Probably not as badly as Echuca South's B grade cricket side.
Wild weather on Friday meant the outfield of Echuca South Recreation Reserve wasn't in perfect condition, but nothing would prepare the team for arriving to discover a hole had ripped in the covers on the pitch block.
“There was a small tear in the middle of the cover which had left a 2m puddle on the pitch which we struggled to dry,” Gary Smith said.
“We thought we had it under control, but unfortunately we couldn't get it ready on our own.
“We tried everything, we used the hessian covers, we used a few hired blowers, we tried an old foam mattress, anything we could but nothing was working.
“So we called in a favour."
That favour came in a way you would not expect at a local cricket ground - a helicopter.
Smith called on Gavin Kennaugh of Kennaugh’s Garden Centre, who owns a helicopter.
“It’s just the type of bloke he is. I gave him a ring and he was there in half an hour,” Smith said.
“We called it in, and they hovered over the pitch for about an hour to dry it out.
“It was quite a sight. We had more people in to watch the helicopter than have ever watched a game here.
“We probably should have charged admission, we could have made a bit of money for the club.
“And it worked. The pitch dried out really nicely and we were able to get out there and play which was a great outcome.”
But the decision may not have been worth it in the long run for the men from South.
Sending opponents BLU in to bat, Justin Cantwell led the Lions to 8/146.
In reply, South made 7/120, losing by 26 runs.
Not that it mattered to anyone involved.
“We got to play, the players got out there and enjoyed the afternoon and that's the key thing out of it all.
“People wanted to play and we got to.”
●The helicopter was far from the highlight of the day for the Turner family, who had the rare distinction of seeing three generations of the same family take to the field together.
Noah, Jason and Graham Turner all took to the field for the Lions in the clash, claiming the victory in a full family affair.
Graham, the eldest of the family, said it was special to suit up with his grandson.
“I've played with my son (Jason) for about 30 years,” Graham said.
“But it's the first time with my grandson. I've played the best part of 50 years, so it's exciting to be out here as a family.”
“It's pretty good,” Noah said.
“Dad got me into the game, so getting to play with him is great, but especially with my grandfather.”
Jason agreed it was a special moment.
“It's something you would never think about,” he said.
“It's a really special thing to be a part of together.”
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