So its the day after, what has to be, the most emotional day of my coaching career. We all know what happened with regards to our favourite son Graeme, in what was an unfortunate and freak accident in the field. I have been involved and watched countless of matches where these 'near' collisions happen. This time however, was different. I was sitting with Max underneath the scoreboard and saw the whole ordeal happen in slow motion.

The impact on Graeme's body was intense, but the impact on my heart (and all of the ACC members hearts) was indescribable. Seeing my "little brother" lying on the floor in pain was a sight that I never want to see again. On a lighter side, it was the first time that I ever got a ride in an ambulance, and for that I thank Graeme hahaha. I've always wanted to do that.

But this story is not about me, its about Graeme and the message that was delivered to us yesterday. Firstly Graeme: Graeme is fine. He has a laceration (tear) on his liver which caused some internal bleeding. The doctor explained to me that there is a sack (skin) around the liver that is very strong and thus the bleeding caused some discomfort and pressure for Graeme. The bleeding has stopped and is under control. The doctors want to keep a good eye on him because in some rare cases, the sack can burst and that could cause some problems, but thankfully it won't and has not.

This morning brought new news from the doc, and that was that Graeme also has a fractured rib, which is what is causing most of the pain at the moment. More discomfort than pain. Graeme is however, smiling as always, walking around, and full of beans. His parents have been informed and are very thankful for all our support and care that has been shown to Graeme. It was very difficult to phone his dad yesterday and tell him, but that is why they call it accident, no one means to do these sort of things, and we are all just grateful that Graeme is fine.

The story that unfolded in front of us yesterday was one full of emotion and that could easily be made into a Hollywood blockbuster. It had everything!! Bad cricket, good cricket, injuries, fights, and most of all...finally some good weather.

The point that I'm trying to make is the following. We all pride ourselves on being a family club but yesterday when we were fielding, we were everything BUT a family. It took an incident like this, to wake us up and pull us together. Yes we are in the final, yes it is for the first time in 54 years, yes its been a magical season BUT its not finished yet. Seeing Ruud crying after the game brought tears to my eyes. He was not the only one I'm sure. My message to the team at lunch was that we are being put to the test as a team and Club, now is the time to stick together.

Capped off, by one of the greatest knocks considering the circumstances, by Heino, ACC finally pulled together like a family club should. I got to see the last few overs of the game, and two shots that will always stand out for me was the cover drives of Olly and Xander. And Wadjan!!! Everyone!! Just everyone involved. It brings me back to my point that, a united TEAM and CLUB is way more powerful than any individual. It shouldn't take an incident like this to get us together. I urge the team, the Club and our supporters to be like we were yesterday when it comes to the final against VRA. That vibe, that feeling, that emotion that we felt yesterday MUST be with us in the final. I urge the whole club to unite behind Mohsin and the team when we try to make this year an unforgettable year. After all, we owe it to Graeme, we owe to King Heino, and most of all we owe it to the Club and ourselves.

I look forward to seeing everyone and their dogs (twiggy and goldie) at the final when the family Club that is ACC, unite behind our boys when we try to make history.

Thank you all for your support shown to Graeme, he really appreciates it. Thanks to Max and Guido, thanks to Willie for the cricket score updates, and thanks to Heino for being an amazing professional and friend.

Let's finish off the season with a blast...

Coach
Anton Roux
Head Coach
Amsterdam Cricket Club
+31615187529