Maybe the writing was on the wall when the captains tossed via mobile phone (isn't technology wonderful!) while Tony Mc was still in the pub. He won and chose to bat, not thinking to ask about the condition of the wicket.
Maybe the writing was on the wall when Stu got out to the third ball of the innings, edging one to slip and watching in horror and surprise as it wasn't dropped. It could have been when Watto knocked both Chalky and Robb McD over in consecutive overs, to have the OBS reeling at 3 for 21 from 8.
Maybe the writing was on the wall when Bry succumbed to Sam's second ball, or when Carlos edged one to Quentin off Bumby. Perhaps it was when I fell for Bumby's sucker ball and Rhodri actually caught it, when Wraggy went due to very sharp catch by Deb at gully, when Eddie skied one off Rhodri, when Bilbo lobbed one back to Sam, or when Phil got under one a bit too much and Bumby contrived to catch it.
Maybe the writing was on the wall when Tony sent Mike in at number eleven, then came in at twelve. Or even when Tony couldn't score through to 2-7 field and was run out off the last ball. All out for 128.
Maybe the writing was on the wall when Sam begged me to play for the YBs because they had no batting, and I told him that Watto was playing, and he said, "Okay, good luck." Or last week, when Rich Clark said I had to play for the YBs because there was no one else to keep, and I told him that Quentin could, and he said, "That's true. Okay then." (It's nice to feel wanted.)
Maybe the writing was on the wall when Tony decided to open the bowling himself, with Eddie at the other end. Maybe it was when Tony went for 5 from his first over. Or 7 from his second. Or 9 from his third. Or 8 from his fourth.
Maybe the writing was on the wall when I dropped Quentin by trying to catch it with my wrist. Or when Chalky didn't catch the chance that went a couple of inches over his head. Or when Bry moved himself away from where Watto edged it. Or when Tony dropped the one that disappeared into the mist, then tumbled about on the grass for a bit.
Maybe the writing was on the wall when Watto and Quentin had the YBs halfway there before Robb skittled Watto. Or when Croc came in and hit some balls away from fielders. Or when Robb got wickets two and three, only for Sam to come out to bat.
Maybe the writing was on the wall when Wraggy came on to bowl and was hit all over the shop. Or when Stu was given a bowl. Or when we couldn't even get Rhodri out. Or when it started to rain. Or when Carlos and Chalky were handed the soap, sorry, ball. 4 for 132 from 24 and a half. The OBs got dicked.
The writing was definitely on the wall when Tony launched a tirade at his teammates in the changing rooms after the game. The writing on the wall said, "You're sacked, Tony Mc!" The fine print says, "You only get one chance Chalky. Don't fuck it up!"
AO