Superstitious? You Bet!

When it comes to cricket superstitions, I am perhaps one of the biggest followers. One of the biggest detractors of my position has been Sam Wolf. Sam and I don't have a problem on this. We just happen to disagree. Vigorously.

One of cricket's biggest superstitions points (in Australia at least) is the number 87, and all the different variations and combinations that 87 can come in. On this number, it is customary for playing personnel and spectators to raise their feet off the ground, and not change their seating position. This is to ward off the evil cricket spirits, who are just waiting to swoop in and ruin the day.
Sam has, for a short time anyway, never done this, refusing to believe in the unlucky number.

Just over two years ago, Jason Wills was on 87 in a 2nd Grade game against Oak Flats, when I reminded all those around us to lift their feet. One Shane Ashton, in his first match for 2nds, did not know the protocol, did not lift his feet, and Jason was stumped for 87. Shane received much vitriol for his actions.
Sam has since claimed that he, too, did not lift his feet, though this is not my recollection. My guess is that, since Sam decided to go on this one man crusade, he has changed the facts to suit his own purposes. Needless to say, Sam was at this event, and should have learned his lesson, whether he participated or not.

Last weekend, with 1st Grade washed out, there was a big crowd watching 2nds as they pulverised Lake Illawarra at Cavalier Park. With a great partnership being forged by Tim Wolf and AJ Savage, the signs were looking good for Sav to score a big hundred.

And then he came to 87.
Sam Wolf refused to lift his feet.
Sav was dismissed for 87.

I have no problem with Sam airing his beliefs, and not standing on ceremony along with the rest of his teammates. I have no problem with Sam sticking his nose up at superstitions other cricketers happen to believe in. I guess I do have a problem when Sam cannot admit his mistake when his pooh-poohing of standard superstitions is the sole reason for the demise of a teammates innings!

One wonders what may occur in this season's 1st Grade final, when the number 87 rears its ugly head. Will Sam stick to his guns, and be the sole reason for their demise, or will he finally heed the call, and join the masses to ward off the cricketing evil..

One day, he will learn... and probably the hard way...