On a lovely balmy night last Friday evening, a selection of the Swans' finest cricketers and ring-ings (thanks for the wickets & runs, Kiwi Mark) were challenged by CYM Terenure to a game of Twenty/20 cricket at the picturesque CYM sports grounds. 

After arriving not quite on time, not quite in uniform, without a full team, and not quite sober, we were initially hesitant against the hosts dressed all in matching coloured cricket uniforms and doing warmup drills out in the middle. Captain John won the toss and sent CYM in to bat and we filled the team with a few of the NPF regulars who'd come down for a pint in the sun, including Austin, Brett & Steve. Kiwi Mark opened the bowling with Big Merv (Donno) pushing up the hill. Wickets came regularly, though not quite as regularly had we not dropped what must be a record number of catches (thanks for the entertainment Nath & Brett), or needed so many drinks (read 'piss, pint & puff') breaks. With our guys suffering from near exhaustion, it was great to have plenty of able supporters come on as sub-fielders and even bowl some absolute pies (Jim!) when needed. Good performances came from Farmer with the ball, and Bryce with the gloves, whipping the bails off for some great stumpings.

Our run chase started very well, Bryce & Kiwi Mark looked like Haydos & JL, both retiring after reaching the mandatory 20 runs. Bryce was in good form, coming off a dominant performance for Australia against the Kiwis in the ANZAC day 20/20 match. Scotty stepped in and carved out a well crafted 13, and was the only wicket in the Swans' run chase. The innings was finished off with many of the Swans reaching the enforced 20 run retirement mark,  and the winning runs hit by Jimmy the Lip after the sun had slowly set.

Following the match our gracious hosts put on plenty of pizza for all of the Swans players, WAGs & supporters who'd come down for a great afternoon in the sun. Everyone kicked on into the bar where the rowdy lawn-bowlers were celebrating a fiery afternoon's bowling, with some more bevvies and entertainment from the karaoke king.

A big thanks go to CYM Terenure for inviting us to play, putting up with our behaviour and a great evening's entertainment. A perfect way to ease into the long-weekend.