Witnessing Greatness

Photo credit: Bahnfrend, CC BY-SA 4.0

Near where I live, to the south of Newbury, on the fringe of Wash Common, stands the Falkland Cricket Club, with its fabulous pavilion, The Bowler's Arms.  It's a cherished community hub and a testament to the people who have poured time and energy into making it a glorious venue.

The dedication of the club to fostering and supporting talent has led it to maintain its wicket to County standards, ensuring that the playing surface is fit to host first-class matches.

Once a year, the club hosts a Vitality Blast match, one of the highest forms of T20 cricket in the country.  On 9 July, the Hampshire Hawks women's team played the Lancashire Lightening.

With the England team playing India that same day, both teams' squads lacked their current England stars, however, one name on the scorecard stood out, and made the modest entry fee even better value for money.

Unless you are a fan of cricket, the name Ellyse Perry may not mean much to you.  If you are, you will know that she is one of the world's best players, an Australian international and a genuine all-rounder, boasting impressive batting and bowling stats in all forms of the game, including the highest Test score for an Australian woman of 213 not-out, against England.  A lesser-known fact, is that she also played football (soccer) for her country before settling in to become a full-time cricketer.  She is an extraordinary sportswoman.

Alas, the hoped for batting display didn't materialise, as Perry was freakishly run out with just one run to her name and before I'd settled in to watch the game.  When it came to her bowling, she had an off day, conceding 24 runs in two overs, including a couple of wides.  For her, it was a forgettable day.

What struck me though, is how she responded to the set back.  At the end of the game, having suffered an ignominious defeat, most of the Hampshire players retired to the pavilion or spent some time on the outfield chatting to fans and signing autographs.  One player alone did something different.

Ellyse Perry found a coach, a set of practice stumps, and an unused playing strip and proceeded to bowl ball after ball, refining her craft.  Few people watched her, the activity wasn't to garner a crowd.  I suspect her sole focus was addressing the deficiencies she felt in her performance; it was a masterclass in striving for perfection.

It was the barest glimpse into what it takes to be an elite athlete; going that bit further than others are willing to go to be the best.  Although I didn't get to see her dominate with the bat, or decimate the opposition with the ball, it was a privilege to witness an element of the determination that it takes to be one of the leading competitors in world sport.  For me, that was just a little bit special.

Cheerio for now,

Craig

Ellyse Perry stats

Hampshire v Lancashire scorecard

Photo source

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Craig Brown is an author living in Newbury.  To follow his work visit craigbrownauthor.com

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10 July 2025