Now begins the true test of endurance
for this is a game played for five days long.
Hold your nerve and sway not for an instance
for- to that man those swinging arms belong.
The lethal leather will stare in your face
with its terror seam snorting endless steam.
With calm and caution defend this fear-phase
to dare you through the path which endless seems.
Like those viral bugs that hound, snare and sledge
on this life-pitch beyond twenty two yards.
Where a slip can send you over the edge,
and health boundaries appear to have no guards.
Oil your gears and grills - attack or defend.
Long are the innings, longer the tail-end.
