fore. Those long limbed swipes of the willow seemed ineffably easy and elegant.

New comrade Mayhew (man of sound excellence!) proved a very useful addition. A fast pair of arms and wrists was putting away nearly all deliveries. Luckily he also posesses some quick reactions and could drop quickly from an over of bouncers I pitched up. His bowling too was good and tight and we look forward to seeing him with us on Friday.

Comrade Hirst, good to his word and eager to attend was pitching some fantastic full length deliveries which seemed to slip through like a soldering iron through tissue. I only got to put a few down to him whilst batting but already I see our batting strength increasing for this season.

Altmananov, stoical, solid, bright eyed and fast to spot the ball was working on some find Dorothy action, dotting the ball solidly and we shall be requiring plenty of that as the season develops. Those pesky late order slips need halting and Altmananov will supply. Bloody good with arm I feel and mid/close fielding will be in order!

It is hard to summaries the beauty of Hillerenka behind the stumps. A more affable and sprightly pair of hands are only made less important by the terrific sledging ability this comrade is capable of. No oppo could fail to admire the terrific verbal banter which sets them off ease and their bales on the grass. But comrades, a true wicky and slip ability and I know that Robski will be keeping his eyes open and learning. With comrade commissar captain Marx, Hillerenka and Robski, I feel we have a great little wicky and slip team. Bravo comrades.

To Brandonovski who I noticed was full of Vim and Vigor last night. Encore! The bat was machete’ing through the wayward balls. I was desperate to “Dorothy” him but rarely had the chance and all we could sledge was an umpiring shout down which barely did us justice. The side-arm is a lethal weapon in Brandonovski’s hands and has really provided some excellent batting opportunities. Personally comrade, More. I want more. I want that ball zipping passed my feet. Let’s aim for an 80mph delivery!!!

As for me, much happier with my beloved Matrix bat. Even down the offside I feel and inkling towards a drive but I must get my head over more and stop pitching it up for a catch. Bowling, well i feel that right arm round and slip/wicky nick is my bowl for the season!

So to this Friday and our game : http://2ht.2f2.mywebsitetransfer.com/?event=scc-versus-bafa-cc-2020-friday-may-3rd The season truly begins. Comrades – it will be fun and a gentle start to the season. The spirit of this event is just right as we are going to be helping BAFTA out with numbers and we are all keen to get our eyes in. Let’s have fun and play dricket.

Semper Sodales, fors et victores!

Do Svidaniya!