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Roy Torrens loved a story so here’s mine.
Summer of 2010 and I was unexpectedly selected to travel with the Irish team to the World Cricket League in The Netherlands, 19 years old and eager to earn my first cap.
A lot of heavy hitters around, O’Brien, Stirling,Mooney, White etc. But even more intimidating was the coach ( Simmons) and manager (Torrens).
Early stages of the tournament suggested I wouldn’t get a look in so I did my part and wore the bib and kept the lads hydrated while listening to this giant of a mine tell me of how fast he used to bowl.
On the morning of the Scotland game I was giving throw downs to my good mate Stirling when I her a Yelp from the other side of the ground. Simmo roars “Bally, you’re in”.
This is it. My first cap, the day I’ve dreamed of all my life. Are my parents here?? Where am I batting? Do I have the right kit?? Is there someone to take a picture for the big presentation??
Toss complete and still no cap. Are the lads winding me up?? We are in the field and TJ slaps me on the back and wishes me good luck. Right it’s on, let’s go.
I awkwardly walk out of the dressing room hatless and am about to take the field, when I hear the big Derry voice of Roy Torrens say “Where is your cap Balbo?”. Eh actually Roy I haven’t received it yet.
He replies “Oh right, eh well here take mine son”. My first cap I will always remember
