As is the way of modern society, it's at the very highest echelons of the game where the razzmatazz, the buzz and the publicity occurs. Here the press are ever omnipresent, scrutinising every move of the top players both on and off field, after all, who's interested in what goes on at grassroots level? No celebrity, sporting superstars here, hence no flashing cameras, autograph seekers or journalists aplenty to be seen!
But I allude its at this very basic level where the real 'superstars' of the game are to be found ?
'Robbie Streat' a senior player at my cricket club, on being told of the sad news that due to a serious knee injury his playing days must end forthwith, bravely chooses not to simply give up and walk away from the game he dearly loves, but rather takes a more pragmatic approach and views his current plight as an opportunity to begin the next phase of his illustrious cricketing career'
Professionalism, loyalty, courage in a man at their resounding best, indeed the plaudits could continue but instead, I wrote a poem in homage....
Ode to Robbie Streat
Robbie Streat could not be beat
a cricketer of substance,
First out to bat, wearing trademark cloth hat
left-handed, in style and stance
And he could bowl with pace and soul
always on the money,
deceptively quick, quite a unique trick
every batsman was his bunny
In he'd bound, right arm over or around
never conceding extras,
and his talent went deep, he could wicket-keep
was there ever one so dextrous?
Alas, he announced one day, “No more play
boys, this time I admit defeat!
Due to a ruptured knee, from now I'll make the tea
the end is nigh for Robbie Streat”
Sadly his teammates sighed, some even cried
on hearing of his plight,
for they knew, Robbie was the glue
that strengthen resolve, when in a fight
But their grief was short, as Robbie did retort
“I'm not one to hide my light under a bushel,
by trade a fitter and no quitter
beyond the boundary, is where I'll flex my voice-muscle
I shall take my rightful seat, alongside a class elite
with Gerald, big Harv and many more,
so uplift your hearts, for when the season starts
together, we'll give ‘em war! “