The Lee Cricket ClubBy Jon Swain
On a Saturday in November The Lee Cricket Club U12s visited Lords for the second successive year, part of the reward for winning the Bucks U12 championship last year. They, together with proud parents, were treated to a tour of the wonderful home of cricket and allowed access to areas normally out of bounds. They sat in Freddie Flintoff’s seat, gazed in awe at the great names on the Honours Boards and dreamt of one day perhaps…
They marvelled at the Brian Lara exhibition in the museum and moved quietly through the Long Room. The greatest thrill was to come…
Having gazed on portraits and photographs of great players they made their way to the Indoor School where they received a two hour coaching session. Watching from behind the bowlers in the nets was a lithe West Indian.
Having completed his net, one of our tyros went to take off his pads and
found himself next to the West Indian who was padding up. “Well played” he
was told and was grateful. He responded “You’re like Brian Lara”. “I am Brian
Lara” replied the great man. And indeed he was – there to participate in
a net session with some lucky youngsters who had bid in an auction for the
privilege!Our boys from The Lee, as competitive as ever, soon muscled in and persuaded the genius to sign their bats, shirts, gloves et al. With endless patience and charm he acquiesced and some delighted cricketers now dare not use their bats in case the autograph is worn away. Then he batted and showed he still has the footwork of a dancer.
Great news on the Clubhouse; we have our planning permission for renovating it. We hope to begin by the time you read this. Thank you all who have supported this application.