Miracle - a try for Scotland |
FB shares the pundits' majority view that Scotland showed something yesterday - to score 3 tries in Paris is exceptional. Actually for Scotland to score one try anywhere, even in training, is exceptional. In recent years tries for Scotland have been as rare as KP's centuries, so to have 3 on one outing was richness indeed. But the Scots flashed outside off stump and gave the ball away under pressure; the French, as they are wont to do, were clinical in punishing these turnovers. Curse them. But on this showing, Scotland will be extremely unlucky to end the season as candidates for the wooden spoon.
Ah the wooden spoon, as a cook of some modest ability, FB has an interest in wooden spoons but there seems to be no spoon link between the rugby field and the kitchen. The term originated in Cambridge University where a spoon was traditionally awarded to the bottom placed student in maths. Those spoons became larger and more ornate, and completely useless for stirring the soup, until the practice was stopped by the University authorities in 1875. Spoilsports. Why a spoon - rather than a spatula or a whisk or garlic press or any other kitchen essential? Your guess is as good as FB's. It is a surprise, though, that in these modern commercially aware times the wooden spoon hasn't been updated and offered to sponsors. The Moulinex has a ring to it don't you think?
MJK |
Jeff Wilson - double international |
Another New Zealander Brian McKechnie was the batsman on the receiving end of Trevor Chappell’s infamous under-arm delivery at the end of the third final of the Benson & Hedges World Series between New Zealand and Australia at the MCG. Three years earlier he kicked the penalty that gave the All Blacks a 13-12 victory over Wales at Cardiff.
Rudi van Vuuren represented Namibia at the 2003 cricket World Cup in South Africa and at the rugby World Cup in Australia later that year.
Fantasy Bob accepts that his own efforts on the rugby and cricket pitch fade into pathetic insignificance beside these overachievers.
Fantasy Bob accepts that his own efforts on the rugby and cricket pitch fade into pathetic insignificance beside these overachievers.
Although not perhaps at quite the same level, there are a few Scotland players who are worth a mention.
ReplyDeleteKen Scotland, a British Lion, had one cricket game for Scotland.
Andy Goram and Scot Symon both played both football and cricket for Scotland. And Len Dudman, opening bat in the great Perthshire side of the fifties and early sixties, represented Scotland at cricket, junior football and curling.
Iain - thanks - yes fine sportsmen all. FB suspects that there must be quite a few other Scots who have reached high levels in 2 sports - but Test level? His researches have come up with Gregor MacGregor (1869-1919) who played 8 tests for England as wicketkeeper cricket and won 3 caps for Scotland at rugby. Then more recently Michale Elgie (born in Durban) played 3 Tests for S Africa between 1961-62 and also played 8 times for Scotland at rugby in the 1950s when a student at St Andrews. And FB thought Jockboks were a recent invention.
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