A Close Call With an Aquaroll at Blackshaw Moor
A few weeks ago, we spent a week at Blackshaw Moor CC site. Those who have been there will know that it slopes quite steeply and we got a pitch at the top on the left. The service point was adjacent to our pitch, situated where the road curves round to the
level pitching areas. I had just filled an Aquaroll there one evening when, as I hauled it away behind me, the handle sprung off. By chance the barrel was facing directly down the hill and as I glanced behind me, I saw it set off on its merry way, picking
up speed remarkably quickly.
I'm 61, only moderately fit and have never played rugby in my life. However, the flying tackle I made on the rolling barrel would not have shamed the England back row. I got a hand to it but it's weight and
momentum flipped me over onto my side like a hamburger onto a griddle. I felt the crack as a couple of ribs gave way and my hand got crushed under the rubber 'wheel' but by luck I managed to hold it. Well, as I was now in front of it, it couldn't quite roll
over the top of me.
I got up quickly and made a vain attempt at nonchalance as I re-attached the handle and hobbled away with my dignity in tatters. When I got back to the caravan, the blood pouring out of my busted fingers made
SWMBO go all unnecessary and (as a former paramedic) I was left to fix myself up with our first aid kit.
Some weeks later the ribs are healing and the fingers are mended but I still have the odd shudder at the thought of what would have happened if 40kg of Aquaroll had continued down that hill and like a cannonball
took out a caravan/awning/person at the bottom.