Circus - performance given by a travelling company of entertainers
Carnival - a festival marked by merry making and processions
And so it came to pass that word went out the length and breadth of Phoenix that Jason was looking for members to embark upon a perilous but glamorous adventure. In spite of the miniscule chances of anyone surviving to lay eyes upon the winning run let alone get past their cricketing demons and return with the prize, large numbers of heroes were ready to run the risk. These were known as the Argonauts, or as we know them as Phoenix Cricketers.
From circus day in Pompey's Rome complete with lions, pachyderms and performances interspersed with chariot racing until modern day Cirque de Solely, circuses remain the most enduring and endearing form of family entertainment in the world. Early Roman circuses, in keeping with the morals of the day, featured wild and exciting athletes who fought to the death for their freedom; animal duels, daring equestrians and spectacular chariot races that provided entertainment for the gregarious Roman population.
Phoenix's own troupe went to the south coast of England to wow, entertain & excite the crowds and fellow players with their clown like humour, trapeze like daring shot making, acrobatic fielding, juggling catching and magical bowling.
Which ever eleven were chosen to represent Phoenix, they performed with vigour, passion, pride and gay abandon that the shows enacted were always magnificent in its fun, excitement and cricketing skills. Those that were not selected also turned up to each of the venues and contributed with scoring, umpiring & drinks duties as well as being the supporters and cheerleaders.
Songs rang thru the air when the batsman hit a boundary, cheers were heard when a bowler took a wicket and laughter echoed when bad fielding resulted in the player looking foolish.
Phoenix won the opening game against Dartington & Totnes and succumbed to defeat in the next three. Games versus Cornwood (who had a current Pakistani-A international player Salman Mohammed playing for them) and Holberton were played in good spirit with Phoenix giving their players to the opposition since they were short. A move much appreciated by both clubs. In the last game versus Barton, Phoenix were up against a side who when winning the toss opted to bat their five first teams players (including a ex-Pakistani International Imran Abbass) in the opening five batting positions. Read more in the match reports.
All in all the opposing teams remarked on our excellent cricket performance, our graciousness as guests and superb social behaviour. All wanted us to return again next year and said that playing us was one of the best ever games they ever played and that we were a credit to cricket as well a credit to Phoenix.
The origins of carnival date back to the ancient Greek spring festival in honour of Dionysus, the god of wine. The Romans adopted the celebration with Bacchanalia (feasts in honour of Bacchus, the Roman equivalent to Dionysus), and Saturnalia, where slaves and their masters would exchange clothes in a day of drunken revelry. Saturnalia was later modified by the Roman Catholic Church into a festival leading up Ash Wednesday. It quickly evolved into a massive celebration of indulgences - one last gasp of music, food, alcohol, and sex before Lent - before the 40 days of personal reflection, abstinence, and fasting until Easter (not exactly what the Church probably had in mind). 40 days of purging sins, preceded by a week filled with virtually every known sin. The word itself comes from Latin, "Carne Vale" or "Farewell to the Flesh".
After (and during) each game a Carnival atmosphere engulfed the venue as well as all the players. The festivities of drink, music, dance, food, laughter, reflection and promises for the future began and continued on into the early hours of the morning. At Carnival time, something extraordinary occurs in this club. Barriers fall. Rank ceases to matter. Something more fundamental and important suffuses the air. It is a recognition of the human need to recreate. To play. To suspend the superficial world of commerce, gossip and politics for a time, and let deeper values predominate. For those who took the plunge, it is an opportunity to learn about truth, joy and the art of living.
Phoenix's Tour Highlights
Batting - Fabian's exquisite 80 (highest individual score) and heavy scoring in all his games (most runs scored 181), Jason's classy 60 and Rahul's match winning and maiden fifty.
Bowling - Yazdan's & Shiv's first wickets for Phoenix.
Catching - Rahul's impressive dive, Imran's Skier, Shiv's midwicket escapades and Indi's first catch for Phoenix as he kept wicket.
Fielding - The teams efforts versus Dartington & Totnes and Fabian's direct throw run out from the point boundary.
‘Where's my tea?’ award goes to Yazdan as he lost it when he didn't get his tea.
'Gosh Your Smart' award goes to Nad for his impeccable smartness
'Damn I am f**ked' award goes to Sanj for his comments on Nad's dress sense.
‘Can't stop laughing award!’ award goes to the team when Yazdan missed a run out.
'Where the F**k is he' award goes to Imran as he decided to have a shit, shower & shave as we decided to head out for a game.
‘Oh My God I can't believe it!’ award goes to Indi's first catch for Phoenix.
'I will cry if you hit me' award goes to Shiv when he was attacked by a drunk teenage girl
'We have had enough' award goes to the team when they lost count of the score versus Barton.
'Shit I haven't seen women so close' award goes to Faizan at the club.
'The Shiv & Indi' award goes to Amrit and Imran who never left each others side.
‘Thanks for Coming!’ award goes to Jim & Darius who scored ducks in the first game of tour.
'Cripple Dev's Injury' award goes to Fabian who managed to get hit by the ball on all parts of his leg.
'RAC Breakdown' award goes to Sanj whose car broke down on the way to tour, Anup who ended up in bed for a whole day with a bottle of benylinn and Amrit who hurt his back & couldn't play as he warmed up to play a game.
'AA Breakdown' award goes to Jason as he walked the corridors at 4.30am looking for someone to talk to (AA being Alcohol Anonymous).
'Shit are we Deaf' award goes to Zee for his fun sledging of the team as he played for the opposition
'From Parsi with love' award goes to Yazdan for taking Jim's wicket.
'We Have Seen Enough' award goes to Kimberley.
'The Kimberley' award goes to Yazdan
'Hop-a-long' award goes to Imran who even though had a knee injury but could do flips & twist in his break-dance battle with Rahul.
'Jack Daniels is my friend' award goes to Amrit and Imran who could dance despite their injuries.
'They think they can dance' award goes to Sanj, Rahul, Imran and Yazdan on their night on the town.
'Soodi Sound Effect' award goes to Shiv for the ever present call of 'Sooooooooodiiiiiiiiiii' in high pitch
'Booty Call' award goes to Rahul for his booty
'Sambuka' award goes to Tush you hit double figures
'Please take me home' award goes to Jason as the floods delayed his train home.
''Tour on Toor is four' award goes to Amrit
Phoenix on tour were a team united. To quote Antoine de Saint-Exupery quotes (French Pilot, Writer and Author of 'The Little Prince', 1900-1944) 'One man may hit the mark, another blunder; but heed not these distinctions. Only from the alliance of the one, working with and through the other, are great things born.'
So another tour came & passed and yet again Phoenix showed their true colours and infected everyone involved with laughter, spirit and the sense of being a family.