» Sporting Woe

Cricket
It was summer, and I was Year 9 or 10. As was usual for the summer, out came the cricket equipment. I used to enjoy this time as, despite finding no enjoyment in the game, the teacher tended not to mind so much if you just dossed about fielding.

So there I was, minding my own business, kicking my feet and watching the birds fly overhead, when LO! The ball came hurtling toward my area. I went for it with less-than-obvious enthusiasm, but, as was frankly expected with my athletic prowess, I didn't make it. I picked the ball up and prepared for the long throw back to the wicket-keeper.

I pull my arm back, the sun glares in my eye, they close, and with all my might I hurl the ball in my team mates direction. I open my eyes again. Everyone has stopped moving, and is staring at me. Why hasn't he caught the ball?

This is when the hysterical laughter breaks out. Even the opposite team has stopped and is joining in the giggle. I look around. About three feet behind me, sat gloriously in the dry summer heat, was the cricket ball.

Yes that's right. I threw as hard as I could, and the damn ball ended up three feet behind me.
I hold this as a strange point of pride.
(Thu 19th Apr 2012, 23:10, More)