Hello forumites, it's cricket time again

[LeonWatson]

Hey, don't worry about whites - if you've got them, wear them but it isn't important.

And Raju, stop trying to intimidate the forum with tales of super fast bowlers. Both of us know no-one is going to shower themself in glory in this game and the ability will be "varied" on both sides.

However it should be a good day in the park with food and beer and modest entertainment. If anyone thinks it's going to be a sporting duel then they're wrong.

Just so you know, we like to have a veneer of seriousness when it comes to organising things but we're really not great cricketers by anyone's standards so if anyone's feeling intimidated, you don't need to.

[Brendan]

Leon Leon Leon, that?s the worst bit of sledging I?ve ever heard.

[david_carnell]

I think I've recruited one more. My best mate's coming from Bath for my birthday and is a bit useful so says he'll play.

Good news.

As for sledging...nothing beats "your Mum" does it?! :)

[Brendan]

Anyway I'm still going down the park tonight to see if I can get a ball down a pitch.

If anyone wants to stand there while I fail to bowl anywhere within their reach let me know.

[david_carnell]

Which park? When? I have a bat. I'll give you some practise.

[Brendan]

Dulwich park. I've heard tell that there are nets there but don't know where they are.

Do you have pads? I have a bat a ball and some gloves.

If the rain holds off that is.

[david_carnell]

No, I don't have pads but I do have stumps (thanks to Mogs) so we could use those if we can't find the nets. What time? Anyone else?

[Brendan]

about 7?

[david_carnell]

Yeah I should be able to grab a bus down to the park for then. Where do you want to meet? By the swings? The see-saw? If it's raining (even a bit) don't bother. Greasy surface = bad injuries.

[Brendan]

You know I?ve been looking on tinternet and it seems that whoever put the idea in my head that there were nets in Dulwich Park was lying.

Unless anyone out there can tell me different?

Anyone?

Anyone?

Anyway we can just use your stumps. . Why don?t we just meet at the gate on Court Lane.

[Ted Max]

There are still net frames in Dulwich Park - I couldn't vouch for what surface is laid down. used to be concrete I think. If you were entering from Court Lane, they are in the far corner of the playing field bit to the right - sort of over the fence from the bike hire place.

Does that make sense?

[Jah Lush]

Well, there certainly used to be nets there on the Court Lane side as you walk across towards the Village. Have they been taken down? I suppose you'll find out tonight.

[david_carnell]

Ok, Court Lane Gate at 7 it is. Does anyone want to join us for our one and only practise session. Should be about a good hour of light.

[Keef]

From the gate, head straight down the cycle path, and they're on the right (at the other end of the path). They're in a bit of a state, but they'll do...

[LeonWatson]

Too little too late boys - don't do yourself any damage...

[Brendan]

Listen it only takes an hour or so to fine tune this machine. On Sunday I expect to get at least half of the balls I bowl on the pitch. Just you wait and see.

[kristymac1]

Hi all,

just to confirm my 2 offerings - hubbie who bowls legspin (I'd have been impressed with overarm but there you go....) and his mate who is 'enthusiastic' in most positions(?). See you all at the Common around 11 - will be driving as exposing baby daughter to first game of 'cricket'........

[mockney piers]

One of my colleagues reported seeing a 'host' of people by the nets last night when she was running.

Good work, how many of you were there?

[Brendan]

.

[Brendan]

Well there was David Carnell and I and then a few lads I know from SA who are out here (something to do with a guy called Kolpak or summat) and who said they would make up numbers if we are short on Sunday.

[david_carnell]

Plus there was that kid in the nets next to us. He looked useful. What did his Dad say their name was? Laura? Lira? Lara? Summit like that. Said he could lend a hand if we needed it.

Yeah, so it was just me a Brendan, then.

[LeonWatson]

Weather's looking a bit iffy - sun and light showers.

However, I hope we're all going to display our characteristic British stubbornness and refuse to bow to the weather. The forecast may well change anyway.

[Brendan]

It?s the first test match of the season. Of course it?s bloody raining.

[mockney piers]

match details from the KRCC

http://www.krcsc.co.uk/match.php

[LeonWatson]

There's a short match preview on the news page too.

It's not going to rain - and if it does we're going to carry on regardless!