Arthurs Knight @ Terenure College May 26th 2023

Walnuts Win under the Tree.

With eagar anticipation the Walnut Taverners took on their close rivals Arthur's Knights in our first home match of the season.

Phillip prepared an immaculate track, with assistance from Eddie and Damian. On a glorious sunny evening runs were scored all around the  Terenure ground  providing a great tribute to the Walnuts track and to Phillip's hard work and dedicated craftsmanship.

The Knights' Gavan played an innings of great fortitude while teammates Des and Tim chipped in with some quick scoring runs as the St Columbas College based team totalled an impressive tally of 116.  The Walnuts fielded with great gusto -  Damian, John Cyril and Sean taking a wicket apiece.

In reply, as the sun set behind the college, Liam and Damian kept the Walnuts chase at the required rate but some precise bowling from Paul, Gerry, Des and Tim gradually strangled the Walnuts' innings. Some late hitting from Sean was to no avail as Arthur's Knights retained the famous plate.

Two exceptional speeches were delivered by Captains Frank and Brian, paying heartfelt tributes to the late Arthur Dunne, a cherished friend of both teams.  

Special mention must go to the Knights' wicket keeper Ben who recently celebrated a milestone birthday and fittingly kept wicket with both grace and elegance.

Another great evening was had in the club as the first home match of the summer concluded with everyone immersed in merriment and conversation.

It is always an absolute treat to play on the college track. We Walnuts are so lucky to have a grass wicket at our disposal and once again appreciation to Phililp for his skill and diligence in preparing a track that produced nearly 200 runs and 8 wickets on the night - an honest battle between bat and ball.

A Poem by Colin Mehigan

Under the shade of the old Walnut tree
The Knights and Walnuts did play -  some with the odd sore knee

Gavan and Des gave the Knights a good start
While Colin and Liam played their part

Tim majestically played an innings of style
While Damian and John took some scalps - to give the Walnuts a smile

Cyril and Sean - you rolled back the years
You took two wickets and caused the Knights to shed some tears

In reply the Walnuts struggled to get things going
But Liam and Damian kept the run rate flowing

Gerry, Paul and Frank bowled with great heart
Taking wickets in the process at a counterpart

In the end the Knights retained the historic plate
Deserved winners, to the club we went, and stayed quite late

Two great speeches were made by Brian and Frank
We listened with intent and the pints continued to be sank

Homage was paid to Arthur,  a great man
As two close teams socialised - always a great plan

Finally a milestone was reached by gentleman Ben
A happy birthday he had as he kept wicket for his men

Onwards to next year as the Walnuts will look for the plate
Lifting it aloft - wouldn't that be great.