Willow | Kiwis
Crimson Avalanche
The room fell silent when Crimson walked in.
The team looked towards their skipper, waiting to hear what was important enough to delay their end of season celebrations.
"Thanks for coming lads... this shouldn't take too long."
Crimson looked a little tired. It had been a long year both on and off the field. He gingerly pulled some paper out of his pocket, had a quick read, then shook his head. The paper went back into the pocket.
"Look, there's no easy way to say this." Crimson hesitated.
"Just spit it out mate! Which of us do you want to sleep with?" Jacko got a laugh, he always did. It also brought a smile to Crimson's face... briefly.
"Well it's like this lads... you know I love this place, but all good things have to come to an end...
"I'm leaving."
You could have heard a pin drop.
It was Wally up the back of the room who finally broke the silence.
"What do you mean you're leaving? You mean, you're retiring!?"
"No Wal, I'm not retiring..." Crimson hesitated again before dropping another bombshell.
"I'm going to the other side."
Crimson came to the Dover Bay Devils 10 years earlier. In his first season he developed into the ideal rugby league centre three-quarter. Everytime he came near the ball, fans would stand up in anticipation. Crimson was a try scoring machine and he knew how to hurt the opposition in defence. Plus he was safe as houses, relishing the high ball. A match-winner and fan favourite, Crimson was the heart and soul of the team. His passion on the field was an inspiration to all. Crimson's nickname was coined by team mates - they said if you cut him open, he would bleed crimson and white, the club's colours.
For all intents and purposes, Crimson was the perfect clubman. So you can imagine the shock caused by the announcement.
"What the f**k do you mean by the other side?" It was Billy interjecting now.
"Don't tell me you'll be playing for those f**kers the Redbacks!"
"No Billy... it's not the Redbacks." Crimson replied, his head now lowered.
Billy jumped up. "Then who pinched you from us mate... we'll burn down their bloody clubhouse!"
"Billy, mate, they didn't poach me. My manager approached the other mob. Truth is, they came back with an offer that was just too good to refuse."
"I've cleared it with the CEO, I've been released.
"He just sent me down here to let you all know."
Disbelief permeated the room, mutterings followed by sadness until finally Jacko stepped up.
"Well skipper, you've been a champion around here since Adam was a boy. Congratulations mate, I can't speak for all the lads but you have my best wishes." Jacko gave Crimson a firm, warm handshake.
Then Billy, Wally and the whole team came forward, patting Crimson on the back, shaking his hand with well wishes all round.
"Thanks boys, this means a lot to me. I was pretty concerned that you wouldn't take it well." Crimson was clearly relieved.
"That's OK Crim, you'll always be one of us and we'll always be here for you." Jacko then led a chorus of 'hip, hip hooray' which could be heard across the suburb.
With the beer flowing, the men sang the team song for the last time with their mate and captain. Then Billy pressed on with his earlier question.
"So Crim, what's the deal? Who's the lucky team?"
"You sure you won't mind?" Crimson replied.
"No worries mate... even if it's the bloody Redbacks I'll still say good luck!"
"Ah... well you see lads, it's none of the teams in our comp..."
"What... you're off to the UK?"
"Nah... hey, this will make you laugh..." Crimson gave a chuckle and guzzled down half a stubby before continuing. His team mates now hanging on his every word, all eager to hear which club had snared their champion mate.
"Well here it is boys...
"I've been signed up to play Aussie Rules!"
Later that night Dover Bay police were called when neighbours reported a 'violent disturbance' at the local rugby league clubhouse. But the officers received no confirmation of a disturbance from the players or management. The function room in the Devils' clubhouse was a mess. The Club's CEO however, informed police officers that it was due to 'exuberant celebrations'.
The next day, the local newspaper reported the mysterious disappearance of the player
formerly known as Crimson.
Words | 750