One of the best
things about summer for me is a sweltering day on Big Side, playing cricket and
reminiscing about school days. That probably makes me sound like a man on the
brink of retirement with a huge mortgage, kids about to go off to uni and a
love for early morning golf days. However, at the relatively tender age of 21,
I’ve realized that this is the harsh reality of life after school. Friends I vowed
to see every uni holidays have simply not always been about when I am. However,
the constant of the Lynxes cricket week has proved to be a great way to see old
mates and meet new people from different Cranbrook eras.
Cranbrook Lynxes
CC is the name for the Old Cranbrookians CC. The set up is a great mix:
‘mature’ veterans whose motivation is to prove to themselves that they still
‘have it’; young energetic students who put all their oomph into it as Lynxes Week
may be the only cricket they play all year; current pupils of the school
enjoying putting one over their supposed ‘elders and betters’; not to mention
all those in between. This mix essentially provides the basis of an enjoyably
competitive environment in which to play cricket.
The showpiece
for the majority is undoubtedly the BBQ lunch which is served each day, which
constantly delivers year after year. A great way to socialize with old friends and
new over a fine spread. Of course, the key to enjoying this lunch even more is
to win the toss and bat first (or field if it’s a BBQ tea…) Oh, and it’s all
free for current pupils and heavily subsidised for students…
This thing has
been going for 65 years straight. The only way we can continue with such a
great week is through the continual introduction of youngsters. I remember being
very apprehensive when I was first introduced to the Lynxes Week, thinking
there wouldn’t be anyone under 40, let alone from my generation. How wrong I
was! The guys who run the teams encourage you to bring friends along and are
very welcoming - without new youngsters joining each year the week just
wouldn’t still be running. The match managers will give you a bat and a bowl
and get you as involved as possible, as well as persuading you to get as many
of your friends in on the act.
How do I get
involved I hear you ask? Well, just go click on the fixtures icon on the left, check the game dates with the dates
that you’re free, and email, text or call the relevant match manager. It’s a
simple as that. Or check out the Lynxes Facebook page.
I hope that this
has helped to de-mystify what the Lynxes are all about and has made you more likely
to take part in Lynxes cricket week … and that I will have the opportunity to
take to the field with you next summer!
Cheers
Max O’Collins
(Webster 2009)
