What the Dolphins do when it rains
by Ant Sims 12 October 2012, 13:42
With the Sunfoil Series clash between the Sunfoil Dolphins and the Chevrolet Knights being affected by weather and a wet pitch, players turned to sport of a different kind to keep themselves entertained on Friday while waiting for the umpires to decide whether the pitch was in a fit state to go ahead.
Rain has been part and parcel of the Dolphins' season over the past few years and, as a result, skipper Daryn Smit has learned to be prepared.
Due to the fact that there are no indoor facilities at the ground in Pietermaritzburg, players have had to come up with some creative ideas to keep themselves amused while waiting around for a decision to be made.
“On Friday we thought about playing golf, hitting pitching wedges from one bank to the other across the ground, using trees as flags and the playing field as water,” Smit joked.
“When we are at a ground with indoor facilities the rain can actually be quite good, because we get to do some extra work with bat and ball, but sometimes when we’re not at a test ground we have to come up with alternative solutions,” the skipper said.
Being prepared for the rain is almost second-nature for the Dolphins now with rain almost following them around. Smit now knows to almost expect the weather to play a part.
“I always carry a poker set with me to help when we have rain delays.
"We have been so cursed by the weather, the poker set never leaves my side these days,” he said.
Some players also get the chance to sleep in a little bit when rain or pitch conditions affect play.
“As the captain, I have to be at the ground waiting for a decision on play to be made – some of the guys get to sleep in while I wait around. It’s part of my job, so I don’t mind at all,” said Smith.
The Dolphins and the Knights have lost two days’ of play due to bad weather and a wet pitch which was caused by a cover blowing off the ground on Wednesday night and water seeping into one of the creases.
Sunshine is forecast for Saturday and if the pitch can get at least one session of solid session of sun, play should be possible from lunchtime tomorrow.
