The grommets of Margaret River

In Australian parlance (yes, Strine is actually considered an English dialect), a grommet is a term used (sometimes affectionately, sometimes derogatorily) to describe talented young surfers. On a crisp, windy morning in Margaret River (the surf mecca of Western Australia), a collection of cricket grommets from the region, under the watchful eye of local teacher Shane, gathered at the Western Oval to take on a sluggish Pilgrims team, already a bit sore and tired from three games in five days and hundreds of kilometres on the road.

In a rather one-sided match, it was left to the Pilgrims’ own grommet, young Johann, to carry the flag.

This match report requires getting into an awkward stance to play a reverse sweep. Because, technically, Jasveer, captain for the day, won the toss and batted. But that’s not helpful. The reverse sweep has sent the ball far over the boundary, and instead, the team comprised of local talents from the Busselton-Margaret River Cricket Association batted, making an impressive 8/202 off 30 overs. Spencer looked very assured at the crease, while father-son combo Shane and Sam both hit the ball very cleanly in a shared partnership. The Pilgrims tried hard, with Su(1/8), Chris 1/16), Mithun (1/16) and Ankit (1/18) all picking up wickets. Some neat catches were held (with Moritz becoming the first German to take an unlikely catch in Australia, running sideways towards deep square leg), but generally, the grommets sent the ball to all parts of the field with ease.

Towards the end, Jasveer threw the ball to Johann (0.5-0-2-2), who promptly took a wicket with his very first delivery down under, Cam hanging onto the catch at mid-on by some miracle, as the ball had gone right into the sun. Johann followed this with two more wickets, and could have had five, if only a few more catches had stuck. These wickets came after Johann showed the most intent and energy of all the fielders, barrelling around the field at full pace to chase the ball in the outfield.

In “reply”, the Pilgrims meandered to 9/152 off 30 overs, anchored by Stewart’s stoic 38* (off 60 balls). Jasveer (27), Abhik (23) and Cam (21) all fell trying to accelerate a run-rate being undermined by leaves and dot-balls. The best of the 11 spinners was Xavier, who took 2/9 off a pair of tight, parabolic overs. The grommets were very good in the field, holding catches and stopping the ball; not a single one of them was sent to patrol a boundary.

This meant the “result” was that the Pilgrims lost by 50 runs. And I think we will stick with that. For his marvellous and youthful efforts, Johann was awarded the match ball. For his grinding innings, Stewart also received a match ball. Spencer got a baggy cap for his batting and good spirit. Danny received a green Pilgrims tour shirt for umpiring (thanks, Danny!). And Shane was presented with a copy of Quintus Huntley: Botany (the treasurer’s latest book) for his organisational work and for being a benchmark of stylish and powerful batting.

The early morning start against a squad of grommets left a lot of Erdinger refreshments still in boxes. These were duly donated to the Margaret River Hawks Cricket Club and will no doubt be enjoyed by club members in the days and weeks to come. The Pilgrims adjourned to sun protected terrace of the Margaret River Brewhouse for lunch and to toast Johann’s success with the ball. Well done, German grommet!

Heligoland Pilgrims: Jasveer (c), Ankit (vc), Abhik, Cam, Chris, David (wk 1), Devadas, Johann, Mithun (wk 2), Moritz, Stewart, Su

BMRCA XI: Shane (c), Dillon, Sam, Sean, Spencer (wk), Will, Xavier, Zander

Scorers: Paul

Umpires: Danny

Report: Royce Leville

Photography: