Quokkas C.C.

2008 - a year of change

Quokkas CC - 160 (Mantis 42, Hairdresser 40, Attack 4/21, Rage 3/9)

Isis CC - 161

Welcome back Quokkateers and I hope you all had an enriching off-season, storing up your energy for following the season ahead. In my own off-season I took a sabbatical to the hills of Shoreditch where I was told by a soothsayer* that 2008 would be a year of change, and that if I didnt create change, it would be created for me.

And so it turned out to be with the Quokkas, after years of defying the odds and winning despite a lack of talent, ability, skill and endeavour - they finally changed their ways and held on to lose closely.

After going in to bat, the game started to an unchanged tune with a top-order collapse anchored by the Rev, though defied by the rebellious Mantis, Fatman, Hairdresser and PJ. The Terrible also made a statement after being dropped from 3 to 11, swashbuckling away for some quick runs in an electric partnership with The Egg.

Having brought up a total of 160 off 40 overs, The Quokkas were feeling pretty confident about defending the score, particularly after the first couple of overs as the Attack started tearing through batsmen with new-found vigour. It wasn’t all new-found vigour for the Quokkas, as their ability to drop catches carried over well from 2007.

Also working against the Quokkas were some over-active umpires who called (a record ?) number of extra’s against the bowlers.

One new change, though, was the bowling at the end of the innings. The Rage, The Fatman and co. all came in to take valuable wickets, but it wasnt to be. With the score on 159, The Rage threw down a vicious in-swinger that confounded the batsman and flew off the edge of his bat to The Rev at first slip, who duly dropped the chance.

A couple of hectic singles later and Isis were home, leaving the Quokkas somewhat bewildered and disappointed, though enthusiastic about the changes to come.

* not actually a soothsayer