You could not write a more poignant cricketing script than that of yesterday at Marespool.
To Joe Phillips, it was not scoring centuries on consecutive Saturdays that mattered nor was it that his 2nd XI got fairly thrashed by Swansea that mattered.
No, it was the fact that his beloved grandfather and loyal Club Vice President Dave Norman had passed away yesterday morning. Joe decided he would honour Dave’s immense contribution to his own upbringing as a one-club cricketer and turn out for our 2nd XI regardless. He also decided to not tell his mates of the news until later in the afternoon.
So, openers Joe & Harri Turner strode out to open the batting on a day not ideal for cricket. Indeed, the 1st XI’s game at Clydach had already gone west earlier on owing to rain.
These guys put on 218 before Harri was out for 93 off 99 balls faced, smashing 8 fours & 3 sixes en route! Joe was eventually dismissed for 119 (12 fours) from 135 deliveries. MCC 232-3 at tea. Nice one, Joe!
In reply, however, Swansea wasted no time in overhauling our score in the 28th over, with just 2 wickets down. Manny Masahya (122no) duly added a century of his own.
At Aberdare, our ‘A’ XI were also soundly defeated. Our hosts put together a total of 177-7 before bowling our lads out for 137 in the penultimate over.
As for Dave Norman, you will be greatly missed, sir. Whether as, over many years, mother of 2nd XI scorer Karen, grandad/mentor to her boy Joe, coach within our Junior section, 1st XI scorer, ever-present Club Vice President (along with his wife, Christine), raconteur of his stories as a keen & noted sailor..and the only man who could be trusted to hoist the Club’s flag correctly!
Dave Norman, we salute you and we thank you.