 Missy’s Mail 16
It seems appropriate for Missy’s Mails’ Sweet Sixteen that his favourite player, Ian Higgins, was able to achieve such success on the weekend, If it wasn’t for Beau Casson’s 120 in first grade and Harry Turner’s 133* in 4’s, perhaps he would be indulging in more of the limelight. But no one player is bigger than the club, with the exception of Ahmed who has packed on a few kg’s over the winter, and has now actually become larger than the club.
It was touch and go, but we found a photo of Casson, 'cos he's in 1st Grade.
A mixed start for Gordon against strong opposition, namely Penrith and Fairfield-Liverpool, sees the Stags sitting in 9th place in the club championships. Of course with so many grade debutants at Gordon this season, this ladder position won’t mean much, and with it only being round 2 it shouldn’t mean much to anyone. Forget I said anything.
Apart from the afore mentioned achievements, a number of other players have caught the attention of the greater media. Dan Mahaffey’s first 3rd grade game resulted in him returning 4/42 to help 3rd grade capture a bonus point against the Cats. Ed Zelma’s 4/32 at Howell Oval saw 1st grade get the chocolates in round 1. However, these figures pale in comparison to Charlie Turner’s 6/68 against Fairfield in 5th grade. Charlie, or Duck, claimed the first 6 wickets to have the Lions reeling, before a rearguard action took place and Fairfield were able to secure the 6 points, 8 wickets down.
It would be remiss of me not to mention Ed Howitt Jnr’s 4/51 and 3/15 in the opening two games of the season. The major story, however, does not lie in Hoppa’s figures. Rather, the biggest news to come out of Chatswood since Howitt’s first season (1974) is that he is turning the ball! As in, he is spinning it!! Quite unbelievable. One could imagine my surprise behind the stumps as I witness first hand maybe 40-50 deliveries spinning, perhaps even half of them beating the bat. Remarkable. Howitt leads the wicket takers with 7 at an average of 9.43.
 Of all the new players at the club, one in particular has grabbed the most attention. Young Justin Avendano is best described as a confident kid. He disregards status and judges a man for who he is, not what he does. Truly honourable. Here are two examples of “Avendano-ness”.
A possibly older looking Avendano
Whilst bowling - where else would a 14 year old bowl but in the first net - his ball trickled underneath the net and rested 10 metres away from where he followed through. Craig Simmons, discussing all things Touareg with Tiddles (or if not Tids, a 1st grader) was a mere 6 metres away from Avendano’s ball. Avendano hailed “Hey mate! Chuck us the ball!” A clearly bemused Simmons had no option but to do as instructed and retrieve the GreenShielders ball.
Matthew Nicholson came down to Chatswood and helped out in the nets whilst bowing some gentle off-spinners. Avendano found himself in the same net as Nicholson and when Nicho beat the bat with a sharp turning, drifting, dipping, bouncing ‘offy’ Avendano questioned “Gee, that was well bowled! What grade do you play in”? Nicho didn’t reply, as I don’t think he has been asked that question since the early 90’s, about the same time as young Justin’s birth. It’s not often that one player can get the same facial expression from two state players. It’s not often that a lower grader gets to say anything to a first grader for that matter! I can’t wait for Avendano to sweep Beau Casson and then cry out “Try bowling right handed, champ!”
The beauty of youth.
 Gordon’s favourite little bugger Brett Rosen continues his travels through Africa. He is now exploring southern Africa and more specifically Namibia and Botswana. Rumours are flying around about Bretty’s future and another possible cricketing stint in the UK. Obviously the talent in Africa is not as strong that what Nudie thought and is forced to go through Europe to look for love. From now on I’m labelling Bretty’s travels the “Tour de Love”.
Brett getting some love from the locals
Speaking of love there would be no happier father in Australia right now than Ian Packman. With both sons set to tie the knot, he is in for a proud time in his fatherhood. Neither James, nor Tim have been seen out of late due to them both saving for engagement rings. Rumours a fierce that Tiddles will be hosting a double ceremony in his Woolstencraft apartment for the brothers, but these whisperings have yet to be confirmed by anyone remotely reliable.
Injury has hit Chatswood like horse flu has hit the racing industry. I would list the names of the injured however I prefer to keep this under 4,000 words. I must urge, particularly to the fast bowlers, to take special care in the warm-ups. The club does not need more injuries this weekend.
Speaking of this weekend, there isn’t a game that boils the blood more than round 3 this season. Gordon vs North Sydney. The Stags against the Bears. It’s much more than a battle for 6 points, more so is it a battle for North Shore supremacy. A huge weekend for all grades this weekend, the club wants 5 good wins, let’s get it done.
Missy
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