The battle of Malahide

A great cricket match between two sporting rivals, more closely bonded than at first appears! ODI stands for One Day International, Malahide is a cricket venue near Dublin.

The Battle of Malahide

 

Ireland and England are two separate sporting nations,

And between them there’s been upsets and sensations

At the latest cricket ODI on 3/9/13, again they did collide

To face off once more in the battle of Malahide!

 

But these two arch rivals are closely interlinked

Allow me to explain and make it clear and succinct

The English skipper Morgan and debutant bowler big Boyd

Had both previously played for Ireland and many were very annoyed!

 

But let he who is without sin cast the first stone

Ireland’s opening bowler was once Englands very own

Now as we proceed don't let your head get into a ‘tis,

As there's plenty of conundrums for one heck of a pub quiz!

 

Both respective captains brought up centuries with a towering six

One Irish, one used to be but now English, don't get them mixed

The top scorer and top wicket-taker of the victorious team,

Were both Irish now English, do you understand which two I mean?

 

Not forgetting the top wicket taker on the losing side

Was the one that was English though now Irish allied

And though England ran out eventual worthy winners

Each man played for his shirt and that does not make them sinners!

 

Ten thousand and more came to cheer their heroes aloud

Ten thousand and more returned home, a well entertained crowd

So next time Ireland and England lock horns, where ever that may be?

Be thankful they are good friends despite their great sporting rivalry!

Reviews

[Frieda P]

I learn more about cricket and it's history everytime I read you Tom, I didn't know Ireland and England were such rivals but I suppose I should have guessed as much. Interesting story within your poetry, very entertaining and you are so passionate when you write of this sport!

'But let he who is without sin, cast the first stone'

Now that's serious business....enjoyed!

[Tom]

Yes indeed Frieda, thankfully now they are only fierce foes when it comes to sport ! Glad you enjoyed and have you recovered from your fall yesterday ?

[Frieda P]

Always a pleasure Tom, and which fall is that, the one where I landed on my arse, that's a daily occurrence..lol ;-)

[Tom]

Lavender musings do you not remember ?

[Frieda P]

OOOOH, you mean you giving up cricket?

[Tom]

Yes and then you fell over !!! I was hoping you landed on the lavender and not those sharp crystal stones??

[Frieda P]

If you can give up cricket I can certainly handle some silly sharp crystal stones....lol

[Tom]

and so courageous..

[Frieda P]

The very least I can do for your enormous sacrifice...........

[Tom]

Aaaaah Frieda and there's me thinking you were just teasing again !!!

[Frieda P]

I never tease about the serious stuff, like cricket & chocolate..............

[Tom]

Well glad to know now you don't really think I am a women!!

[Frieda P]

Nah, just teasing, you should know me by now, 99.9% of what falls out of my face is sarcasm, don't you know anyone else from joisey?!

[Tom]

No where is that ?

[icelandicblue]

Alliances are made and lost in sports and by nations. Your passion for the subject is obvious and it is fun to learn a thing or two along the way.

[Tom]

That was my point iceblue, happy you got it and thank you for such encouraging comments!

[Gleb Zavlanov]

Your poetry is full with a unique vigor and a sense of humor. Great job!

[Tom]

Thank you Gleb !

[Gleb Zavlanov]

The pleasure was mine.

[SquinklaPsyOps]

This sounds kind of interesting. I really like the article so far.

Your writing style brings it all together very nicely.

[Tom]

Thank you Squinkla, I try to make the game of cricket more interesting to folk that perhaps aren't really into it, so I'm glad you liked this one!

[Yellow Butterfly]

Such is life.... even cricket comes with it's troubles and strife... battling it out till the end.... beautiful to see these sporting rivals are still friends...... :O)

Great tale told by a brilliant poet.... :O)

[Tom]

Thank you YB, you flatter me somewhat though I don't mind that at all !!!

[Yellow Butterfly]

Your welcome Tom..... :O)

[Ankit Mahar]

Yeah .They played fot their shirt so they are not sinners .
What a unique poem bro .keep writing .

[Tom]

That's my point exactly Ankit & thanks for the nice comments!

[Ankit Mahar]

You are most welcome

[Girl Friday (Sarah W.)]

You are a master of storytelling, my friend. I have learned more about cricket from you than I ever have in any passing research that I have done. I love your imagery, and the tone in which you write your pieces. I always get a strong sense of direction from your work.

[Tom]

And very kind of you to visit and say so Girl Friday !

[MsJewel]

A great lesson on cricket for someone like me who had no idea about the sport and a very well written poem - great flow and rhyming. A pleasure to read.
:) Julie

[Tom]

Thank you Ms Jewel, glad I'm winning the hearts & minds of those unaware of the diversities of the great game !

[Leslie Philibert]

A poet I have not read before, and will read again. Very funny, full of delight for all sport fans, I`m not sure that our American friends will understand things like ODI, but who cares ?...excellent.

[Tom]

Very kind of you to comment Leslie and yes you're right, our American friends understandably are not fully conversant with the rules of the great game, but I think I'm winning them over ? Bit by bit !!