Backstage

It was the last round of cricket matches today and the weather, for once, held fair. The first team, already relegated, were playing away and although they lost they acquitted themselves better than in recent games. Forrest, on his birthday, chose this final game to post his best knock of the season in scoring 66. Needless to say, I didn't get to see it! Perhaps I did him right by staying away because he never seems to score any runs while I'm watching.

Roam is likely to be staying down in London for most of next summer so today was probably the last time I'll see him lead out the second team. He led from the front and bowled beautifully, but without any luck at all. The side let themselves down with their fielding today and if they'd held their chances they would likely have won this game. If just a few of the countless edges and miscues had gone to hand then they would probably have won too. But they didn't and it wasn't to be.

Roam bowled his first 14 overs for just 32 runs and a couple of wickets, which was enough to get him over his target of 35 wickets for the season and a place in the league averages. Striving for another wicket in his final over he got clobbered for 22 runs. He was beside himself at the end of the innings. He so wanted to finish on a high, and deserved to indeed, but cricket never gives you anything for free. This shot was taken as the fielders were being dispersed to the boundary.

I was nonetheless very proud of youngest son today. He's done a great job of leading this team, finishing in the highest position that has ever been achieved in the club's history. It will be a tough act to follow for someone next year. Roam is primarily a bowler but he's scored quite a few useful runs this season, virtually none of which I've seen. With quite a few youngsters in the side he came in a bit earlier today but, yet again, I failed to see him score because he was very promptly dismissed. I seem to jinx both my boys when it comes to batting.

As a parent there is no greater feeling that seeing your kids excel but there is nothing more painful than witnessing them fail. Both sons have had a pretty good season really but it's still been very tough to watch at times. Roam certainly finished the leading wicket taker for the second team. Forrest possibly finished the leading run scorer for the first team.

I now declare summer well and truly over.