A ‘social’ indoor cricketer is preparing for another crack at a premiership.
After 15 years of Queensland Sub-District Cricket for various clubs, Peter moved to indoor cricket during Covid. While he began as a fill-in, he eventually found a team, the Cunning Linguists, who started to build combinations and camaraderie with their 2024 grand final run.
“We used to be horrible, but we got some decent players when one team folded and we went on this six-game unbeaten run, though unfortunately we didn’t win the premiership. The social part gradually faded as we realised how fun winning was, and we wanted more. We still have fun and take the piss out of each other, but winning comes first.”
While Peter has played in outdoor premierships, he admits he got carried away in the lead up to the first grand final, telling everyone who’d listen that the Linguists were destined to win the premiership.
“At the time, I told myself I was trying to ‘manifest’ victory, which is a load of w**k in hindsight.”
The Linguists returned to the finals last year, but had a disappointing straight-sets exit.
“That one hurt more and has driven us toward the minor premiership this season.”
Though they had some good fortune to make another grand final, as the three finals (1st vs 2nd qualifying final, 3rd vs 4th elimination final, preliminary final) were played as a triple-header last week. After being belted in the qualifying final, they quickly rebounded to win the preliminary final.
“In hindsight, I’m glad we had that second game straight away, as it stopped us from dwelling on the bad loss and to get redemption immediately. We’ve had a habit of falling apart under pressure, so hopefully we got that horrible performance out of our system.”
Peter has learnt from 2024 and is treating this like a normal week.
“I haven’t mentioned the game to anyone and I’ve been busy enough at work so I’m not thinking about the game. Even our group chat has been quiet. Hopefully that’s a good sign.”
The Gurgler presents stories of the Park Cricketer, where we explore the lower reaches of the great game of cricket from the suburban ovals and rural grounds across Australia.
