T’was a beautiful Wairarapa Sunday. The WOMBLES – Wine Makers of Martinborough – took on The Parliamentarians. Scattered among the two teams were several stars of cricket, Parliament, wine and Martinborough. With the safety of the new 100km/hr speed limit everyone arrived early, and the game made a prompt start.
To play as a ‘Parliamentarian’ being an MP was handy, working within Parliament was helpful and being a top scoring Black Cap gave automatic entry.
MP Kieran McAnulty assembled a star-studded line-up.
“It is great that the Parliamentarians can mix with the electorate in a social manner and it’s great to contribute to local good causes. This is a fundraiser for some junior cricket nets in Martinborough; it is such a worthwhile cause.”
Five MPs were due to play – only two were available on the day. Were the other three too busy making Monday’s school lunches?
He replied: “Well, we all know, work gets in the way.”
Out on the pitch Michael Womble was showing almost professional slices and scoring ‘4’s galore. There was a shift of the hips, a reposition of the feet and a controlled swing of the bat, the ball slid off the willow cutting through any close fielders. “Slice” is not really the word for what came next. He nudged the ball enough to somehow send it skywards. It curled and floated and drifted, entirely deliberately, travelling almost teasingly, as if it was waving on its way past the out-fielders. But it was caught. A stylish, an elegant way to get out.
With the laser accuracy of his replies in Parliament about the Treaty Principles Bill, McAnulty was collecting balls on the run, turning on the piece of toast that should have gone to a mother having just given birth and throwing the ball straight at the stumps. Bails tumbled. A Womble was run out. The ‘full toss’ worked wonderfully.
Martinborough is proud that a New Zealand International cricketer hails from this little corner of paradise. Emma McLeod attended Martinborough School. Maybe the fund-raiser for junior nets will help produce more ‘Emmas’, if not they’ll provide fun and enjoyment for many. What’s not to like?
Matt Womble sped between the stumps just like Emma, as if he wanted to get to the other end of the pitch quicker than a direct flight to India. Wombles wickets were falling as were balls from the sky. To emulate Garfield Sobers Mike Womble was whacking ‘6s’, one of which worked well, but another went long, high and came straight down to National Party ‘safe hands’ James Meager, appropriately for the cause – Minister of Youth. Rachel Womble scored runs and could have scored more, but the 30 0vers were up for a half-time score of 196 for 8.
Shack Womble’s first ball, a pinpoint googly, cleaned up Parliamentarian Thapar. This was the start of the Wombles applying a brake, the period when the game slipped away. Shannon Parliamentarian reeled off at least five tidy and unthreatening runs at a time when runs were needed but wickets continued to fall. One of the Parliamentarian brothers, Ringrose, was inexplicably held back by which time the contest was nearly over. Maybe time for a harmless cigarette.
Without the rhetoric of “sending them back” The Parliamentarians had signed three players, Kiwis of course, possibly either from their recent success in Dubai or from the Indian sub-continent.
If you didn’t go to watch because you thought there wouldn’t be any famous people, you are wrong. Bruce Edgar – the recognized and well-known Black Cap – was there with all his stealth, sublime stroke play, inch-perfect throws and lightning reactions as wicket keeper. Don’t mention the underarm bowl or anyone named Chappell.
Oh, by the way, The Wombles won. Full-time score: Wombles 196; Parliamentarians 168.
The Wombles represent Martinborough winemakers, wannabee winemakers and anyone else affiliated to wine by drinking it or enjoying the company of good people. It was established by Andrew Shackleton and Clive Paton of Ata Rangi, 30 years ago. The Wombles play on Womble Common, of course. Sponsorship: Generous help and support kindly provided by Tranquil IT.
Disclaimer: To all cricket aficionados: I was told that the only people who are knowledgeable enough about cricket to do a match report are either Kiwis or Yorkshiremen. Your Correspondent is neither.
