chapter 8

CHAPTER 8

 A NEW SEASON

The Wanderers returned from their pre-season tour, to prepare for the new season that was about to start and it was to be a great season for The Wanderers and for Clinton.

The early season nets started and Clinton was showing the form he had showed at the end of the last season and with the opening game against Hamilton Junction just a few days away and the start of the defense of the title they had won for the first time the season before.

“Clinton Radford a voice could be heard from the distance” it was Matthew Thomas the local reporter for the radio and paper.

“Hi Matthew what can I do for you” Clinton replied.

“Ah would I be able to have an interview with you for Friday’s edition as the season is upon us yet again” Asked Matthew Thomas.

“I’m sure I could do that for you when would you like me to do it” replied Clinton.

“Would now be OK as I do need to get it into the office as soon as I can” replied Matthew Thomas.

“Right just let me finish this net session and I will be with you and we will do it then if that is OK” replied Clinton

“No problem, you are looking good again this pre-season and with a full season I think you could break all sorts of records if you don’t mind me saying so” replied Matthew Thomas with some glee in his voice.

“Look Matthew let me finish this session and we will do that interview and I will tell you my outlook for the forthcoming season” replied Clinton.

With that Matthew Thomas left the nets and walked to the Club house to set up a table for himself and Clinton to do the interview he wanted, he removed his laptop from its bag and set it up, this way he could send the interview back to the office via e-mail and not by telephone the old fashioned way.

Matthew Thomas then went to the bar to get himself a cup of Tea as he was not allowed to drink alcohol while he was working and with this being the first interview of the new season he wanted it to go well with no mistakes.

Clinton then turned up in his smart new team track suite, smart trainers and a new team kit bag.

“Hi Clinton how are you, are you ready for the interview now” asked Matthew Thomas.

“Yes Matthew I’ll be with you in a minute just need to get an Orange Juice and Lemonade with Ice and we can start” replied Clinton with his wet hair tied up in a ponytail.

“Put it on my tab Clinton the paper can pay for it, it is work related and it can go on my expenses” replied Matthew Thomas sat at the table in the corner with his laptop at the ready and in his smart suite with a blue shirt with the chest open.

 

 

 

 

Matthew Thomas was in his late thirties had blonde hair, blue eyes, was six foot tall and has been married for four years and has twin girls aged eighteen months and had been working for the local radio and paper for some eleven years.

“Ok thanks Matthew will do” replied Clinton who then walked to the bar got his drink and walked to where Matthew Thomas was sat.

“Thanks for the drink Matthew, I put it on the tab, you sure the paper won’t mind you doing it” Clinton asked with a laugh and a chuckle.

“Fine Clinton, really it is not a problem I am working and it can go on the expenses when I put them in” replied Matthew Thomas smiling and laughing.

“Right then Matthew what do you want to know” asked Clinton with a nervous look at Matthew Thomas.

“First question how are thing with you and Isabella and is it true you two are engaged, also I hear you proposed in Ireland at the Giants Causeway” Matthew Thomas replied to Clinton.

“Isabella is very well thank you and thank you for asking, yes I did propose to her at the Giants Causeway and she said yes and I done the gentlemanly thing and asked her father first, we hope to marry when the season is over on my eighteenth birthday and her father has paid for us to go on honeymoon to Fiji” Clinton replied to the question asked of him by Matthew Thomas taking a drink from his orange juice and lemonade.

“Not many men like you around anymore” replied Matthew Thomas

“Right second Question, how do you feel about renewing your rivalry with big Joel Henderson of Hamilton Junction in the first game of the season” asked Matthew Thomas.

“Well we did have a good dual with each other last season and I gave him a bit of tap, but we have mutual respect for each other and I am really looking forward to it” replied Clinton with a glint in his eye.

“And what about your ambitions this season” asked Matthew Thomas.

“Well that is a tricky question, but it is to score more runs and take more wickets than last season but I would also do what I can to win the league again and I would love to score a Ton” replied Clinton with some happiness and glee in his voice.

“Yes I was just going to ask is this the season to see the really Clinton Radford in The Wanderers Shirt, I know you only played four games last season but you have a full one this time around” asked Matthew Thomas.

“Yes, a full season really looking forward to it I think be nice to get a full season under my belt and see how good I really am” Clinton replied joyfully and laughing.

“Your Father was a great of the club, is there any of his records you would like to beat” asked Matthew Thomas.

“Records are there to be broken, but they are not what I am playing for I play for the team” replied Clinton angrily staring at Matthew Thomas.

“Sorry if I upset you just a question I had to ask” Matthew Thomas replied.

“That’s OK Matthew just took me by surprise that’s all and I is something I have not really thought about but if the chance to break one comes along then ask me when I have done it” replied Clinton.

 

 

 

“I will hold you to that” replied Matthew Thomas.

“I bet you will and I will keep to my word” replied Clinton.

“What about county ambitions have you got any of them” asked Matthew Thomas.

“Well if they come and see me and if I am good enough I will give it a go, but until then I  can’t really answer that question, but it sure is a dream I have and one day hopefully play for England, you don’t have anything if you don’t have dreams” replied Clinton with a look of determination in his voice and in his eyes.

“Good answer that one it is true if you don’t have dreams you don’t have anything in life” Matthew Thomas replied….

“Right, what do you think of all these match fixing allegations that have been in the national newspapers recently” asked Matthew Thomas.

“UM that is a difficult one if these allegations are true then the people involved should be banned for life and I mean the whole lot of them the players and officials if any” replied Clinton to the question asked of him with a forthright voice.

“Strong opinion there Clinton you would really ban them for life even if they were a young up and coming player” replied Matthew Thomas.

“If a young player was involved, then it would be tough but yes I would ban a young up and coming player for life there is no place in this game for corruption or match fixing of any kind what so ever” replied Clinton.

“True there Clinton it is something that is happening but you are right there is no place for it the game of cricket” Matthew Thomas replied.

“If you were approached to fix a match of any kind, what would you and who do you report these matters to” asked Matthew Thomas.

“Um well I would turn the approach down and report it not only to the league, county and National bodies, I would also report them to the police these people are a cancer in our game and are giving the good straight people of the game a bad name and it needs to be stamped out of the game at all levels, not just International and County level but also at the grass roots level of the game” replied Clinton with some anger in his voice and slamming his hand down on the table and knocking over the drinks on it.

“Sorry Matthew it just winds me up that’s all why people have to try and destroy this great game to make money and ruin people’s life” replied Clinton.

“That’s ok Clinton it is great to see a person with so much passion and love for the game of Cricket, no need to be sorry” replied Matthew Thomas to Clinton’s outburst.

“OK do you want another drink for the one I have just knocked over” replied Clinton

Clinton went to the bar to get some more drinks, while Matthew Thomas typed up the interview they had done so fare.

Clinton was unaware of what the future would hold for him and the part he would play in the corruption and match fixing that was going to blight the game of cricket and the lives of some famous names in the game, with Clinton playing a major part in this.

 

Clinton returned to the table with the drinks and sat down to do the second part of the interview this time a pre recorded interview for the Local Radio station, that would be broadcasted the following evening on the drive time show that Matthew Thomas sometimes presented.

“Right then Clinton for the second part of the interview it will be pre recorded and will be broadcasted tomorrow evening on the drive time show, if that is ok with you” Matthew Thomas explained to Clinton.

“No problem with me, let’s do it, it will be something for the family to listen to over Tea” Clinton replied laughing.

“Right then what is your thought for the forth coming season and can you retain the league title” asked Matthew Thomas.

“That is a tough question to start with, MMM, I am really looking forward to having a full season under my belt and the chance to score a bucket load of runs and take a fare few wickets, can we win the league well ask me that question after the first six games and we will see then” replied Clinton smiling and having a chuckle.

“Thanks for that answer Clinton, I will ask you that question at that time and then we will have a better idea” replied Matthew Thomas.

“Right do you have any ambitions to play county cricket and for England” asked Matthew Thomas.

“Well everyone has ambitions to play for county and country, it would be great and who knows maybe I will win the ashes one day, so the answer is yes I do and I hope so is that answer ok for you” replied Clinton.

“Yes I think that answer will do very in depth and it was a good answer you are right we need ambitions in life and mine was to play cricket for England but I was not good enough” Matthew Thomas replied laughing and chuckling.

“Right next question for you How is it you changed your name to that of your father” asked Matthew Thomas.

“Well it was when I got the call up to the side last season I decided it was time for me to get rid of the James-Rowe sure name and take that of my late father who I have been told was a great player for The Wanderers” replied Clinton with some sadness in his voice.

“Thank you for that answer” replied Matthew Thomas.

“How are things with Isabella then any plans for any children” asked Matthew Thomas.

“Well she is a great girl and we do hope to have children in the future but not for awhile” replied Clinton.

“I think you should tell Isabella that she is stood there at the bar nodding her head I think she wants them soon Clinton” replied Matthew Thomas.

With that Clinton turned to the bar and looked at Isabella who was stood there in here grey jogging bottoms and tight red top showing of her very slim but very sexy body, she looked at Clinton blew him a kiss and started nodding her head as if to say yes my love I want children soon.

“Well Matthew I think you may be right about that question I think she is telling me she wants children soon” replied Clinton.

 

 

 

“I think she does” replied Matthew Thomas.

“Right Clinton how did you get in to Cricket” asked Matthew Thomas

“well that is down to my Grandfather Reginald he got me in to Cricket telling me stories of his time playing for The Wanderers, he was also the one who brought me here to a net session and I gave John Gill a bit of a slap and Gillie won’t mind me saying that he is a great guy and has given me a lot of advice over the last year on Women and Cricket along with advice about life a really great guy” replied Clinton.

“Cheers Clinton you are a great guy to young man” a shout could be heard from the Bar it was John Gill with his answer to Clintons answer.

“Thanks Gillie you are a great guy to” Clinton shouted back and gave the thumbs up.

Isabella then came over to Matthew Thomas and Clinton to sit at the table and it was her turn to answer some questions about Clinton.

Right then listeners we now have Isabella Thomas the fiancée of Clinton Radford and she is going to answer a few questions about him.

“Hi Isabella and how are you tonight” asked Matthew Thomas at the start of the interview.

“Hi Matthew I am fine thank you” replied Isabella.

“Right first question how did you and Clinton meet and what attracted you to him if it is broadcast able” asked Matthew Thomas.

“Well it was one night the summer of last year when I walked in to this very bar and there he was sat with his family, I took one look and just fell in love with him he has eyes well you could die for, come to bed eyes, can I say that” replied Isabella.

“Yes you can” replied Matthew Thomas.

“You tell lies, my girl it was my handsome face” a voice shouted out it was Clinton Laughing.

“Don’t worry Matthew he tells everyone that, it was defiantly his eyes I fell for” replied Isabella winking at Clinton sat at the Bar.

“Right what about the future do you intend getting married” asked Matthew Thomas.

“Well yes we do at the end of the season the day of Clinton’s eighteenth birthday and we are getting married out there on the wicket daddy has arranged it for us with the council” replied Isabella smiling.

“That will be nice can I come” replied Matthew Thomas laughing.

“Well Matthew I will see what I can do, will you be bringing your wife with and children they are welcome to come as well” replied Isabella.

“Thank you very much I am sure Mrs. Thomas would be delighted to come to your wedding” replied Matthew Thomas blushing with some embarrassment.

“What would you say to any woman who is going to or is thinking of getting involved with a sportsman” asked Matthew Thomas.

“It’s not easy you need to give then their own space at times but stand by them when the times get tough and always support them in what they do” replied Isabella

“Wise word from such a young woman” replied Matthew Thomas.

 

 

 

The following day Clinton, Isabella, Chelsea, Georgia and Reg were sat around the table having their Tea and the Radio was on in the Kitchen.

“Hi and welcome to Radio Hampshire Drive Time and at the top of the hour in sports hour we have the rising star in the local cricket scene Clinton Radford and we also have an interview with his partner the lovely Isabella Thomas, no relation may I add, we have this and much, much more with me Matthew Thomas with the sports hour at five O’clock.

“Hay Clinton your famous” Granddad shouted to Clinton on the opposite side of the table.

“Not yet Gramp’s not made it in the game yet” replied Clinton winking at his granddad.

“Clinton don’t be so humble, love you are famous in the local area” replied Chelsea.

“Mum you are making me blush” replied Clinton.

“Are we all embarrassed then my hunky monkey” replied Isabella.

“Yes we are Isabella and what have I told you about calling me hunky monkey, please don’t do it around people” replied Clinton.

“Sorry” replied Isabella.

“Hunky Monkey, my boy they will be calling you that at the oval if I have my way at the game on Saturday” replied Reg.

“You better not Gramp’s or I’ll kill you” replied Clinton with a flush red face through the embarrassment.

“Clinton my boy get a grip and pull yourself together I is only joking” replied Reg.

“Right I see” replied Clinton

“See I’m only having a laugh Hunky Monkey” replied Reg

And with that Clinton, Isabella, Chelsea, Georgia and Reg fell about the place laughing at what Reg had just said.

“You know what Gramps you sure are funny, that’s why I love you so much, brighten up any room” replied Clinton laughing.

“Yes Dad you sure do brighten up any room with your jokes” replied Chelsea.

As the family finished off their tea it was time for the big interview on The Drive Time programme, they listened intently and laughs could be heard from the kitchen and then the interview had finished.

“Well Clinton that was good interview and you had some very interesting things to say I thought it was great” said Chelsea.

“Yes Clinton it was a great interview” replied Granddad.

“Yes Clinton I loved every minute of it love” replied Grandma.

“And Isabella you sounded great and gave some good advice for a woman who is thinking of getting involved with a sports man” Granddad said.

“Why thank you Reg very kind words” replied Isabella.

“Yes Isabella great advice from such a young mind, very wise words” said Chelsea

“And Clinton I hope you do, do what you said if you are approached to fix matches and report it to the appropriate authorities” asked Grandma

 

 

 

 

“Grandma that is my feelings on it, if someone takes money to play badly then the deserve to get banned for life there is no place in it for this great game of cricket, I would never do a thing like that” replied Clinton.

Clinton did not know that his Grandmother knew all about his father James Radford’s dirty dealings with the syndicate and how the money in his trust fund came about and the real reason behind his father’s death.

“I hope you keep to that Clinton my boy” replied Grandma

“Don’t worry Nan I will and no one will ever be able to buy me to play badly” replied Clinton to the question his grandmother had asked of him.

“I’m sure they won’t my boy and they would be stupid to try it to” replied Grandma

“What time is the game on Saturday Love” asked Isabella.

“Twelve o’clock start” replied Clinton.

“Great can’t wait for it and to see you slap those Hamilton Junction boys around the park again” replied Isabella.

The following Saturday the season began in earnest and it was the opening league game of the new campaign and The Wanderers faced their adversaries Hamilton Junction and an Old rivalry between Clinton and Joel Henderson and the fireworks were to start again this time things would at times become ugly and nasty.

The Wanderers had been reduced to thirty for two when Clinton came to the crease to join Trevor Haynes and Joel Henderson was bowling fast very fast.

Henderson came steaming in to Bowl at Clinton and the ball was short and very quick and before Clinton had any time to more he was hit in the ribs, with a thud that could be heard a hundred yards away in the pavilion.

Clinton hit the floor as if he had been floored by a right hook from Lennox Lewis and Henderson just stood there and looked at the fallen Clinton and said.

“Not hooking me out the ground now are we Radford” laughing…

Clinton stood up catching his breath back and looked at Henderson and replied “next time shit face try and hit my head you’re not that quick, faced quicker in the nets from John Gill”

“Hay dick head try hooking the next one then” replied Henderson

Henderson went back the his mark at the end of his run and came running in and bowled to Clinton this time the ball was quicker and a bit shorter than the last ball and Clinton this time rocked back on to the back foot a hooked Henderson high over square leg and out of the ground for six.

“Did you see that one Hendo, no I don’t think you did it is over there in the car park now go and get it” Clinton said laughing.

“Hay Radford I know what it looks like and the next one you will not see and watch your head as I may knock it off” Henderson replied in his broad West Indian accent.

“OOO I am shacking in my boots you don’t frighten me” replied Clinton to the outburst from Joel Henderson.

 

 

 

 

Joel Henderson just stood and stared at Clinton with his broad West Indian Smile his teeth as white as white can be and his growl was something to see, Clinton had made him mad very mad and when Joel Henderson is mad things could get very ugly and nasty to say the least and damage could be done to the batsmen.

The next ball Clinton faced came at him at a rate of knots and it was short and Clinton was thankful he was wearing his helmet as it hit him plumb on the head, as he had no time to duck or sway out of the way and was knocked clean off his feet.

Joel Henderson stood and stared at Clinton and said “ Hay Radford didn’t smell that one did you not hooking it out of the ground, ah yes how is your head dick head” laughing and chuckling.

Clinton stood up walked up to Joel Henderson and looked him straight in the eye and could see the rage that was in them the rage of a caged man.

“Hay Henderson you have bowled four balls in this over apart from the first one they have all been short, you have hit me in the fucking ribs and the fucking head but yet I have still hit you out the ground so let’s have less of the bullshit and let’s play cricket you black bastard” Clinton replied to Joel Henderson.

“I that right, Radford you stuck up little prick, I don’t mind you calling me black but less of the bastard OK shit head and the next ball will knock you out” replied Joel Henderson with so anger in his voice.

“Bring it on prick” Clinton replied.

Joel Henderson and Clinton Radford then went head to head and Trevor Haynes and the umpire Ritchie Coombs had to part them as tempers flared up, with Clinton holding his bat in a way as to hit Joel Henderson.

Clinton walked back to his mark and muttered under his breath “This twat is having it now can’t lay down and let him walk all over me”

Trevor Haynes walked up to Clinton and said “ Clinton Calm down you have really wound him up, just take a deep breath and knuckle down”

“Trevor” Clinton Replied.

“Yes” Trevor Haynes replied.

“Fuck off and concentrate on your own game and let me sort this bastard out, he may be big and Black but doesn’t scare me no matter how fast he bowls” replied Clinton.

Trevor Haynes turned his back on Clinton walked back to the non-strikers end and muttered under his breath “he can’t speak to me like that but he seems to be in the groove, so let him get on with it, it will either be exciting or he will get himself out but I better let him try and play my own game” shaking his head as he was doing it

Joel Henderson then came running in with the bit between his teeth and this time bowled Clinton an in-swinging Yorker that hit Clinton plumb on the toe and outside the leg stump.

Clinton cried out in pain after the ball had hit him, Isabella who was stood in the pavilion heard the thump and then heard a massive cry of anguish from Clinton.

Joel Henderson just stood there a growled at Clinton and shouted to him.

“Hay Radford get up you pussy it does not hurt rub it you will be OK, anyway that’s what you get for you chops to me prick”

 

 

“Hay Henderson that is out of order he might have broke his foot there, and all you do is have ago” Trevor Haynes replied with some anger in his voice.

Joel Henderson then walked over to Trevor Haynes and said.

“Your next Haynes, I’m going to break your bastard skull you little wimp” in his deep West Indian accent.

“What, ever you say Henderson, you don’t scare me and guess what” Trevor Haynes replied with some vigor in his voice.

“What” replied Joel Henderson?

There was the a tap on Joel Henderson’s shoulder, he turned around and there was Clinton with his helmet off and just tamping at the bit to have a fight with Joel Henderson.

“Henderson, look at me and listen to me and to what I am going to say now, remember the great West Indian batsman Gordon Greenidge, well what was he like when he was injured, well you are now going to see that from me and that is not a threat that is a promise and I keep my promises” Clinton said with some anger in his voice.

He then turned around and limped back to his mark to start batting again.

Joel Henderson then can charging in and bowled another full pitched ball to Clinton this time Clinton in some pain in his left foot his front foot he caressed the ball to the straight mid-on boundary for four.

Clinton then limped up the wicket to where Joel Henderson stood and said to him.

“Hay Hendo, did you like the shot that’s what you get for trying to bounce me and then trying to break my toe, I did warn you remember Gordon Greenidge when he was injured then that’s me man” with a stare of a man possessed.

Joel Henderson just looked straight at Clinton and said.

“Let the battle begin my man, let the battle begin” in his broad West Indian accent.

They both looked at each other smiled and then got on with the game.

The next over was a mundane over with only three singles coming off it.

It then came to the next Joel Henderson over and what an explosive over it was going to be.

Clinton was waiting ready at his mark when he heard a shout.

“Hay Radford get ready it is going to be fast brother” it was Joel Henderson.

“Hay Henderson I’m ready my man” replied Clinton.

Joel Henderson then came running in and bowled a short fast pitched ball.

Clinton rocked back on to his back foot with some pain in his left foot he proceeded to hook Joel Henderson high over deep mid-wicket for six.

“Hay Henderson how was that for a shot” a shout came from the pavilion it was Chelsea, Clinton’s mother.

“Yes what about that for a shot Henderson” another shout came out from the pavilion it was Isabella.

Joel Henderson then came running in for the second ball of the over and bowled a full in-swinging Yorker at Clintons toes; Clinton could not get a bat on it and heard the sound of the death rattle as the off and middle stumps were knocked clean out of the ground.

 

 

There was a shout “NO BALL” it was the umpire Jack Lawrence with his arm out stretched.

Joel Henderson looked around at the Umpire and said “You Fucking joking or what”

“No Joel your foot was about a good inch over the line” replied umpire Jack Lawrence.

All Henderson could do was trudge back to his mark and bowl the next ball at Clinton and this one knocked Clinton clean off his feet, it was short and hit Clinton just below the ribs with a loud thud and Clinton again hit the ground.

“Come on Radford get up you pussy it didn’t hurt, I thought you were brave and fearless what a load of crap you are a wimp just like your old man was, what do they say like father like son” Henderson said as he stood over Clinton with his hands on his hips and a big broad smile on his face.

Clinton got to his feet with the help of Trevor Haynes and he then stared at Joel Henderson nodding his head and said “You just don’t give up do you Hendo, you have just not learned your lesson have you the more you try to hurt me the more I will spank your ass all over this pitch so come on bowl as fast as you like and I will just hit it further and further, so come on I’m ready for you and I am no wimp”

Trevor Haynes just stood there with Clinton looking at the two players in awe of them and just looked at Clinton smiled and said “Clinton you are a real nutcase and I just love playing with you and the next few over’s will be great I’m sure of that” he then walked back to the non-strikers end ready for the next ball.

The next ball from Joel Henderson was another short ball and was faster than the ball before, Clinton ducked and in true Ian Botham style from his innings of 1981 at Old Trafford he dispatched the ball high and wide over the deep long leg boundary for six, Joel Henderson just stood there and gave Clinton a sarcastic clap and just turned around walked back to his mark ready for the next ball.

This ball was a fast ball that was pitched up and in true Botham style Clinton moved onto his front foot and caressed the ball to the cover boundary for four and all Henderson could do was stop and look at Clinton and think to himself “what have I got to do to get this guy out everything I try he has an answer for.

Joel Henderson then walked back to his mark to get ready to bowl the next ball, he turned came running in and bowled a long swinging half volley, which Clinton stroked effortlessly through the covers for four.

Clinton took a couple of steps up the wicket with a heavy limp and stared straight at Joel Henderson and Henderson just stood and stared back at Clinton.

Joel Henderson then decided to make a change to the field her removed one of his slip fielders and put him at deep square leg for the short pitch ball and the miss timed hook.

Clinton noticed this and started to think to himself “right this will either be short or a full pitched ball be prepared for both and wait to the last minute to play the shot, if it is short make sure you get the middle of the bat on it and if it is full make sure you get the full face of the bat on it”.

 

 

 

Joel Henderson came striding in and bowl a fast short pitched ball which Clinton saw late and ducked and through the bat at the ball and top edged the ball and the deep square leg thinks he has a chance of a catch, but Clinton had got a fare bit of the bat on the ball and it disappeared over his head and out of the ground for six, Henderson just stood there and shook his head in disbelief at what had just happened.

Clinton stood stared at Joel Henderson and said “So Hendo where are you going to put the fielder now mate just carry on bowling there and it will keep on disappearing over the boundary” nodding his head.

Henderson looked back at Clinton and replied with “dick head get yourself read for war the next ball is going to arrow in on your head and I am looking to knock it off” with a growl in his face.

The next ball Henderson came running in and bowled what can only be described as a nasty full beamer at Clintons head, Clinton’s quick reactions helped him avoid serious injury to himself and the umpire raised his hand and shouted no ball walked up to Joel Henderson and gave him a warning for intimidatory bowling, all Henderson could do was shake his head and growl like a wounded dog.

He stood at his mark at the end of his run up and stared at Clinton, bent down and tied up his boot lace, just to take a time out and have a think about what he was going to do next and try and think of a way of getting this little dick head out, the short ball does not work, the Yorker does not work and the full pitched ball does not work, he is laughing at me and mocking me, ah I know I will bowl him a slower ball he will not expect that and I may catch him off guard.

Henderson then came running in and bowled a delightful slower ball at Clinton but Clinton just put the bat in the way of the ball and played a lovely forward defensive shot.

In the pavilion watching on with Reg, Chelsea, Georgia and Isabella was the chairman of Hampshire County Cricket Club Jock Mackenzie-Jones he was there to run the rule over a few players that the County was looking at.

“Hi Nathaniel how are you doing, this boy Radford looks good he is a very brave player and plays some cracking shots that hook shot he played was out of this world” said Jock Mackenzie-Jones.

“Yes it is only his fifth game for us and his first full season to boot” replied Nathaniel Thomas.

“Well if he carries on playing like this I may have to do something about it and sign him for the County he could go far in the game and heard his interview with Matthew the other week very down to earth as well” replied Jock Mackenzie-Jones.

“Well Jock it will cost you he is one of our star assets and he has had a good upbringing and he sure is grounded and engaged to a very beautiful young woman as well” Replied Nathaniel Thomas.

“So who is the lucky girl then” Asked Jock Mackenzie-Jones

“My daughter Isabella is the lucky girl and I am a lucky guy who is going to have him as a son in-law and I could not be prouder” Replied Nathaniel Thomas to the question asked of him.

 

 

 

“Well Nathaniel you are a lucky man, a very lucky man indeed” replied Jock Mackenzie-Jones

With that they all ducked in the pavilion as Clinton had hit the new bowler Ishmael Patel straight back over his head for six.

“BLOODY HELL CLINTON MIND THE WINDOWS MY BOY” SHOUTED Nathaniel Thomas they cost money to replace.

“Nathaniel shut up you moaner you are insured I hope that will pay for it” replied Reg.

“Reg that is not the point the policies go up” replied Nathaniel Thomas.

“DUCK” SHOUTED Chelsea.

As another lofted straight drive by Clinton came rocketing into the pavilion and this one went right in through the open doors and into the bar.

The next Ball from Ishmael Patel went straight off Clintons bat through the covers and to the boundary for four runs.

Clinton was moving rapidly along on his merry way towards his half century and as Ishmael Patel came into bowl his fourth over Clinton went down on one knee in a lot of pain and was struggling to breath, Ishmael Patel came running up to check on Clinton and he was doubled up in pain.

“Clinton take deep breaths mate, get some air into your lungs don’t try to breath to quick and take long deep breaths” the voice was that of Ishmael Patel he was a trainee doctor and knew the signs of Clinton hyperventilating.

“WE NEED A BROWN PAPER BAG OR ANY PAPER BAG PLEASE” a voice shouted from the wicket it was Ishmael Patel again.

Reg came running on to the pitch with a paper bag “here you are Ishmael” Reg said.

“Thank you Reg, Clinton put this over both your mouth and nose and take some deep breaths and it will help you get your breathing back to normal” Ishmael Patel explained to Clinton.

After about five minutes a voice said “Thank you Ishmael I am starting to feel a bit better now my breathing is starting to get back to normal” Clinton replied with a deep sigh.

“Clinton I suggest you take a break and have some time on the side lines and get yourself back together and get your breathing back to normal” Ishmael Said to Clinton.

“Nah your ok Ishmael I’m sure I will be ok and thank you” Clinton replied.

“No problem mate, just try not to hit me to far ok” Laughed Ishmael Patel.

The whole field rolled about laughing and Clinton was uncontrollable in his laughter.

“No problem Ishie I’ll see what I can do mate but not promising” Clinton replied chuckling.

With that both teams returned to the field to restart the game and Ishmael went back to his bowling mark shaking his head and laughing at what Clinton had just said.

 

 

Ishmael Patel then came in for the next ball and it was an incising ball just outside the off stump and span and bounced and Clinton could not handle the turn and the bounce and it struck the shoulder of the bat a lobbed straight over the slips for a single to 3^rd man and Clinton got to the non-strikers end and stood there and looked at Ishmael Patel with a look of shock on his face smiled and said to Ishmael Patel.

“Ishie where did you get that from boy it turned and bounced But I dealt with it.

Ishmael Patel’s reply was so what a bit puzzling for Clinton but needless to say it did make him laugh “Radford you just can’t read the Zooter or my wrong un can you, let’s just say I beat you all ends up and you were lucky and we can agree to disagree is it and see what happens next”

Clinton just stood there laughing at what Ishmael had said and shaking his head and he turned and looked at Ishmael and Nodded in agreement.

The next over was to be bowled by Clinton nemesis Joel Henderson and Henderson was determined to get Clinton out of the game by any means what so ever.

Henderson came running in and bowled a fast short ball at Clinton this ball reared up of the surface and hit Clinton Flush on the chest again and with a load “CRACK”.

Clinton went down and this time had had his breath taken away and was struggling to breath Henderson walked down the wickets to Clinton and said aloud “NOT SO BRAVE ARE WE NOW BIG BOOLOCKS” in a broad West Indian accent.

Clinton got to his feet stared straight at Henderson in the eyes and saw a man that was hell bent on causing Clinton damage, but Henderson could also see straight into Clintons eyes and saw the eyes of a man who was not afraid of anything no matter how much it hurt and how much damage it caused him.

“Go on Hendo bring it on I’m ready for you, but beware of the injured batter he is a man posed and wants to score runs the more you throw at him the more you are going to get punished and the more runs he will score, so why not try bowling properly and maybe you will get somewhere” replied Clinton

“Hay Radford don’t tell me how to play the game mate when I’m batting I will take you apart so be careful what you say and do” replied Henderson with so anger in his voice, he then turned around walked back to the end of his run and stared to run in this time faster than ever before and bowled a brilliant in-swinging Yorker that Knocked Clinton clean off his feet and missed the leg stump my millimeters and Clinton again was left flat on his back.

Joel Henderson walked up the wicket again and this time just stood over Clinton with his hands on his hips looked Clinton in the eye and said “You lucky bugger next time, next time”

Clinton got to his feet -and got himself ready to face the next ball and what a ball it was this time a out-swinging Yorker that pitched on the leg stump hit Clinton on the boot and a big appeal went up from Joel Henderson and the umpires finger went up and Clinton was out LEG BEFORE WICKET.

A big Cheer went up from the Hamilton Junction side and Clinton picked himself up off the floor and limped off, looked at Joel Henderson and nodded and

 

 

 

Henderson looked back at Clinton and also nodded in mutual respect for a cracking innings and for some great entertainment for the crowd.

When Clinton got back to the pavilion after the long walk back to the applause of the crowd, he walked straight to the changing room and painfully took his kit off and went into the showers for a cold shower.

After the shower Clinton looked in the mirror in the changing room and his left hand side of his body was black and blue with bruises from where the ball had hit him from the barrage of balls he had received from Joel Henderson, Clinton then put a pair of shorts on and walked out of the changing rooms to the seats at the front of the pavilion and was a gasped at the shock on the faces of his family and friends when they saw the bruises he had.

“BLOODY HELL CLINTON DOES THAT HURT” asked Chelsea Clinton’s mother at the sight of his upper body.

“It’s a bit sore mother dear but it is all in the heat of the battle if I am going to make it as a pro I am going to get worse than this” Clinton Reply with a gasp of pain in his voice and all over his face.

“THAT BLOODY HENDERSON HE IS A BRUTE AND A BIG BULLY HE NEEDS TO BE TOLD WHAT WE THINK OF HIM”     Isabella piped up with a very load shout..

“Listen Issie I’m fine it is all in a day’s work for a cricketer, it is worse than it looks and my toe is the one hurting the most would not be surprised if I have a cracked bone in it but I have to carry on as the side need me so guys STOP FUSSING I am fine and dandy and can’t wait to get back out there and bowl” Clinton replied to the fuss being made by Isabella and his mother.

“Clinton my boy I am very proud of you that was a brave inning and many a man would have bottled it, but you stuck to it and for that my boy I am very proud I would not have the guts to do it after that barrage of fast bowling at me” Granddad Reg replied with some joy in his voice.

“I second that my boy that was one of the bravest innings I have seen for some years either in club cricket or county cricket and I would like to have a chat after the game if I may Clinton” replied Jock Mackenzie-Jones the chairman of Hampshire County Cricket Club.

“Thank you Mr. Mackenzie-Jones I sure will have a chat with you after the game and thanks for the compliment” replied Clinton with a look of pain all over his face.

“You’re welcome Mr. Radford and I will look forward to our chat, will also be having a chat with your mate too Mr. Henderson” replied Jock Mackenzie-Jones.

“He is no mate of mine” Clinton replied with a chuckle in his voice.

The reason for the chat that Jock Mackenzie-Jones was going to have with both Clinton and Joel Henderson was he was going to ask them both to play in the Hampshire 2^nd XI’s next game against Durham with a view to giving them both a county contract neither man knew it but this day would change their lives forever in more ways than one but first they had to finish the game they were playing and they would both end up having a major impact in this game.

 

 

The Wanderers innings ended in quick time with them losing their last four wickets in twelve balls for just five runs, to end their innings on two hundred and one all out and Clinton top scorer with forty three runs.

The Hamilton Junction innings got off to a flying start with them scoring one hundred and twenty runs off their first, ten over’s and the ball was being hit to all parts of the ground, Clinton fielding in the slips as to his badly bruised foot and was limping quite badly but did not want to miss the Hamilton Junction innings and the Wanderers were glad that he was.

Clinton then produced a piece of magic while fielding in the Slips when a ball was edged from the bowling of John Gill and Clinton dived full length to try and take a catch but could only parry it, quick as a flash he jumped to his feet picked the ball up and threw down the stumps at the bowlers end with the batsman well short of his ground, cheers went up all around the ground and John Gill just looked at Clinton and said “Radford you just don’t know how to stay out of the game even when you are injured you still produce something out of this world” laughing as he said it.

“You know me Gillie always the show man” Clinton replied laughing and chuckling.

“Get warmed up as well mate your on that end next” replied John Gill who was not only the bowler, but the captain too.

“Ok skip” replied Clinton

He then turned to look and see his old mucker and nemesis Joel Henderson walking to the crease as he had been promoted to number three to try and get the game over and done with in quick time and take some revenge for the defeat of the season before.

Clinton was marking his run up when he heard.

“Hay Radford just make sure you get the ball on the stumps no spin here today mate, but is there is I’m going to put you in the car park and hit you out of the attack” it was Joel Henderson getting his attack in first before Clinton had even bowled a ball trying to get into his head and get him to bowl a few bad balls.

“Hay Hendo concentrate on your batting mate and let me concentrate on the bowling and anyway remember what happed last year and you have, turned me black and blue and have given me some pain and for that I think I owe you” replied Clinton with a bit of joy in his voice.

“Radford I am not scared of you, but hay let’s get to it and see what happens” replied Joel Henderson in his deep West Indian accent.

Clinton then came in to bowl his first ball of the match it was a well pitched up ball just outside off stump, Joel Henderson put his front foot down the wicket and then hit the ball deep over mid-wicket and into the car park for six.

Hendo then looked straight at Clinton and nodded his head and said “ Told you Radford I’m here to hit you out of the attack and where did it go ah in the car park like I said” laughing a chuckling.

 

Clinton just turned around and walked back to his mark and started to bowl his next ball which was a bit quicker and flatter but this time Hendo again went on his front foot but this time he angled the ball through the extra cover region and to the boundary for four.

Clinton just stood there with his hands on his hips and looked straight at Joel Henderson and muttered “Hendo this just can’t go on”

 

Clinton then walked back to his mark to bowl his next ball this one was give a bit more air and was thrown up above the batsman’s eye line and with a little bit more loop, but this time Joel Henderson just planted his front foot forward and just dead batted the ball back to Clinton, Clinton just stood there and nodded his head and said to Joel Henderson “Didn’t pick that did you Hendo”

Joel Henderson replied with a chuckle in his voice” Radford I just took pity on you, brother, took pity on you the next one will be in the car park”

Clinton walked back to his mark and came into bowl the fifth ball of the over and bowled a quicker flatter ball and Henderson just slogged swept him high into the car park for six.

Henderson then strolled up the wicket to speak to Clinton and said “Told you Radford, told you were it was going and yet you still don’t listen”

Clinton replied “Hendo stop your boasting mate there is still time to get you out and I have a few more tricks left up my sleeve”

“Huh I bet you have, they have not worked just yet have they brother, just keep trying and I WILL KEEP SLOGGING AND NEXT TIME IT WILL BE FURTHER” replied Joel Henderson.

Clinton stood stared at the big West Indian and said “Have ago mate just have ago and we will see what happens”

“Let’s see Radford, let’s see” replied Henderson.

Clinton walked back to his bowling mark, while Henderson went back to the crease to face the next ball, Clinton came in and bowled the next ball the sixth of the over and it was a top spinner which Joel Henderson picked and smashed the ball high and over deep long on for six and stood and stared at Clinton and said nothing and Clinton looked back at Henderson and just smiled, thinking to himself “I will get you my old mate, I will get you”

The next over of the innings was a maiden over and it was now again Joel Henderson V Clinton Radford round two of the day, Clinton decided to move the field in and leave some wide open places in the field for Henderson to go for.

The first ball of the over was a looping arm ball which Joel Henderson thought he had read and went to Slog sweep it over deep mid-wicket, but did not get it right and the ball skied high and a shout went out “ MINE BOWLERS BALL” it was Clinton and the catch was dually taken by Clinton, he stood and pointed to the pavilion and Joel Henderson smiled and nodded his head.

 

A shout came out “fell for that one didn’t you Henderson feel for the five card trick well thought out my boy and well bowled” it was Clintons Grandmother Georgia who was so excited her false teeth fell out.

Clinton was so over whelmed by the wicket he started to hyper ventilate again and Chelsea his mother came running on to the pitch with a paper bag for him, “that’s it My son take short deep breaths and take it easy don’t get so worked up” she said with a deep breath.

“I’m fine mum, I’m fine stop fussing” replied Clinton to his mother.

“Clinton on Monday I am going to take you to the doctors and get this sorted just take it easy please son and don’t get to worked up” Chelsea replied to Clinton with a tear in her eye.

The rest of the Hamilton Junction Innings faded away and they were all out for one Hundred and sixty seven and Clinton picking up four wickets for forty two runs.

As Clinton was in the bar after the game he was approached by Jock Mackenzie-Jones “Clinton can I have a word with you over here please” he said in his broad Scottish accent.

“Yes will be there now” Clinton replied as he picked his orange juice up from the bar and walked over to where Jock Mackenzie-Jones was sat.

They were joined at the table by Joel Henderson who Jock had also asked to join them and Clinton had as smile of his face when Joel arrived at the table and said to him “how are your ribs my friend”

“Sore my old friend sore and I am Black and Blue but I will heal and thanks for caring” replied Clinton.

“You’re welcome my old friend as you are and I will be proud to say this the bravest man I know taking a battering like that and still coming back for more” replied Joel Henderson smiling with appreciation.

 

 

“Right you two now we have had the pleasantries, I would like to talk to you both and ask if you would both be available or should I say like to play in the Hampshire 2^nd eleven game starting tomorrow morning at Portsmouth and it is a 3 day game so what do you say boys” Jock Mackenzie-Jones asked of Joel and Clinton

Clinton and Joel looked at each other and smiled and both replied to Jock Mackenzie-Jones “damn right we do”

“What time do me and the big man have to be there” asked Clinton

“Nine thirty for an eleven o’clock start and you two will be rooming together” replied Jock Mackenzie-Jones.

“What me and Joel sharing a room should be a laugh and I am now really looking forward to this” replied Clinton.

“Me to” replied Joel.

Clinton and Joel spent the rest of the night after the game getting to know each other as the following day they would be on the same side in a 2^nd eleven game and what a debut they would both have and a friendship would be formed that would last for years to come as they were to become very close.

 

Clinton turned to Hendo and said “What time do you want picking up tomorrow and were and I will get my Granddad to take us to the ground”

“Don’t worry my old mate I’ll pick you up on my way through it would be my pleasure” replied Joel Henderson to Clinton’s offer.

“OK Joel is nine am at my Grandparents OK” Replied Clinton.

“No problem Man will be there and we can have a good chat on the way, you are a good kid and I would love to get to know you better and I am definitely looking forward to the next few day” Replied Joel Henderson shaking his head all the while.

“Me too Joel Me too” replied Clinton.

They both shook hands and had a drink together and looked forward to the next couple of days they were going to have together playing in the same side.