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 ?

[Great Aunt Astri]

As someone who does not like cricket I found myself riveted reading this poem. 'Be thankful they are good friends, despite their great, sporting rivalry'. Tom, your poem could start wars!
A great read and seemless rhyming!

[Tom]

Yes indeed Great Aunt Astri....Bring on the cricket wars but that's were it stops thankfully as sport, amongst others things is a great leveler !!

[Great Aunt Astri]

Well, I remember when I was at school, hockey matches were definitely acts of war. I didn't speak to the girl who bashed my shins, for weeks!

[Tom]

You sum up my point of view superbly....sporting rivalry is healthy, competitive and great fun for everyone! ( Even if you do have the odd bruise to show for it ) !!

[SyberRose]

Nicely done indeed Tom...i love the Irish and since I was born in England I love the English too haa...I can tell you are excited about sports ...im not much into sports but i like watching the English and Irish golfers...on tv...Rose

[Tom]

That's a start Rose. we'll just have to get you to start watching cricket now and you'll be hooked!

[Daisie Vergara (Dhaye)]

Wow! Very sporty. Nice attitude from both nations. They did a good job.
This is very informative, too. I learned something about the two nations.
Thanks for sharing this.

[Tom]

Thank you Marguerite, you are very welcome indeed !

[Avinash]

A very sportive piece of poem with so much insight into the cultural background between the two nations as well

[Tom]

Thank you Avinash

[Sheila Kline]

'Tis a gem indeed as it gives one who perhaps has only heard of the political and religious (is there a separation in the two?) on-going rivalry between the two entities. So, England and Ireland square off on the Cricket field and all goes well even with one of the the supposed foes at the helm. You have taught us of sportsmanship, more insight into the extreme loyalty of fans of the sport with your keen writing ability at the center of it all!
And yes, there is reason to be thankful they are good friends!!!
Very interesting read my friend!!

[Tom]

A worthy summation indeed Sheila and thank you very much.

[Sasha]

very interesting one !
:)

[Tom]

Thank you Sasha !

[Rita L. Sev]

Rivalry can be a good thing, when sportsmanship is present! Vivid scene here, Tom - well penned!

[Tom]

Thank you Rita, yes as long as it remains within the sporting arena !

[David Scott]

It has not always been so, but I'm glad to see it is now a matter for the athletes to resolve...
Thank you for the insight into this treasure of your culture.

[Tom]

Indeed so David and thank you kindly.

[Lydia Shutter]

A "blow by blow" of the game....felt as though I was in the stands and could hear the cheering! So the Irish player was now on the English team? Bit of a turncoat, but then again, the jersey worn is the allegiance, right? Just as attorneys in the courtroom can snipe at one another and seem to be mortal enemies yet have lunch together after the trial, players from opposing teams can be friends off the field. I liked this....shows there is good sportsmanship in the world! Good rhyming as always! Lydi**

[Tom]

You captured the gist straight off once more Lydia, thank you indeed !

[Marie]

I'm just glad they didn't kill each other.

[Tom]

All ended well Marie & thanks for dropping by !