azzaisbest wrote:Recently on this forum, my credentials and character have been called into question. I initially hesitated opening up so much, but due to the overwhelming support I received regarding questions I had about my son Henrique, I feel comfortable sharing my cricketing and life journey with my new found friends.
The year was 1954, in Rhodesia, when I entered this glorious world, but my initial surroundings were not so glorious. Born to a prostitute mother and a drug addicted father was a less than ideal entry to life. I'm told that shortly before my first birthday I was taken to the local orphanage, on account of my father being imprisoned and my mother unable to fund the remaining children.
At 18 months, I was adopted by a loving, hardworking middle class family who were unfortunately unable to bear children themselves. I enjoyed a 'normal' childhood, and when I wasn't at school, I was playing sport. Due to a decrease in my father’s work, we moved to South Africa when I was 14. I was saddened to leave, as I had forged some strong friendships, but I wouldn't be the person I am today had my father not have taken the risk.
Once I settled in South Africa, I had to choose cricket over soccer as a promising players of both, and coaches from both codes wanting my dedication. I of course chose cricket, and played for Pinelands for nearly 10 years through the colts to the 1st team. Half way through my stint with the squirrels I was selected to join the provincial set ups, playing a handful of reserve games, before alas I got the yips. This didn't quell my love for the game, and worked even harder on my batting and wicket keeping.
Alongside my cricket I was working as an understudy in a large financial corporation, and gaining quite a reputation from my fellow piers and at 25 got offered a jump up the ladder if I moved to Denmark.
Once I got settled and summer turned its head, I found the local team, svanholm cc. I fitted in into the first team, and they were very surprised to see that I could open the batting and wicket keep. Up until then, keepers usually bat at seven. I was the first of this new age wicket keeper in Denmark, some in the club said, worldwide.
I still have email contact with a couple of the now old timers from the club, they said that they have moved from the Old Bavnehoj ground, to a ground with much better facilities. This apparently has had a great impact on their youth. It was such a shame I only had the one summer there.
Once again, work intervened and I found myself en route to Australia. I settled in Victoria and was extremely anxious about my new role for work and its high level of responsibility. In an attempt to maintain a happy work/life balance, I was once again on a search for a new club. Enter Hawthorn - East Melbourne CC. It was very convenient as I lived close by, they welcomed me and I soon found myself in the first grade.
I spent three seasons at 'the combine', and apart from provincial second 11, was certainly the highest standard of cricket I have played. I wouldn't say I was the best player in the side, but there was no threat of being replaced as a wicket keeper/middle order batsman. Although success on the cricket field was frequent, success in the corporate world was even freer flowing. And a regional post beckoned in Townsville.
After settling to my routine I found that cricket can play a part in my life once again, I joined Wests cc and I found that after the step down from hawthorn-east Melbourne cc, that I was their marquee player. But there was a young wicket keeper in the A grade when I turned up. Seeing as I was getting long in the tooth, i decided to let him keep and I kept my place at the top of the order. And was used as more of a mentor for the young wicket keeper on his passage to representative cricket.
I found that my years of bowling legspin in the nets it became quite handy, it was then utilised in game situations. For the last 3 years of my 5 there, I actually bowled in nearly every innings.
Up until this point in both my personal and professional life, I had little friends and no love interests. I felt that I had seen all that Townsville had to offer and asked for a transfer when the equivalent position popped up in Adelaide.
Quickly after taking the position, I was offered al ot more responsibility. Thus cutting down on my social time, and alas my cricket playing career. But I have had a good innings, and felt that I have given the game as much as it has given me.
I have always kept my finger on the pulse of cricket in South Australia, throughout the many connections I have forged through work, I have been fortunate enough to keep a keen interest in both grade cricket and ATCA cricket. I have always endeavoured to head along to games within these associations (as real cricket is played on turf), and feel I have a wealth of knowledge at my disposal.
#bringsbackmemories
#countlessstories
#ithinkihavesomethinginmyeye
#whoiscuttingonionsinhere
#imsurehenriqueisproud
i actually fell asleep reading that
All I have done is provide the information that the forum requested from me. Once again there are derogatory comments straight afterwards, and once again it comes from the same club. I don't know what I have done to keep getting disrespected like this.
Azza, I take it that stands for Aaron, you have a lot to say for your self, I was at your game Saturday, and after looking up the scorecard there are three men in your side who have Christian names starting with A. Mr Gentile, Mr Wood and Mr Wilkins. All of whom failed to contribute so whichever one you may be, I think you should concentrate on your training and not on the views of me or anyone else on this forum.
#alltalknowalk
#parentsdidntlookpastthefirstpagewhenchoosingyourname
) and worked there as opposed to being there socially..
