Ode to cricket past

When I was a child no bigger than a gnat

My mother  would make me wear my sun hat

Whilst Dad dragged me to the cricket club, Shildon BR

To watch cousins score runs, which even rain couldn’t mar

Around a small TV set tuned to BBC for the Test

Would be where the ‘older’ chaps would go for a rest

Black and white picture, with well turned out teams

Playing for their country, living their dreams.

Today it is all about sponsorship and cash

Diamond earrings and cars so flash,

Parading out with a ‘sleeve of tattoos’

So overly confident, ‘How can WE lose’.

Strong language on and off the field

No thought of the negative impact this would yield.

Touring with the team, hard drinking nights

Out and about getting in fights.

No respect for coaches or even their teams

An unfair description? Well that’s how it seems,

‘Too much too young’ could sum it up

Drinking heavily from their overflowing cup.

Now I’m an adult, taller than most

I drive most weeks to watch Durham host.

And see this behaviour rife at county games

Arrogance and egotism, I won’t name names

Shouting, swearing and bat throwing a-plenty

No walk to the pavilion, steady and gently

Ignoring spectators, being overly curt

Hadn’t anyone realised that the player’s pride is hurt!

‘The Game of Gentleman’, yes it used to be

Now it’s a game of ‘How much is my fee?’

Maybe I’m wrong, but I speak as I find

And shockingly I know that I am being kind.

The old days are gone and new rules apply

The old guard are out and youngsters are on high

Every year I still get my membership ticket

You see what ever I say, I really love cricket.