14/12/2001 – Stokes Bay – Adelaide
17th December, we decided to go to the Cricket at the delightful Adelaide Oval. The day before, day 4 of Australia vs South Africa – we were 0-3 in our second innings (1st innings = Aust 439, South Africa 374).
Australia declared at 7 for 309 with Matt Hayden’s ton the highlight. South Africa had 12 overs to keep out – 2 for 17 at stumps – a quick wicket off the last ball of the day by Warney helped.
Couldn’t help myself. Back to the cricket the next day to watch the coup de’grace. Administered accordingly and South Africa dismissed before tea for a meage 130 odd (if that).
The Johnny Sideshow
A fifth day crowd did come to see,
A victory earned the day before,
Adelaide turned out with expected glee,
The result was ours that's for sure,
My goodfellows we are talking cricket,
The South African Proteas our worthy foe,
We hoped for a turning wicket,
I never considered the Johnny Sideshow.
The day started, but not as expected,
A "pigeon" chimed in with an early two,
A new crowd favourite had been elected,
I suppose the ball was still new,
It was all going according to plan,
I reckon I was the only one that didn't know,
About the imminent emergence of a man,
Here comes the Johnny Sideshow.
I think from the Clarrie Grimmett gate,
A fellow sauntered through the crowd,
It was obvious Johnny was everyone's mate,
His aloof demeanour only added to the shroud,
A huge dark chap of uncertain extraction,
This was no "ordinary joe",
Make no mistake, not a fraction,
It was the arrival of the Johnny sideshow.
A balding pate but with long pigtales,
Jeans too short showing white gumboots,
"Hey, Johnny" the crowd all hails,
Somewhere a trumpet hoots,
A flannelette shirt with a tie,
The knot in an uncertain bow,
A red backpack I tell not a lie,
This is the Johnny sideshow.
A local identity that's for sure,
I think he secretly want the attentions,
A carnival freak nothing more,
White gumboots! Did I mention?
But as quick as he came he disappeared,
Not so much as a simple hello,
The whole experience was kind of weird,
That was the Johnny Sideshow.
The game's result went as predicted,
Only brief resitance was offered,
The Proteas were quickly evicted,
The winner's cheque no doubt coffered,
But somewhere in the stands,
I wonder what the man made of the Protea woe,
Probably nothing, a chap of simple demands,
He was only there putting on the Johnny Sideshow!
18th December, 2001