The CBB :: View topic - Girls can play cricket

#1: Girls can play cricket Author: Phil, Location: London UK

Posted: Mon Jan 23, 2006 2:19 pm

It was on Friends Reunited that I searched for “Stephen Maynard”.

Here’s my entry, under the “famous pupils at your school”

Steve was the son of famous authoress Josephine M Bettany or Joey Maynard.

I just want to say thanks for all the great skiing holidays in the Tyrol and the Gornetz Platz, which you invited me to and it was great to meet your family.

Message ends.
I remembered Steve very well. Quiet and conscientious, with a great sense of loyalty and duty and completely deadpan sense of humour. We were in the cricket team together. I remember he had invited me out to the Gornetz Platz where he lived, for the holiday. For some reason I had been very rude about girls, saying they just couldn’t play cricket full stop. Steve just looked at me. There was a twinkle in his eye. He seemed amused.

“Really?” was all he said and he sat down to write a letter. I didn’t know he was writing to one of his sisters.

We arrived at the Gornetz Platz and Steve introduced me to his older sisters: Len, Con and Margot.

“This is Phil. He says girls can’t play cricket.” Steve smirked.

Len just rolled her eyes and let my rudeness pass. I went as red as a beetroot.

Con didn’t care, saying, “I’m not a games person anyway”

Then Margot came forward.

“What is cricket? I’m sure I don’t understand. Please tell me!” She said in all innocence and looked all puzzled, with a “butter wouldn’t melt in my mouth” look.

“Well, why don’t we have a little practice. Would you like to come Margot? I promise you we won’t be rough and we shall use a tennis ball instead of a cricket ball.” Said Steve genially.

“OK. But promise not to be rough Stevie.” Said Margot sweetly.

Last edited by Phil on Fri Feb 10, 2006 9:01 am; edited 1 time in total

#2: Author: Mrs Redboots, Location: London, UK

Posted: Mon Jan 23, 2006 3:20 pm

:grins at wicked Margot:

Goodness, Phil, have you a single bunny left in your garden? We are being spoilt, thank you so much!

#3: Author: Squirrel, Location: St-Andrews or Dunfermline

Posted: Mon Jan 23, 2006 5:28 pm

I can imagine that this is going to be fun! Looks like Margot and co are going to tease the poor innocent lad mercilessly!

#4: Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans

Posted: Mon Jan 23, 2006 7:22 pm

Eejit boy, never a wise thing to say though I suspect he's about to find that out!

#5: Author: Michelle, Location: Near London

Posted: Mon Jan 23, 2006 7:40 pm

You show him, Margot! Thank you, Phil.

Michelle

#6: Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar

Posted: Tue Jan 24, 2006 3:49 am

Yes, now I feel sorry for Phil!! Margot is certainly going to teach him a thing or two!
Thanks for all these wonderful beginnings, Phil. You are very industrious!

#7: Author: claireM, Location: rotherham

Posted: Tue Jan 24, 2006 5:27 pm

Surely he must know whats coming after that sort of reply Smile

#8: Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries

Posted: Tue Jan 24, 2006 8:55 pm

This must be costing you a fortune in carrots Phil!

Another great start to a drabble.

#9: Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent, England

Posted: Wed Jan 25, 2006 12:25 am

Thanks, Phil. I hope Margot will be able to prove Phil wrong.

#10: Author: Cryst,

Posted: Wed Jan 25, 2006 5:43 am

Go Margot!!

Reminds me of schooldays. I was only allowed to play cricket in the playground very first thing in the morning when there weren't enough boys for a game. Once enough boys came they sent me back to the girls half where they did skipping and stuff. Rolling Eyes

Until the day I got a whole load of them out. After that they didn't let me play at all!

#11: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Wed Jan 25, 2006 12:27 pm

Phil, where have all these bunnies come from? You must be overrun with them.

#12: Author: Phil, Location: London UK

Posted: Thu Jan 26, 2006 8:22 am

Margot had changed from her pink flowery frock (I was later to find out it was a frock she hated) into a pair of brilliant whites. Steve and I just changed into our rather crumpled whites and tatty trainers. I wondered where Len and Con were, but thought no more of it. Steve told me to put the stumps in the ground, whilst he went through the rules of the game with Margot. As I was putting in the stumps in the far end of the field, they seemed to be talking animatedly and I thought Margot was laughing!

Steve seemed to be teaching Margot how to hold a cricket bat and how to use it. I thought what a pleasant girl Margot was! So keen to learn cricket!

The game started as I expected. Steve did gentle under arm bowls to Margot, who appeared nervous and I thought Steve was trying to wind his sister up for my amusement.

“Don’t throw them so fast Stevie!” implored Margot.

“OK I’m sorry Margot!” he replied.

“Steve! Be kinder to your sister!” I said.

Steve grinned. I didn’t know it at the time, but Margot was nearly weeping with laughter behind my back.

Suddenly, Steve said, “Phil, would you like to bowl to Margot?”

“Yes of course.” I said, completely taken in. Margot smiled sweetly.

First ball – Margot cleared that about ten metres.

“Very good Margot!” I said

Second ball – Margot only managed about five metres.

“Never mind. Try this!” I bowled my third.

THWACK!

Margot had cleared the ball completely over the horizon with the speed of lightning! I was gobsmacked.

Steve came up to me.

“Oh dear. That’s lost that tennis ball. Try this Margot”

And before I could say, “Steve that’s a cricket ball!” he had bowled (over arm) a fast one, which Margot cleared in a similar manner.

“Well run and get it Phil! We need someone to field, and cricket balls cost money!” she said as if I were an idiot.

I was numb with shock and Margot really made me work for fielding! But there was still the bowling to come from Margot...

#13: Author: Squirrel, Location: St-Andrews or Dunfermline

Posted: Thu Jan 26, 2006 11:04 am

that fantastic brother and sister act. So I wonder what other things the pair have - all discussed while he was putting in the stumps of course! lol

#14: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Thu Jan 26, 2006 12:18 pm

Is it going to teach him a lesson?

#15: Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar

Posted: Thu Jan 26, 2006 1:59 pm

Jennie wrote:

Is it going to teach him a lesson?

Oh, I do hope so, but not too quickly!!

Thanks, Phil, this is lovely!

#16: Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent, England

Posted: Thu Jan 26, 2006 8:06 pm

Thanks, Phil. I really hope that Margot teaches Phil a lesson in that girls can play cricket.

#17: Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries

Posted: Fri Jan 27, 2006 12:28 pm

I'm secretly hoping that Margot has a really nasty spin bowl....and an amazing fast one too!

Thanks Phil.

#18: Author: Phil, Location: London UK

Posted: Sat Jan 28, 2006 8:49 am

She must have scored a century, and I must have lost half a stone in weight as I ran like a gazelle to field the cricket ball as it hurtled past me like some comet.

“I think I’ll declare for the girls!” said Margot. “We’ll have some lemonade and a breather, then I’ll bowl.”

I was too breathless and ashamed to utter a word. Here was some superwoman! I limped back to Freuedesheim in Steve and Margot’s wake as they chatted cricket and their own school teams results.

Refreshed by the most delicious lemonade I had ever tasted, We returned to the crease!

Steve put me into bat first and I was just about raising my spirits for defence, when the first over went in the space of five minutes. Margot had demolished the stumps on each six occasions! I barely saw her run up to do the over-arm bowl, when I heard a crack and the stumps had been rudely uprooted!

Margot seemed to get impatient. “Oh come on! Stop trying to hit the ball and just hit it!”

That did it!

Margot had awakened the competitive beast within me and I slogged the next ball for a four, then another four, then a six! I managed to salvage some pride, but my average did not equal Miss Maynard’s! Oh dear no!

When Margot said to Steve she had to finish as she was going to Berne with her mother, I almost got the impression she was putting me out of my misery. She turned to me and smiled, with such grace and charm.

“Thank you, I enjoyed that. We must do it again some time!”

And with an evil giggle, she scuttled away.

In total humiliation, I turned to Steve, who burst into a roar of laughter.

#19: Author: little horror,

Posted: Sat Jan 28, 2006 10:39 am

Thanks Phil, looks like he has well and truely been taught his lesson- good for Margot.

Who's next to be taught a lesson? smiles innocently Very Happy

#20: Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent, England

Posted: Sat Jan 28, 2006 12:28 pm

Thanks, Phil. I'm glad that Margot was still friendly after he had insulted her and she had revealed her talents.

#21: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Sat Jan 28, 2006 2:12 pm

Thanks, Phil, that was lovely.

#22: Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries

Posted: Sat Jan 28, 2006 3:14 pm

Thanks Phil.

I'm sure he'll be more careful of what he says in future.

#23: Author: Phil, Location: London UK

Posted: Tue Jan 31, 2006 1:33 pm

“This was all a big joke!” I rounded on Steve.

“Of course. We were all in it. Len, Con, Margot and I. You see, I’ve always had a great time playing cricket at home, but most of the time this has been with women. My mother plays, some of the staff at the Chalet School do, like Auntie Peggy, another brevet Aunt, my female cousins, and older girls whom are friends of the family or friends of my cousins. Papa is always so busy at work, that it has been women who have taught me to play cricket, and without exception they have all been excellent teachers and team mates. Although the Chalet School’s best cricketer, Auntie Grizel, I never played under her. It’s a pity, I would like to. Mama says she was a demon bowler and a first rate batsman, the best the Chalet School’s ever had!”

Steve sighed, wishing he had been trained by “Auntie Grizel” who was far away in New Zealand, and had left the Chalet School when Steve was only little.
Steve explained further.

“I just wanted you to see not only what fun we have as a family, but what top rate players my sisters are at games! You’ve played against Margot and she really is the best out of my sisters! She’s also got a great sense of fun and I wrote to her asking if she was prepared to join in a little rag, which I organised for your benefit!”

“I see.” I replied.

“Margot was up for it allright! She even made herself look especially girl-like to deceive you! That pink frock she wore. I have never seen her wear it. She detests it. The only reason she hasn’t thrown it out is because her godmother made it! She wouldn’t dare throw it away, but she hates the colour and the flowers! You should hear her on the subject!”

Steve took me back to Freuedesheim, where I began to feel a great liking for Margot, mixed with sheer admiration.

When she returned I couldn’t wait to see her again. Her blue eyes, so like Steve’s were dancing with amusement and had a “devil may care” attitude about them.

“I am sorry I was such a pig. I fully deserved that rag you and Steve played on me. Margot Maynard, you are the best cricketer I have ever had the privilege to face. I want to thank you for teaching me a very valuable lesson in life about women.”

“OK” said Margot, with nonchalance.

I felt she hadn’t forgiven me. However, Steve told me later that she had, she just wasn’t a very emotional person.

I thought that was an end to the matter, but there were the photographs!

#24: Author: Squirrel, Location: St-Andrews or Dunfermline

Posted: Tue Jan 31, 2006 2:23 pm

- this looks like fun! Well, that took him down a few pegs! What's to come with the photoes!

#25: Author: JustJen, Location: sitting on the steps

Posted: Tue Jan 31, 2006 6:19 pm

You go Margot!

#26: Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar

Posted: Tue Jan 31, 2006 6:28 pm

I'm very eager to hear about the photos!

#27: Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries

Posted: Tue Jan 31, 2006 7:19 pm

Photos....

I am most intrigued.

Thanks Phil

#28: Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent, England

Posted: Tue Jan 31, 2006 8:40 pm

Thanks, Phil. I'm glad Phil was a good sport about everything.

#29: Author: Le Petite Em, Location: Cheltenham

Posted: Tue Jan 31, 2006 9:59 pm

Hehehe this is skilled!!!
Thanks Phil

#30: Author: Miss Di, Location: Newcastle, NSW

Posted: Wed Feb 01, 2006 2:27 am

Finally I understand how Margot ended up as the Games Pre.

Thanks Phil!

#31: Author: Phil, Location: London UK

Posted: Fri Feb 03, 2006 8:36 am

Two days later, Margot, who had previously been rather “stand offish” with me came giggling up to me.

“I’ve got some snaps! Len and Con got them developed the day you played cricket with me.”

Curious, I followed Margot to their Speisesaal, with Steve, where Len and Con were giggling over a variety of photographs. They purposefully passed them to Steve, who did his best not to roar with laughter, but couldn’t help smirking.

Apparently, whilst Margot was trouncing me at cricket, Len and Con were hiding in the bushes, taking pictures of my face as Margot played her game.

There were pictures of me looking shocked, amazed, flabbergasted and wilting in the sun as Margot made me work!

I accepted my humiliation with humour, and Len, Con and Margot graciously accepted my offer of a final game of cricket before I left for home.

I never knew what happened to those photos. Come to think of it, I never knew what happened to Len, Con or Margot. I search on the friends reunited site for Chalet School. I find a Len Entwhistle. Could that have been Steve’s sister Len?

I shall always treasure my friendship with Steve and my acquaintance with those great sisters of his. I hope Steve sees my message and gets in touch soon. I must go out to the Gornetz Platz again. It has been over forty years!

#32: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Fri Feb 03, 2006 12:46 pm

Thanks, Phil. I hope this isn't the end.

#33: Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent, England

Posted: Fri Feb 03, 2006 10:22 pm

Thanks, Phil. The photos seemed really funny.

#34: Author: Phil, Location: London UK

Posted: Tue Feb 07, 2006 10:37 am

I got to Interlaken and was looking for a black saloon car. I soon found it. From the car stepped what I thought was Jack Maynard! However there was a slight difference. The jawline was more pointed, the eyes a mischievous blue.

“Stephen Maynard! After all these years!”

It was a reciprocal joy neither of us would ever forget. I noticed Steve was a little tubby, but then so was I. Both of us were sixty-one. Steve drove us to the old family home of Freuedesheim. It still looked as beautiful as ever. There were a few noticeable extensions and I noticed the Chalet School next door, standing proudly on the Platz.

I inquired after the family.

“I’m afraid Pa passed away in ninety one, a few days short of his eightieth. Mike was killed in the Falklands, Len has just retired as head of the Chalet School, Margot is teaching medicine at a convent on the Platz. I’m afraid her globe trotting days as a missionary are over, but she does a lot of teaching medicine. She can still be a tetchy old battleaxe, despite being a nun!”

“A nun?” I was amazed.

“Oh yes! Con is lecturing in Oxford, where I have my practice, Charles is still at the British Museum. Felix and Felicity are still in Rep, somewhere in the States I think. Cecily is teaching at the Chalet School, Geoff has just quit the army and is secretary at the San and Phil is currently an air stewardess.”

“I’m sorry to hear about your Dad and Mike.”

“Oh that’s allright, knowing Mike, he probably asked for it.”

I looked shocked. Steve laughed.

“I’m only joking. He got a posthumous medal for saving lives, before getting killed.”

“How’s your mother?”

“Eighty seven and still going strong! And yes, she is still telling stories of her misdeeds at the Chalet School to her great-grandchildren! Now, enough of this talk! How about a game of cricket?”

I agreed. I thought we were going to play a gentlemanly game for folk nearing retirement age.

I was wrong.

As we approached the field, Steve blew a whistle. A squealing chorus of “Uncle Steve” was heard and a dozen young ladies appeared, headed by a grinning, aged, but recognisable triplet of Len, Con and Margot Maynard.

#35: Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent, England

Posted: Tue Feb 07, 2006 11:00 am

Thanks, Phil. It was great that they met up again and I loved hearing about what had happened to the rest of the family. I'm sorry about Jack and Mike, though.

#36: Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries

Posted: Tue Feb 07, 2006 8:21 pm

Oh that's just such a wonderful image.

Thanks Phil

#37: Author: Le Petite Em, Location: Cheltenham

Posted: Tue Feb 07, 2006 8:41 pm

A re-match!!! Laughing

#38: Author: Phil, Location: London UK

Posted: Fri Feb 10, 2006 9:01 am

Margot still had a certain vivaciousness about her. Her eyes were a mischievous, twinkling blue, like Steve’s. She always had a pert or cheeky “Are you looking at me?” expression on her face and she wore this now!

“Another match Phil? For old times sake?”

I agreed.

“Don’t worry. I’ve slowed up after all these years. You may be able to catch my balls this time!” laughed Margot gleefully.

A squabble had broken out amongst the young ladies.

“Holly’s being a pig!”

“I’m not a pig Jemima! You’re a pig!”

Steve managed to placate his great nieces (Great Nieces?! I thought) and the game started. I bowled to Margot and…

THWACK!

“Six!” shouted Margot as the sound of splintering glass came. To Margot’s horror, she had sent the ball through her Father’s former study.

“Oh dear!” She said philosophically. “Papa would be most annoyed!”

We left the young ones to play their game as I trotted off with Steve, Len, Con and Margot as they reminisced how angry their beloved Papa used to get with cricket balls and footballs coming through his window.

The four eldest Maynards could almost picture their father storming through the door to demand, “Who did that?”

With some sadness the four entered the rarely used study, where Jack’s journals were kept, and his old Doctor’s bag and endless family photos, to clear up the mess, put the new window in and leave. Amazingly, Jack Maynard had even taken the trouble to stockpile extra panes of glass!

Then all four looked up to the sky and said, “Sorry Papa!”

We returned to watch the next generation of girls playing cricket.

#39: Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar

Posted: Fri Feb 10, 2006 9:04 am

It's nice to see that Margot hasn't changed!
Thanks, Phil.

#40: Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent, England

Posted: Fri Feb 10, 2006 12:23 pm

Thanks, Phil. I liked the part about Jack having left extra panes of glass!

#41: Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries

Posted: Fri Feb 10, 2006 10:31 pm

That was lovely, Phil.

Thank you

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