Poem, "The Cricket of Life" by Robert Russell

A handwritten poem, composed by Melbourne surveyor, artist, and co-founder of the Melbourne Cricket Club, Robert Russell. It is titled, "The Cricket of Life", and was composed on 27 January, 1890. Transcript, "The Cricket of Life. /
Oh, the cricket of life is a game of delight, /
When we first pitch the wickets and join in the fight. /
When in sunshine and pleasure together we meet, /
And the daisy opening back from our light treading feet. /
When the magic word play is a feast to the ear, /
And sings like loud [oboe?] sharp, constant, and clear. /
And as victor or vanquished – or conquer or yield, /
The shout echoes back from the tent to the field. /
This is poor single wicket a schoolboy may share, /
But to play in a match is another affair. /
And truly my friend when you join in this match, /
You may find it, believe me, no very smart catch. /
You may fag out for ever, and do what you can, /
And be [classed?] at the last, an emergency man. /
Then with innings at intervals scattered and few, /
And the side very savage that fags out for you. /
To be caught by affliction or bowled by a fast, /
Or by Death, the great cricketer’s stumped out at last. /
RR /
Jan 27/90"