You Little Beauty.

Just a quick update - Vodafone has granted me Leave Without Pay for 2007, so I can return to my "second home" at Rowledge C.C.. Really looking forward to seeing you again guys! Until then, stay safe and look after yourselves.

See you next year!

Scooota aka Moose.

Oh yeah, check out Glenorchy Cricket Club's Website - Currently in construction - almost there - www.glenorchymagpies.blogspot.com

Shake and Bake Baby!!!

Transformers V2

Barry Dawson is....

The Cougar.

The New Chuck Norris.

Get Around Him here - http://www.myspace.com/barrythecougar .

Master, The Cougar.

Mitchell Johnson... Putting The Shits Up The Poms!!!

Take a listen to what The Moose thinks about the just completed Champions Trophy Match between Australia, and England.

Oh yeah, and that guy in the picture? Mitchell Johnson. The guy who, well, could quite possibly not play one single Ashes Test, yet made KP look like Jay-Z at the Ballet - What do I mean by that? SOFT.

Think about it. And Just Listen. HAHAHA!

TCA Cricket Round One Report

Hello and Welcome to the start of season 2006/2007 in the Tasmanian Cricket Association.

Highlights from Round 1 see Glenorchy maintain its two year unbeaten run in One Dayers, defeating a tigers-ladelled side at Tassie's home of cricket, Bellerive Oval, and "The Polk Star" smashing 131 off 115 balls against a hapless New Town to register the Bay's first win in about 16 years… well not 16 but it feels like an eternity - South Hobart Sandy Bay with Polky - 4 million wins - South Hobart Sandy Bay without Polky - 1 win. He is a jet, but this does nothing for the clubs development whatsoever, and partly the reason I left... Cough *HEATH GRIGGS* cough...

Anyway, highlight for me in Round 1 would be my captaincy debut for The Pies in Second Grade - a role which I've taken to get back to enjoying my cricket, and my form last year probably didn't warrant my spot anyway in the 1's. So, it all started well with winning the toss, and I elected to bowl on quite a soft deck with a plethora of grass coverage. My decision was justified when we had reduced the Second Grade Premiers for the past 4 years, Clarence, to 6 for 52… A plethora of drop catches ensued (Smith, Clarence's captain, making 81 in a 154 run partnership with Bannister - Smith being dropped on 0 twice off my bowling, and Bannister surviving 2 missed stumpings) and with the young attack at my disposal (my own return of 2/31 off ten) it was hard to restrict the Roos. Final target to chase was 251, a target that, on a track which always flattens out (as it did after 25 overs here), was acheiveable.

No one was overly keen to open, so I took it upon myself to open the innings for the boys, with Nuttsy, last years batting average winner, in toe. Nuttsy went second ball missing a straight one, and I was joined at the crease by the returning Stebbings, after an absence from the club. He was patient, and looked for the singles, which allowed me to play my natural game that I had obviously re-discovered while away at the R.C.C.. Needless to say chaos ensued, and after smashing 42 from 30 deliveries, was bowled by Clarence's young off-spinner, who turned one about 2 foot to take out my off stump. Stebbs followed soon after, and a plethora of wickets fell at regular intervals... Maybe shouldve been looking to push that one on the off side, rather than belt it backward of square Moose… Hmmm…!

In the end we fell 65 runs short, disappointing but we just threw too many wickets away and failed to rotate the strike in the middle of the innings, and obviously had we held our catches we wouldve been chasing 150, not 250… Nevermind, this is a young side and we will bounce back. I found captaincy pretty damn challenging, and was always looking and thinking of different ways to get a wicket, and unfortunately nothing seemed to work, but again it doesn't help when catches go down left right and centre! Big week on the training track with our fielding. Next week is a Saturday/Sunday Stanza against New Town, which looks like I'll be bowling 6 million overs, as Spotty (opening bowler), Penny (Leggie), and young Baa (Elliott Maher) are all unavailable. So, a challenging year ahead, but individually speaking its started off pretty well. Feeling fit and hoping to get a lot fitter!

A shout out as well to Andrew Jackett, me old mate - Made 55 on his return for University's First Grade side, after 2 years dwelling in the Scooby Doo's… Smashed them I heard! Well done mate - However he did bowl - whats going on there???

Hope your all doing well guys, speak to you soon hopefully, take care.

The Moose.

Rootin' For Australia

Back at work, back at work… Oh the pain, the pain of it all… I don't mind it here, don't get me wrong, but after 6 months of running around, being active all the time, now im sitting down for 10 hours a day twiddling my fingers thinking about running around and doing things…

... Ahh dear. Now I gotta get my gym-face on I guess and damage some treadmills and stuff. Plan at this stage is gym it up 3 days a week (currently out of the equation is this - mild pneumonia have I), with cricket training twice and obviously game day. Drinking will be limited (but not restricted to) Saturday evenings, but will attempt to work as many Sundays as possible… Ok so maybe that’s a lie, as fewer Sundays as possible... onto pressing matters...

CMON AUSTRALIA! Selectors have got it right, Watson to open, Katich out - ICC Champions Trophy should be ours. One guarantee sports fans - Poms are gone!!! Good News to most of you out there, as they capitulated to Indias "penetrative" pace attack last night. HAHAHAHAHA. Can't say I'm not overly happy. But hey, any day Stevey Harmison goes for 24 off his first over and Flintoff gets out for a globe (0, or nought), Moose is a happy boy... Speaking of Poms...

... You Pommy peoples will be noticing a string of drunken late-night calls recently, I'm not going to apologise for this, simply advise that you may see your phone ringing occasionally, and if you think its me, good odds it will be. And I bet you all hate that, don't you!



You will also notice a picture on this particular entry of "Lance" - currently my one and only love. I have "jazzed" him up a bit since I've been back, with money I currently don’t have, but you get that on the big jobs. Basically I was sick of wanna-be racers copying what I've done, and oh dear me has it been done. For the record Lance had his kit since 2003 - yep, 3 years he has been done up, back in the days no-one had an Evo kit, especially not an Evo 5 kit. And it’s a legitimate one, not a cheap mock-up. He is jazzed to the nth, and the only thing I gotta do is his engine, but he is going alright and to be fair the old saying that whats on the inside is what counts, I don’t think that’s true at all, RUUUBBBASSHHH, even.

So, enjoy Lance in all his glory… In all his splendour... In all his Mitsubishi Marvellousnessess. Thats my update, and from Scotty 2 Hotty...

... "Shake and Bake" - Ricky Bobby, 2006.

Grand Final Day With Strauchnie

Strauchnie (Pronounced Straw-Knee) and the style that got him to Collingwood on a massive contract.

Well, This past Saturday as everyone should know (or for my English friends maybe not), was AFL Grand Final Day. That's Aussie Rules, the "Real Football". And we were lucky enough to have a celebrity guest...

After watching the World Cup (and a Plethora of Premiership and Champions League Fixtures) amongst a group of the most patriotic if not the most patriotic people on Earth, I figured I was starting to really get into the "World Game" as we call it, and lose all fleeting interest for our version of kick the ball around a park. But, Grand Final Day is a day to look forward to all year round in Austraya, and this year was no different, especially when the boys who partook in celebrations at a little place called "The Chev", consumed more alcohol in 17 hours than Maradona between Argentina matches... But a bit more of that later.

Comparisons can't be made to a World Cup Final. I mean, you have to buy tickets to watch it in a pub, if you can find one open. You can't drink William DeGrave's finest, only watered-down Fosters, and well, not to whinge, but it's not Grand Final Day, is it! Its like a changing of a season, End of the game, you know the next beer you sink will be watching the Aussies do battle with the rest of the world in the middle of the "G". In England, the end of the Premiership season is like the beginning of the new one. Now I'm not saying one is better than the other, not at all... And I hear you saying "But its the World Cup" - well, if there was a World Cup for Aussie Rules, we would get around it, open our pubs at 8am and get on it till the same time the next day, oh yeah, and we would win it...

So, anyway, enough of my cruddy comparisons of these 2 totally different and perplexing sports. Grand Final day was upon me, so, at 8am (alarm was set), up I get and stop in at the local store, or the "Magra Village" as it is known to those in the loop, for some Chips. Now, I was faced with a daunting task - Salt and Vinegar, BBQ or Chicken... So I got all 3 to keep the masses happy, and show I can bring more than beer to this party. Meat was sorted and supplied by the Ball and Chain (I think, thanks Big Unit), and beer was a "Bring what you can" affair. A late text from Rodders ensured The Lance would be loaded, as he needed a new box of "Teds". 3 cartons in The Lance, 2 for me of course (of which 1 remains, I drank the reserve of Degrave's Gold and found it to be a bottomless supply) and one for Rod Rod. I arrived at Chev nigh on 9:45, just in time for the TAC cup final - to my despair, the plasma had been moved downstairs but connections for digital TV there were not - nevermind, Pre-Match Commentary ensued, and Rod and I began our quest of drinking right through the day. Ash was busy preparing the food, and of course last minute alterations to the guest list (The Bec Star, as fate would have it, decided to invite her friends around as it was also her Birthday, this of course not proving a problem, only that we had to barricade the room as to not let too many female hormones get us all girly for the big day, and waiver our concentration from getting extremely pissed) saw the expected crowd swell into the high twenties.

After several games of 8-ball, none of which I won, and a couple of games of "Around the World" Darts, of which I won the Championship match (Hereby shall be known as "Around the World Interational Champion"), it was time to take our seats for pre-match entertainment and of course first round of food off the Barbie. Ash had kindly cooked up some Bacon and Egg Sarnies for the boys, and just quietly, Creme' De Mont'h, did they go down a treat. Unfortunately the Pre-Match was a bit of a shocker, other than of course "Up there Cazaly" - Gets the old butterflies going that one. One after another the Australian Idiots, sorry Idols had their go, painful as it was. We invented our own form of entertainment, calling "Bang" whenever we saw a piece of skirt (or "nice young females whom we find slightly attractive" for those a bit sensitive). The boys who didn't call "Bang" had to take a swig - no one too keen to join me and Rodders on our Journey today.

So as it goes, Footy started, Ash fired up the BBQ with a Plethora of dishes (no chicken let it be noted) and Gibbo, or, "The Moose", got home from work. Now, its weird yes we both have the nickname Moose, mine being moreso a direct cricket nickname which has stuck to me like shit to a blanket. Gibbo was Moose first - I should know, I made it up. Thankyou Ben Targett for creating the same nickname as my mate 5 months after I gave it to him. Original. Anyway, the expected crowd decided not to show which meant a lot of beer could go to waste - never fear, the boys are here, and mental we went until half time, when we had an AFL star turn up to kick around the footy with us. Collingwood Gun, Strauchnie.

STRAUCHNIEEEEEEE!!!!!!

We couldn't believe it. We also couldn't believe he didn't win the shot at goal contest, and looked still hungover from the Brownlow Medal. Nevertheless, Chaos ensued when Strauchnie came back inside - Girls all over him, and he showed no interest in watching the footy... Shattered, we left him to it and downstairs we headed for the second half, which turned out to be a ball buster. Final Score was West Coast 85, Sydney 84 - only the second Grand Final since St Kilda won their one and only Flag in 1966. Strauchnie eventually left with 6 of Bec's friends and left the boys to it. We continued to drink, only this time while playing SWAT on the X Box, on the plasma. Needless to say being the Sony Champion doesn't bode well on X Box, but I held my own even if I couldn't see half my screen past Gibbo's cranium. Vodka eased the pain of defeat and upstairs for some impromptu wrestling saw Gibbo bleed, Rod split in 2 and McNaughton (Special Guest Referee coz I don't wanna hurt the boys) sent home with a suspected broken knee cap. Not Really but its a good story and doesn't make me look too soft, even though I am. Ash remains Undisputed World Champion, as he has been since 1998.

Me showing why I forged an early retirement from the game, aged 17. Please notice the massive "guns" and for those in England you will know my shirt intimitely... this was a shot from at least 60 out on the run which I put through admirably... through someones window about 15 metres to my left.

And clocks had to go forward... So when we thought 3am was a good finish time, it turned out to be 4 and an hour till daylight... So we decided come 11 we would play Tennis. And a brief run down? McNaughton/Oakley (AKA Pistol Pete Sampras/Pat Cash) Vs Gibson/Rhodes (AKA Bjorg/Philloppousis) - We took the first set 6-4, lost the second 6-0 (we were starting to feel extremely ill - vodka perhaps?) and went down 6-3 in the third. Admirable considering we both felt like turning inside out.

So, a big day, and a bigger hangover... BANG!

Go the Pies!!!

p.s. Strauchnie is actually me old mate Rod, whom does a terrific Strauchnie and I thought deserved a mention. Poms, I will buy the Strauchnie DVD and send over to show you.

Audio Blog Test - Check it Out!

What do U call a Parrot in a Coat? "Polyunsaturated"!!!

Had to put this up so I could update my profile. Finally recovered from Jet Lag I think.

Got a new phone, bewdy. Getting some new shoes for Lance, So I'll put a photo up when I get them. Apart from that, nothing new to report, other than I'll be skippering the Glenorchy 2's this year. Will hopefully be back in the ones at some stage, but looking forward to just playing some cricket and hopefully continuing on from what I've learnt in the UK.

Going to watch Ricky Bobby tomorrow so expect a cracker of a review, right here, courtesy of, The Moose. What have I been up to? well, a plethora of gym sessions, an even greater amount of Peter DeGreaves' finest Ale (Cascade Draught for those not privvy to his liquid gold), and of course feeding the old farm animals and getting back "into the swing' (Ricky you will know what I mean by this) of everything back here in Tassie. How friggin cold is it down here at the moment!

Had a play with that audio blog stuff so have a listen but could have found the way forward for the future of Moose's Blog. May even surprise with an audio review of Ricky Bobby? Who knows.

Plethora of bruises from Matty "Triplett" Shelton in the nets at Glen Hughes' Centre for Cricket Excellence, he is bowling bloody well - lost some Kg's, looking fit and firing on all cylinders. Still all over him with the ball though and he knows it.

I'm off, but keep an eye out for a tune called "Monster" by The Automatic - Will be big.

Jet Lag - The Silent Killer

Well I'm back and it really doesn't feel like I've gone.

What has changed... The Eagle Snack Bar has a new coat of paint, ah, its a lot colder, erm, and ah, oh yeah, Gibbo has put on 5 million kilos. This bloke used to run world records for fun, now I'm afraid he might challenge me for my McChicken record - I have no doubt he will take this down to China Town and half it at least! I love Gibbo tho, the boys, the ladies... You get it.

Well, to think this time last week I was getting ready to come home, how time flies. And on to the point of this Blog - Jet Lag. Didn't get me on the way over, but coming home, bloody hell Norelle. I am still stuffed now I can't seem to catch up on my sleep. I can either not get to sleep, or can't wake up.

Friday night had a quiet little BBQ, and one of those golden nights whereby you keep drinking and drinking... and drinking until the sun comes up. And I felt ok, until about 4 in the afternoon when i bombed out, and couldn't wake up for 14 hours straight. OK so maybe this didn't help. But Jet Lag, surely thy can make something that gets you there or back and around or whatever in half the time or without half the bloody shit that goes along with it. Thats my beef. Maybe I should make planes or something. At least make them faster or a little quiter. Or maybe a shy little jab from a bloody Frenchman, ala me old mate Zidane?

Surely couldn't be that bloody hard, could it?

Texas Hold 'Em Two Counties International 2006

Hi Sports Fans,

What a day for sports entertainment. Wednesday the 30th of August will 'go down' in history as one of the most electrifying moments in sports we have seen for some time.

The game? Texas Hold 'Em. A late invite via Andy (Ricky's Sister's Fiancee and all round good guy) saw Ricky 'Suicide' Yates and Tasmanian, Scotty 'Bluff Master Flexx' McNaughton join into what was a massive table comprising in total of 9 contestants. Fivers in, making a massive pot of £45 up for grabs.

Start time? 8pm. We were never going to be late, Ricky's 'If I die, I die' driving mentality getting us there with a plethora of time up our sleeve. The venue was Steve's place, who had constructed his own poker table via instructions on the net - not a bad effort just quietly.

The Psyche-outs started early, even before seat placings had been selected. Andy, on the way to Steve's, even said to 'The Flexx' - "I hope your Texas Hold 'Em is better than your 9 card brag". To which he could only chuckle... self doubts started spiralling in his mind... Could he do it? Or, would he, as so often the case, 'Bottle It'???

Rumours abound of a 'League Table' and 'Ranking Points' were certainly putting the gee-whillipers up Suicide and The Tasmanian. At worst, we would be a Fiver down. McNaughton drew seat #5, right next to the number 1 ranked player Andy, which really did little for him. Rickster drew #9, wedging him between a lady known only as 'The Juggernaut' and a bloke called 'Bulldog' (looks amazingly similar to a bloke off of Angel, so Suicide told me...). So, even before kick-off, the boys were against the wall.

So, everything was set. Lights dimmed, poker faces on - lets rumble.

First to go after 15 minutes was, you guessed it, Suicide, proving not only is his driving, table tennis and one-kneed coverdrives erratic, but so be his poker. Going in even with nothing in his hand, 'Suicide' set to go home early doors. Another shock exit, that of World #1 Andy sent shockwaves through the competition, and gave Steve, currently #2 in the World, a chance at the big time. Last years winner, Steve played most of the night with minimal chips, but was to show his 2005 Title-Winning Form.

Bluff Master Flex(McNaughton) was down to 25 chips, and all in. A big pot win sees him jump, and another win on the next hand takes him back up to a comfortable pot of around 100 chips, far from the Juggernaut and a guy with a T-Shirt saying 'make tea, not war'. Bill Gates 'Sick Fakey' Dude, the man positioned next to McNaughton, saw his chips dwindle away at regular intervals. The Bulldog built, and so did this other guy who unfortunately I can't remember his name (table possie #7).

After 3 hours, the action heated up. A lot of folding, small pots and mucking about seemed to stall the table. Blinds were raised. Bluff Master Flex was left one-on-one with The Bulldog, whom he got to fold, and won BMF a big, big pot. Only a couple of hands later, BMF managed to get The Bulldog and T-Shirt Guy all in, and pulled out three 7's, smashing any hope they had. BMF had built a massive, massive pot. This newcomer from Tassie can play, they said. Notice they did take - but, they still thought they could crack him. With Suicide almost falling asleep in the corner, looking despondent he has had to watch all night, and Bulldog running home to have some 'one-on-one' time, McNaughton had Flexxed, and lived up to his name, at this stage...

Bill Gates 'Sick Fakey' Dude the next to go, McNaughton not part of his demise - had they picked up he only plays when he has got a hand? Apparently not as McNaughton cleaned up one pot with nothing more than a 2 of hearts and a 9 of spades - gotta love chip power. The Juggernaut soon after followed this procession home, outdone by 'The Flexx' and his 2 pair.

So, Three Remain. The guy I can't remember his name, Steve and BMF all the way from Tassie. Chip power, at 12:20am, was with The Bluff. Action was ensured here. The top bloke whom I cant remember went all in early, almost level with McNaughton on chips - only about 20 in the bank - and McNaughton only had a 5 and a 6. 4 cards were down and it looked like Bluff Master Flexx's days were numbered - He needed a 7 on the river (last and final card shown)... And it was meant to be, that magical number 7 coming up and a straight for McNaughton, 'The Flexx' through to the top 2, and taking on potentially the new world #1 if he came up trumps here - Steve a mighty adversary.

Blinds raised again for this showdown. Could McNaughton be the first International Flavour to take all their money? Well, not long in, at 12:34am, Steve went all in. A potential game-leveller for him, a title shot for McNaughton... And not to be out down, 'The Flexx' met Steve's bet. Steve pulled down an Ace and a Five... Not bad. The Flexx flicked over his cards to reveal a match-winning hand - Ace, and a King. Up came a 'King on the flop' and McNaughton had done it, taken their money and a plethora of chips. What a win from the Cinderella Boy.

He came, he saw, and oh yes did he conquer. A second invite? More than likely not forthcoming, especially considering Deportation on Tuesday of next week. Ranking points will see me jump up the leaderboard, and I shall add the link to the groups Website when Rickster sends me the link. Check it out, they are a great bunch and cannot thank them enough for having me...

I'm guessing they wish they hadn't this morning...

The Final Countdown... Daaadaadaadaa Da Da Da Da Daaaa...

Apparently time flies when you are having fun - well stuff me if this hasn't been the quickest four and a half months of my life! It has gone so bloody quickly, I have met so many great people and done so many things that I never thought I would ever do.

So, what have I been up to? Well, I've been into London with old Nick Morant - showed me about the old city. There are some pictures I have uploaded so please have a look. Was in there all bloody day, and well, a majority of the evening - the exercise of getting home was well, forgotten, as apparently I cleared a tube through my constant dribble and occasional misuse of the English language (oh yeah, and apparently I was sick? Don't believe that for a minute!). Nick was going to give me a list of all the places we went to, but he still hasn't, I'll update all that later on.

Sunday before last I had the honour of playing in Liphook's president's day - made some runs (52) but the best bit was old Dunx Bradshaw popped down for a game. Stole the show with 50* and a 2-for, and good to see the big Zimbabwean bugger who is now based here in Oxford. Was meant to play golf but for reasons out of my control (Chris Jnr going camping with his wife, stitched me up didn't he), that's not to be (and to be fair my current golf form is far from convincing so maybe next year me old mate!).

And, just last week was the annual RCC North Yorkshire Tour - One of the 'Best Evers', so I've been told. 2 games of cricket in 5 days is way too many - cuts into the drinking time (but to be fair a break was well encouraged after what was the biggest drinking week of my life).
Monday we arrived and played 5-a-side football, my 5 versus Hindy's 5 - needless to say a lack of mobility, and ability by my side (lack of ability only coming through myself - we only scored 1 goal when I was not 'keeping), but won both shootouts in a morale-boosting victory for the boys. I must apologise to Skillsy, Ricky, Metters Ian and Jack, for my outburst at half time.

Our first match against Ripon (a tie) I was lucky to get the services of a one Luke 'Swooper' Swards (91) who was playing for a club in the area, Luke plays for Kingborough and the State Second XI. Was a good day and an even better night, Yates Snr snatching Man of the Match out of my hands (4/39 and 32 off about 16 balls) with a superb 58.

Wednesday was at the York races, and saw the RCC pull a last race winner which netted us over £300. Chaos Ensued.

Thursday we played a team called Masham (pronounced mass-ham, not mash-em) and lost. Highlights of this match would see Chris 'I love to ruin a Friendly day out' Yates Jnr smash a ton, and McNaughton 'keeping only conceding 7 byes on a wicket described by 1st Team 'keeper Metcalfe as ' one that Jack Russell would struggle on'. Alas, as I conceded more than 5 I had to buy the boys a round, and yes, it hurt. Fair to say I hit the wall this night, big time.

And Friday, whereby Percy won Man of the Tour honours JUST pipping me on an extra vote - and to think he went home early one night. Shame Percy, Shame. Had an absolute ball and also came home a World Record Holder, devouring a full McChicken in 44 seconds - every last drop of anything had to be eaten, and I was challenged by Hindy and Ricky, who hated coming home with nothing. Happy to accept challenges upon my arrival home! Word of the tour - 'Erosion'.

Saturday was a forfeit from the other team, 'coz they couldn't get a side... So i've missed the last 2 weeks and any chance of pushing for 20 wickets or 400 runs. Nevermind, one game to go, and maybe 10 for and a double ton may be gettable! Who Knows.

Sunday I played in Frensham's President's Day (love Pressie Days, Free Grog and Food all day!!!) got myself a first baller and a couple of lazy wickets, and ate a plethora of bacon and hash browns courtesy of the President Mr John 'Rukes and Pooles' Storey.

And to my last week, as I said at the start can't believe how quick the times gone, and will have a Plethora of stories on my return. This may well be my last email, so until next week and my arrival back in the Isle of the Apple...

Stay Classy,

The Moose.

The Rowledge Cricket Club Table Tennis Association 2006 World Championship

Hi Sports Fans and welcome to the Inaugural Rowledge Cricket Club Table Tennis Association 2006 World Championship, or as it is known in some quarters the R.C.C.I.T.T.F. International 2006. Its a sunny evening for this event and will for the first time be held outside, yet another obstacle for these superstars to overcome.

The Venue - Lloyd Arena.

The Date - 9th of August 2006.

The Participants (only the top 5 Internationals Invited - they were...)

Chris "THE POWER" Yates Jnr

Ian "ONE SHOT WONDER" Metcalfe

Ricky "THE DESTROYER" Yates

David "QUICK HANDS" Lloyd

And the International Flavour, Scotty "HAS HE THE BOTTLE" McNaughton.

This is what the Stars were playing for -

A simple format was created for this Tournament, everyone would play each other once, with names drawn out of a hat to define the order, and then the Semi-Finals, Third Place Play Off and Final would take place. The Fifth placed superstar would then be banished from the competition and forced to cook the BBQ for the remainder of the participants. This is how the round robin went down...

Lloyd Vs McNaughton - 16-21

The Australian off to a flyer in this competition and a much needed confidence boosting win against Lloyd, highly fancied to feature in the final rounds. McNaughtons "stay in the rally" mentality proving a match winner here. Lloyd with the pressure on, and this was shown directly after the match, burning 5 burgers.

The Power Yates Vs Metcalfe 21-10

Metcalfe, a virtual unknown and accepting an invitation only after the Chinese Grand Master Chin-Gon Wag-Ing withdrew with tonsilitis, showed extreme promise during the warm up making some extremely aggressive shots look painfully easy. The Power Yates looked nervous, but shook these off like yesterdays clothes winning comfortably. Metcalfe the one to watch for mine Sports Fans, The Power looking good early.

Ricky "The Destroyer" Vs Lloyd 19-21

Lloyd with something to prove, oh and didn't he here. Looking sharp against the highly unorthodox and not-so-good-looking master of the 2-handed backhand Ricky "Destroyer" Yates, whose only destroying was his own ship sinking faster than an Israeli Battleship. Lloyd looking bouyant and showing he can cook a BBQ now, looking sharp with bat, tongs, and well, he just looks comfortable with anything in his hands. R.Yates with lots of work to do here, my money for a fifth place finish here.

Bottler McNaughton Vs The Power Yates 15-21

McNaughton with an unexpected stumble against the consistent looking Yates, both with a rally -based game this was one of the longest games in the Championship. In the end, The Power too consistent, and looking a million dollars half way through the tournament. McNaughton starting to show signs of choking.

One Shot Metcalfe Vs Destroyer Yates 13-21

Well, looks like Metcalfe has some work to do here - Destroyer gets a win, my mortgage on that being the last in the tournament for him.

Lloyd Vs The Power 17-21

On a roll the power, 3 from 3 and looking sharper than a set of Stanley Knives. Lloyd 1 win from 3 and work to do, his last match against Metcalfe - that could be the one to look forward too Sports Fans.

McNaughton Vs Metcalfe 21-14

Well, was expecting Metcalfe to try and take apart that mouthy Tasmanian, who now has a semi place guaranteed with 2 wins. Metcalfe now sweating on Lloyd choking when it counts. McNaughton looking good, as that mirror mirror on the wall described. Metcalfe better not cost me my mortgage, feeling a little nervous here - hasn't hit his straps in this tournament.

Destroyer Vs The Power 16-21

Has he got The Power? Answer is a big fat yes as he completes an undefeated Round 1 and takes the number 1 seeding into the semis. Destroyer again looked out of his depth, and may be tinkering on the end of the plank if he doesn't defeat pre-tournament favourite McNaughton. I'm Excited.

Quick Hands Vs One Shot 21-12

There goes my house, and Lloyd into the semis. The Peoples Champion, Metcalfe, bows out to what one can only call one of the greatest upsets of RCCITTF history. Lloyd looking dangerous, and slightly turned on by his ultra-tight bike shorts and long socks...

Bottler Vs Destroyer 18-21

Yep, he bottled it. The Power the only undefeated player in Round 1 and McNaughton shows why a semi draw against him could prove a bonus. Was down here but fought back, the unconventional stroke play of Destroyer Yates proving as distracting as it is effective.

FINAL STANDINGS

THE POWER 4 WINS 0 LOSSES +26 POINT DIFFERENCE
QUICK HANDS 2 W 2 L +24 PD
BOTTLER 2 W 2 L +4 PD
DESTROYER 2 W 2 L +4 PD
ONE SHOT 0 W 4 L -35 PD

And so we are into the part of the competiton that counts - Semi Final Action!

FIRST SEMI

THE POWER 21 VS QUICK HANDS 16

And Yates turns on The Power to dispatch Quick Hands to fight for 3rd place. As convincing a win as you will see, and The Power looking slightly disappointed he has gone from crowd favourite to being booed off court - I guess everyone loves an outsider, and Yates has looked anything but from the outset. Who will he face in the final? Lloyd extremely upset at his "early exit" from the tournament and was last seen heading for the trampoline with his comfort toy and a burnt burger.

SECOND SEMI

THE DESTROYER 21 VS HE HAS NOT GOT THE BOTTLE 16

And thats why the questions have been asked - he chokes when it counts. Pre-Tournament Favourite has been flushed out, and even though The Destroyer's backhand has been reported to the RCCITTF Commission, he cannot be banned until after the Tournament. Expect McNaughton to appeal here, sore loser he is.

FINAL FOR THE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

And so here we are sports fans, a battle for the Yates sporting stranglehold, an epic encounter expected here. A capacity crowd at Lloyd Arena, lets get to it. 3 sets for the final, first to win 2.

CHRIS "THE POWER" YATES VS RICKY "THE DESTROYER" YATES

FIRST SET - 19-21

The expectant crowd were not left disappointed here, a tense first set sees the underdog Ricky pick up first honours. He has the momentum, he has the unorthodoxisity, he has the consistency and it seems the big shots - highlights of this set include some great diving saves and forceful coverdrives across table from The Destroyer. The Power has been switched off for now. Can he find that spark to get the turbine running again? He is fighting against a violent crowd and vicious opponent...

SECOND SET 21-8

Oh, can he find the power. What a way to come back here, an absolute annihilation of the inconsistent Ricky. Not much more to be said apart from yet another swing in this epic. What will happen in the Third and Final Set? Stay Tuned...

THIRD SET 23-21

And we have our first WORLD CHAMPION!!! It is fair to say The Destroyer absolutely bottled this one, but a winner we have and a well deserved champion at that. He takes away the innagural championship and all the glory...

Until next time Sports Fans, Stay Classy and say hi to the Mrs for me.

Joey The BBQ Master

I cant believe its a Month and ill be home, how bloody quick has this gone!

Anyway, on to my first 'Best Ever' for this email, well, its the only best ever but... Yesterday, Sunday that was, I had the pleasure of attending Chrissy Jnr's Birthday BBQ at his household in Jubilee Road in the quite plush suburb of Aldershot. This is apparently an annual event and by the organisation you can tell it has been done before. This obviously being my first one, I was quite impressed with what was on offer. A nice full eski with a nice mixture of different beers (I stuck to the Fosters - can't wait to get back on me old mate Cascade), and 2, yes 2 BBQ's. One being a coal barbie, the other gas, a marquee and ample room for a game of cricket.

I arrived with the Rickster, Chrissy Snr and the Lynnstar around 3 - Lynne minced for a considerable amount of time, making our expected arrival time of 2 blown way out of the water. Never to mind, as not many had arrived by this time. So, with the ever reliable Joey Boy on one BBQ (his own coal masterpiece) and Mark on the other (bloke I dont really know too well), the food was well on the way. Can it please be noted that Joey is the best English BBQ quite possibly ever, and if I could bring him home to cook all of ours I would. Coal is the way forward.

So, after considerable amounts of Fosters and chicken drumsticks behind us, it was time for the backyard cricket. Now, Chrissy Jnr of course batted first and batted for what seemed like 3 hours. Nevermind, he was usurped by a moose special seeing the top of the wheelie bin exposed to a vicious turning delivery which may have hit the wall on the way down... Nevermind, my turn to bat, which lasted all of about 5 balls, in my typical late season form. So once about 16 balls had been lost, and several beer cans diminished, it was stumps and time for drinking games.

Now, I'm hoping I improve before tour, because lets just say 6 shots of Jagermeister in the space of 12 games of "Fives" (we had to have a shot for every 2 games we lost - yep I lost all of them I think) made me an extremely paraletic little piece of the works. So, wasted as I was, I continued to drink and drink I did, back to a sober state by midnight when everyone was in bed. So, it was my turn for sleep.
I look back on the barbie and, well, if there is one thing I learnt, is don't play Fives, or at least get better at it before I get home to teach everyone if they dont already know because I dont want to suck at it then as well... Oh yeah, and drunken texts from the other side of the world would be good to stop as well!!! (apologies to those parties whom have been phoned/txt'd during the.... hang on its the middle of the day there why am I apologising!!!).

Well guys, I best be off, going to walk up and down main street Farnham for half an hour... Imagine Sandy Bay about 4 O'Clock when Uni is finished... Oh yes, its true. I'm living a dream which, unfortunately, is almost over... this time.

And my quote of the day... He who flings mud, loses a lot of ground.

Stay Classy.

Moose.

Surveys: What A Way To Kill An Hour

So I'm checking my email, and bango, here's a survey. Supposedly the 'Longest Ever'. So, considering it is a record-breaker, I thought it only fair I copy and paste my answers right here, for everyone to see. Yes, you may be wondering why I emailed it if I was going to put it on here anyway - answer being, I was bored. And, I'd already wasted an hour, so why not 15 minutes more!

Enjoy reading this, and well, maybe you might learn something about me you didn't already know!

Full Name: Scotty 'Too Hotty' McNaughton (na its really Leslie but 'too hotty' has a much better ring to it)

Nicknames: Moose, Scooter (fav with the english), Samwise, Aussie, Tosser.
Sex: Male
Birthday: 18th of Feb 1985
Star Sign: Aquarius
Gemstone: Pft like i'd fkn know!
Eye Color: Blue
Shoe Size: 13 (oh yes, thats right)
Height: 186cm
Innie or Outtie(Belly Button) : Innie
What Are You Wearing Right Now: Kangaroos Polo top and England Cricket Shorts (i know....)
Where Do You Live: Farnham, Surrey. It's in England.
Righty or Lefty: Lefty
Any pets: Several.
Can You Make A Dollar In Change Right Now? Well if you mean Australian Dollar then i can make a shitload of dollars with the conversion rate.
Relationships ----------------------
Who Are Your Closest Friend(s): Jacko, Ashcan, Shelto, Moose, Chrissy Jnr, Metters, Rickster, Morantus, Lloydos. The People.
Did You Send This To Your Crush: Bit hard because lets be honest if I did it wouldn't taste as nice, and I really do enjoy the Blackberry flavour.
Fashion Stuff------------------------------
Where Is Your Fav Place To Shop: Romida
Do You Have Any Tattos or Piercings: Na.

Color: Blue
Number: 18
Boys Name: Ethan
Girls Name: Felicity
Subject in school: Sport and Maths
Animal: Cats
Drink: Cherry Flavoured Coke
Sport: Cricket
Food: Mums sausage rolls
Fast - Food Place: KFC
Month: February
Movie: Baseketball
Juice: Orange
Finger: My Spinning finger, or bird as it is well known.
Breakfast: Coco Pops
Perfume / Deodorant: Lynx 'Click'
Have you ever -------------------
Given anyone a bath: yes
Bungeed: No
Eaten A Dog Biscuit: several
Loved Someone So Much It Made You Cry? i hate this question its so gay but yes.
Broken a Bone: no
Played "Truth or Dare": yes
Been In a Physical Fight: yes
Been In a Police Car: yes
Come Close To Dying: several times with Ricky driving
Once Been In a Sauna: Yes
Been in a hot tub: Yes
Fallen Asleep In School: yes (fell asleep at work once)
Ran Away From Home: no
Broken Someone's Heart: yes
Cried When Someone Died: yes stupid question
Cried in school: yes when our hot substitute teacher had to go
Fell Off Your Chair: Yes
Sat By The Phone All Night Waiting For A Call: yes
Saved Msn Conversations: no thats rude
Saved E-mails: Yes
Made Out With JUST A Friend: yep
Used Someone: hehe yep
Been Cheated On: yep
Done Something You Regret: no regrets
First thing that comes to mind-----------------------
Blue: bop-and-dee-bop-and-dye
Autumn: havent had one in 12 months
What is------------------------------------------------------
Your good luck charm: my orange shorts (now torn and in my cricket bag - travelled all round the world with me)
Stupidest Thing You Have Ever Done: it would be rude to seperate them all
Room Like: Smelly
Last Thing You Said: fk it i just stubbed my toe
What Is Beside You: a window displaying yet another hot english day
Last Thing You Ate: Coco Pops
Have You Ever.....................
Had Chicken Pox: No
Sore Throat: yep
Stitches: no
Broken Your Nose: No
Believe In Love At First Sight: i fall in love 20 times a day so i guess so? haha
Like Picnics: as long as i dont miss cricket or footy
Like School: yeah
What Schools: Fairview Primary, Norfick High, Elizabeth College
Loved Anyone: Yes
Would you:---------------------------------
Eat A Live Hamster For $1,000,000: id be a millionare so yea bring it on
Would You Go To A 'Hanson' Concert If You Had A Free Ticket: id sell them on ebay
Keep Something From Someone You Loved If It Hurts Them To Find Out: try not to
Do You Admire Guys / Girls: yeah, i admire chrissy snr - over 50 and still bowling as well as anybody. and better than me!
The Last Person That Called You: Emily manchant wanting a one on one session (she plays cricket alright dont jump to conclusions)
What Makes You Laugh The Most: watching people fall over and stuff like that
Last person:------------------
You Yelled At: some wanker at lords (he said that mark taylor was a more aggressive captain than steve waugh! wanker!)
Your Loudest Friend: Obi Wan.
Do you/Are You:---------------------------------
Do You Like Filling These Out: great when u have nothing to do yeah
Do You Wear Glasses or Contacts: Steve Waugh specials my friend
You Like Yourself: gotta have respect for yourself dont you surely
Do You Get Along With Your Family: yeah i think i do alright
Do You Do Drugs: panadol is a drug, so is caffiene so i guess yeah i do
Piercings Below The Waist: No
Stolen Anything Over $50: No
Depressed: have been
Final questions ------------------------
How Many People Are You Sending This To: a Plethora
How Many Contacts Are On Your Msn List: 18
What Did You Do Yesterday: Played golf, had 2 one on one coaching sessions then had some tea and whooped the rickster at table tennis. oh and went to the gym.
Do You Want To Get Married: maybe one day if i find the right person
Good driver: sen-friggin-sational.
Good actor: should have won an oscar for my portrayal of a cricketer in 'my uk adventure'.
Good singer: harmonic
Have A Lava Lamp: No
How Many Remote Controls Are In Your House: umm english like their remotes. 3.
Are You Double Jointed: No
Last Time You showered: half hour ago
Took A Bath: jesus, when i was 12!
Last movie you saw in theaters: Omen - shit-house!!!
Sun or Rain: Sun
Scary or Happy Movies: Scary
White Milk or Chocolate Milk: Chocolate
Beer or Dr. Pepper: you cant ask questions like that how can i separate them
Vanilla or Chocolate: Chocolate
Summer or Winter: Summer
Silver or Gold: Gold
Diamonds or Pearls: Pearls
Sunset or Sunrise: Sunsets
Sprite or 7-Up: Sprite
Pants or Shorts: Shorts
Orange or Apple Juice: Orange
Cats or Dogs: Cats
Coffee or Tea?: Tea (the english love that too)
In person or over the phone?: Person
Indoor or Outdoor?: Outdoor
--GUYS ONLY SECTION--
Thongs or Panties: Thongs
Makeup or None: None
Painted nails or not: Unfazed
Straight Hair or Curly Hair: Straight. but i am a sucker for curls
Freckles or None: unfazed
Jewelry or Not: gotta love the bling
Cute or Hot girls: Cute or hot... hmm... id say cute, but that would be rude to the hot girls.
Long or Short Hair: Long. short is cool as long as its not a shaved cranium.
What Do You Notice First About Girls: the colour of their eyes and cup size. (cant knock a bloke for honesty).

Lords, Pretty Nice Ground That Richie.

Gday Everyone!

Well thought it was about time I gave you all another update. To be honest, apart from yesterday, I had not really been up to that much... Other than my desired sport of choice, that is. Which I can finally say, bowling is going well. my action has come together nicely, and I now know what works for me.

Anyway, onto yesterday, when I spent the day at the Home of Cricket... No, not KGV, Lords! Dream come true for me, always wanted to go to Lords, and well had my chance...

... It was yet again another scorcher, 29 degrees, about 20 in the shade, and England battling to win, Pakistan not to lose. But lets forget about the cricket...

...Anyway, got the train to Waterloo, then the tube out to somewhere close to Lords (forgot what its called now - St Johns Wood, thankyou Johnny McCoy!), then walked to the ground. Sat below that hideous big media box thing, but it doesn't look as bad when you are there. The nursery ground is so small, thats the ground at the back, and you can go sit down on the grass and have a picnic. We did, but more beer than food was consumed on the day it has to be said. Now, we decided to go find some shade, Mound Stand, beautiful idea, but you have to have, well your supposed to have your mobile phones switched off in that grand stand, I didnt of course, and didn't get kicked out surprisingly, and at the end of the day I scored quite possibly the greatest piece of Lords memorabilia you couldn't get anywhere - A BBQ apron. Oh yes, an official Lords apron which one of the lovely young ladies working behind the bar gave me on her way out, because, well, to be honest all the boys were pestering everyone for either an MCC tie, a stewards vest, or me of course the apron. I won out, and the boys were extremely happy with my get. The Boys, for the record, were Metters, Chrissy Jnr and Skillsy.

We also got a picture with Rameez Raja, Pakistani commentator, check out my blogs photo album, there should be a couple newbies on there now! A few more coming as well in the very near future, got some great pics of Lords.

Well everyone, apart from that haven't been up to much really, got a few big games coming up, league table is very tight and anything could happen if we win the next couple... And to think, 4 out of 5 games we have lost chasing when we should have won, we should be on top!!! If only that bloody overseas player was any good!

Not long now and I'll be home, look forward to seeing you all soon. Stay Classy!

Stats stats stats...

Stats for all cricket at this point of the season - 22 wickets at 25.68 (Best Bowling 4/21 off 12), 328 runs at 20.58 (Highest Score 59 (52 balls).

The Stench of Petroleum Is All Pervading

Gday Everyone!

Has been a while between drinks so thought I’d let you all know what has been happening. Suppose I can start off by telling you about my unsuccessful 2 days spent at Royal Ascot, in which from 6 races I had 4 winners and ended up 40 quid down – never mind I guess, it’s all about the day (I went on Wednesday and Friday), consumed copious amounts of that great amber fluid and got my bowl of fruit all beer stained didn’t I. Royal Ascot has just been finished with its renovations, and it looked awesome – so did all the ladies who decided they should dress up for the days festivities, I may well add! One of the guys who came with us, Skillsy as he is known, ended up £1500 in front, so its fair to say he was the evening sponsor on both Wednesday, and Friday.

So from there we played and won on the Saturday, made some runs again but now I cant bowl (some if not most of you will agree I never could) and am currently being dispatched to all corners. Most frustrating thing about this is I have had no luck for the first part of the season, and now I’m struggling a bit it makes my figures look even more uninspiring. But, I’m over worrying about it and I’m here for a good time, not a long time, so fingers crossed I get some more wickets soon.

TOUR OF HOLLAND

On Sunday morning (25th of June) I met up with the Frensham Cricket Club for their much anticipated cricket tour of Holland. A 6:30 meet (the earliest morning I’ve had since arriving in this country) followed by a 3 hour bus trip and 4 hours on a ferry, we arrived in rainy old Hook of Holland. Yet another bus to our hotel in Den Hagg, or The Hague as it is known by those Non-Dutch speaking countries (I am now fluent in the language). It is fair to say, on the ferry and upon arrival a lot of beer was consumed, mainly Amstel, which is an ok beer but they give you such a big head (again save the jokes) on your beer it really wasn’t my cup of tea. Figure a 10 ounce glass with half of it being head – exactly, not pretty. That night me and Pagey, Frensham Sunday skipper, headed off to a pub in central Hague, and watched the Netherlands V Portugal match – to which I continually sang “Aussie Aussie Aussie”, and, after almost 80 minutes of trying, and Holland being 1-0 down, we decided that maybe we weren’t going to get an “Oi Oi Oi” back so legged it quick smart back to the hotel.

On Monday (26th), the fixture secretary in Holland called and told us we only had games for Wednesday and Thursday. Sigh. More beer was therefore forced upon us. We went to a beach at a place called Scheveningeenen, really nice beach, pity it was raining and overcast. This aside we still played beach volleyball and quite impressed the boys with my apparent skill yet lack of mobility and jumping prowess. It is fair to say my team won, but in controversial circumstances. We then legged it back to The Hague, and a pub called “Cremers” – one of those smoking/coffee shops. My first impression was that everyone could be arrested if the cops rolled in, some dodgy stuff going on… But, this aside, we set ourselves up with some beers to watch the Australia V Italy match, with full Dutch commentary. Now that was fun. Seeing Kewell limp into the stadium on crutches was devastating – but the way we went out, I was shattered. So, the boys said they would shout me to dinner, take me to a nice big steak house. So, off we set, and after passing 3 steak houses I was beginning to wonder… And when we went round this dark little corner… There stands an Italian, outside his restaurant asking which one of us was Australian, and preceeded to wave his little Italian flag in my face. As angry as I was I couldn’t help but laugh and it turns out the bloke gave me the biggest bowl of spaghetti Bolognese you could ever imagine, with a truck load of parmesan cheese. Fair to say a hole was filled and some of my disappointment waivered.

On to Tuesday (27th) we ventured into Amsterdam. I thought it was going to be dodgy and turns out I was half right – a nice little boat around the dyke showed a fair bit of Amsterdams architecture, which was pretty amazing, houses are literally leaning against the next because the foundations are all rotting as they were made of wood – quite interesting stuff. When we finished our boat cruise we headed into the “Red Light District” – now, we find this nifty little pub, have a few drinks, and then go for a walk, just to see what all the fuss is about. It was truly the strangest, most out of this world thing I have ever seen, literally 3 blocks of pubs and porn shops, and hundreds of doors with women gyrating and shaking their stuff about. Now I’m sorry girls if this offends you, but it was sad, because the seedy underworld rings these girls fall into are something I just don’t wanna think about. They are all drugged up, off their heads and just don’t look like they wanna be there – but would you want to be? I mean they spend all day waving at people, having dirty old men all over them… It really is sad. Still, an eye-opener and if your ever anywhere near there its worth going and just having a look. So we headed back into The Hague for an early night (3am) as we had our first game the next day.

Wednesday (28th) came – and off to play the Hercules Cricket Club we went. They are based in a placed called Utrecht, and it’s a massive complex – 4 tennis courts, clay courts mind you, indoor football centre, indoor nets, 3 cricket ovals and the biggest clubrooms you will ever see. Oh did I mention the 3 hockey courts? We got a win, playing on synthetic, its not real cricket and they were rubbish really, their Aussie didn’t play but he was more of a coach. He does not Dights tho, Michael Dighton the Tassie Cricketer for those of you who don’t know, he is over there apparently, so I got him to pass on a Gday from the Moose. Small World, isn’t it. They put on a massive BBQ with squid (yep, squid) and some of the awesome pasta salad, just like Mum makes it, so that was comforting for both my stomach and the fact I’m missing home a bit. Its weird, I love it here, Europe in general, but still do miss home.

Thursday (29th) and we played Ajax Cricket Club – all that can be said here is coconut matting wickets are the trickiest to bat on, but by gee does it turn. Didn’t matter tho as their aussie made 150 and blasted me to all parts. Was a good club tho, and their opening bowler who is actually a Dutch Rep, for the women’s side… got me out. Caught right on the boundary. Silly, silly Scott getting out to a girl. Mind you, she was quite possibly the best bowler I faced over here. So the tour was over, a big night on Thursday, I actually ate frogs legs and escargo’t at a French restaurant, followed by a bloody long trip home when we arrived on Friday night, and I was buggered. Really loved it though, Holland is great, and I reckon I may even come back here to coach and play at some stage.

Well, this has been a rather massive update, so I’ll leave it here, and update you all at the end of next week with the results and whats been happening.

Until Then, Stay classy.

Moose.

Almost Famous

Well, made my TV debut week before last, it was quite an experience to be honest. Met Ashley Giles who really isn't that bad a bloke, even though I do bag him out a lot. We got 10 hits on the stumps in "Carpark Calypso" - a game where you have to hit the stumps as many times as you can in 60 seconds. We went atop the leaderboard, our closest rival having 8 hits - none of you will be surprised to know that in 3 attempts I did not hit the stumps once.

Such is my growing celebrity (apparently people watch TV here) on each of my trips to the pub since I've had numerous people buying me beers/drinks of all descriptions (helps im going alright over here too) so they love me - just wait till I start to bowl rubbish and keep missing straight ones, I dare say I'll be buying plenty of drinks myself!

Well, that saturday we preceeded to be bowled out for 72 and be absolutely flogged, never to mind I guess, these things happen, just disappointing especially after the bad luck we have had in the previous 2 games. We won our midweek game on Tuesday (as reported on my blog - I'll update that with game info as we go - just to recap, I made 54 (6 sixes) and took 2/21 off 4) and lost on Thursday in another competition to a much better side - we played Alton (12 and 1/20 off 5), the team I first played here - AND I had their Aussie dropped first ball I bowled to him, by our keeper... No one means to drop catches, and that one was unlucky as he made 70 and smashed them to victory thereafter. On Saturday just gone, we won by 10 wickets to the team at the top of the tree, which was a great feeling and really should give the guys some confidence. I bowled at the death (again) and took 1/24 off 8, coming out really well just no luck at the moment.

Moving on to Sunday and a couple of the boys, Metters, Chrissy Jnr, Ricky, Nicko and myself had a BBQ, cooked by the mercurial Joe, father of Chrissy. Honestly can say for an Englishman, he does a pretty fine job of cooking a barbie. Few beers later, watched the World Cup all day (Speaking of World Cup, what a win by the boys, 3-1 and looking good to make the next stage now) and had a good sleep in the next day. Tonight we have another game, against a team called Pepper Harrow at home, so that should be interesting. Been opening the batting and bowling in the midweek games, so its good to know you are doing a bit.

Well I better shoot off, not before mentioning that the average temperature over the last week has been 27... sensational! Who told me England was a cold, wet and miserable place?

Stay Classy,

Moose.

P.S. Omen is the worst movie I have ever seen! Avoid at all costs!!! Its not even scary!!! But then again, I am always wrong, hey JB?

This Weeks Results...

Hi Guys,

Quick Update on the weekends proceedings... we went crashing out on Saturday, bowled out for 72, I only got 3 but win some, lose some... And Tuesday night we played our first mid-week knockout game in the Flora Doris Cup, we beat Camberley easily, making 174 from our allotted 16 8-ball overs (yes, 8 ball overs), I opened and got 54 (6 maximums) and took 2/21 off of my 4 opening the bowling. So a good comeback from Saturday and feel in good knick with bat and ball.

Stay tuned for a more in-depth report on my television appearance tomorrow!

Stay Classy.

My Television Debut... In The UK!!!

G'Day Everybody!!!

So, your probably wondering what the title of my email is implying... Well, there is a new show here in the UK, called "Cricket AM", a spin off of another show called "Soccer AM" - Knighty you know this one. Well, they wanted to do a bit on us, the Rowledge Cricket Club...

... And, by total chance, I turned up to our mid-week game last night, and I got dragged in to showing them around the ground and basically just goofing off for about an hour - Its condensed into like a 45 second clip of all the funny bits, but its shown throughout every country in the world that gets Sky Sports. I'm going to get a DVD copy and try and put some clips on here, but could be pretty bloody funny! They got me getting out (a skied ball to backward point - attempted mid-wicket heave) and just some other funny stuff, so keep an eye out. The thing thats making me nervous is the fact I have to go to the studio on Saturday morning and they are interviewing our team who sit in the "Garry Pratt Stand" (You know the guy who ran Punter out in the Ashes?), well coz I'm Tasmanian they want to take the piss outa me big time... On Live TV... So yeah, I'm a bit bloody nervous to say the least. Mind you, some decent exposure here and my long term dream of being a commentator could become a reality... NOT. But hey, I'm gunna be on TV, so I don't care!

But apart from all my media attention lately, things have been going well. The cricket tour to Holland with Frensham Cricket Club has been confirmed, so I'm there for a week at the end of June - Could have some interesting stories there. Cricket wise is going well too, we came within a run of beating the Division 2 Champions from the last 2 seasons (Ventnor), but it was our fault. Chasing 196, we were 3-169 when i got out, and we slumped to be all out for 195. Mind you, it was played in the coldest place on Earth, the Isle Of Wight. The ground is shaped like a bowl, its the weirdest ground I have ever played on, and its the only reason they can't be promoted. Boys got me a good practical joke here too - since November all of them were telling me I would need my Passport to get there - now, you all know how gullible i normally am? Well I go up to the Ferry steward, show her my Passport and as I did all 11 other guys and 40+ people behind them starting busting themselves with laughter... The single greatest prank thats ever, ever been played on me and apparently one that stitches up the overseas every year, but never like me, because I was so pumped about getting another stamp in my Passport and was just buzzing... Bit of a laugh and what can I say, the boys got me one there.

Anyway, I wont bore you all with my results and figures and stuff, other than to say im going alright at the moment, 7/40 in the last two games ive played so the ball is coming out very well, slowly learning how to bowl on these pitches. Check out the Rowledge site for all Reports (to see our match reports you actually have to go to Results, click on 1st team and then you can open the report - our webmaster is a little mixed up at the moment). Keep an eye out for player profiles in the very near future!

Hope everything is going well at home, be good to hear from some of you!

Stay Classy,
Scotty "Twelfth Man" McNaughton.

P.S. DONT FORGET TO CHECK OUT THE CRICKET AM WEBSITE -

http://www.skysports.com/skysports/shows/cricketam

Pietersen, Oh How I Count the Days...

Movies Movies Movies... And Kevin.

Well there isn't much cricket going on over here right now (you guessed it, rain), both weekend games washed out and my first midweek game tonight washed out also. Nevermind, as I have been keeping quite busy. Next week is a busy one, Tuesday, Thursday Saturday and a Sunday game, weather permitting of course.

First things first, Went and saw Mission Impossible 3 last Wednesday - and well, I wont spoil it for everyone, but its story line is the same as the first 2:

Ethan Hunte falls in love, bird gets kidnapped by bad guy wanting to rule the world and kill Ethan Hunte, Ethan Hunte saves girl and world.

That being said, its still a pretty good flic and I reckon better than number 2. And, you can have nachos and drink beer in English cinemas, of which is extremely desirable to me. Only problem is you are busting to go to the toilet the whole movie. Now this was not to be my last visit to the cinemas, or the lavatory, this week...
.
.. But before I get to that, On Saturday our game was obviously called off so a group of us went to Portsmouth for the day. Lovely place down there, even though it was a shitty day - Its like factory outlets and really nice eataries all in this bay - I'm going back down there very soon to buy some new threads. That evening we went to the Portsmouth Greyhounds, and I think a little bit of beginners luck there got me 4 wins from the first 4 races - the subsequent next 5 races were in the negative, but still, 4 from 9 aint too bad. Really looking forward to going to Royal Ascot late next month (and Wimbledon in the middle, going to try and get some Sharapova snapshots for you boys), so should be a big month ahead. Oh yeah, and I've been invited on a cricket tour of Holland, that's the last week in June, so really looking forward to that. 4 games in 5 days. Its the neighbouring club to Rowledge, they don't play in the same division but they are a good bunch of blokes and I'm really looking forward to that, as I also get to cross Amsterdam off my "places to visit" list! Now, on to last night...

... I saw The Da Vinci Code. Now, don't be put off by the reviews, because in all honest I think it was a sensational film - Now I have never read the book, but it was a really enjoyable movie, one which certainly makes you think really hard about things. I went with a couple of guys who have read the book and they say that is better, but they also say that it is definitely worth watching. I'm not going to give anything away, all im going to say is that you have to see it. I mean, any movie that Forrest Gump is in is bound to be good, right?

##UPDATE##

Just something I did yesterday, go and watch a days Test Cricket at Edgebaston! It was awesome and I've got some good photos so check out my photo link. Just another International venue to cross off my list... AND I got to see Pietersen, me old Kevin, Smack Murali for 6 biscuits back over his head... MAGIC! Oh yeah and I got to experience the Barmy Army... Sat next to some of them... And it wasn't fun when I said they would come home empty handed next year...!

Well that's all from me here, other than to say look out for X Men 3 (going to see that later next week), The Fast and The Furious 3 (Tokyo Nights I think its called, how crap is that going to be - and no Paul Walker or Vin Diesel sorry girls), and The Omen (remake) - its released on 6/6/2006 - to coincide with Nostra Damus' prediction of an Anti Christ - so ah, yeah, basically its a kid who is the nasty one - and if you ask me, any movie with a kid as the spook makes it 100 times worse.

Signing Off now, my MSN email is skoota218@hotmail.com - add me if you want to have a chat, but don't email me there because I don't check it.

Stay Classy.

Runs and Curry... And In No Way Related.

Gday Everybody!

Its been a while since I have sent a big email or updated my blog so apologies for that, but really apart from cricket I haven't done much else! Ok so maybe a bit of coaching, had a few curries (god dang don't I love a curry), and ah, well of course a couple of pints here and there... (And yes I have had a haircut and the mop you see opposite has been dispatched - Mum you will also notice a shorter trouser leg... Good Work there... Haha. This is a picture from my first match here, against Alton at their place. We lost by 12 runs).

Well our season has started over here and its all going pretty well, we won our first game easy against a team called OT's and Romsey. Made 280 for the loss of 2 wickets and then they only got 180 in a rain effected affair. Now when I say rain effected, I mean pissing down all day but we kept playing. So, by the time I got the ball, haha, well, I don't think I've ever seen a ball literally have water spitting out of it when its been bowled down the wicket. Oh well, took a pole (wicket), so that was alright. I'm the token # 5 batsman now, which is cool, but of course didn't get to bat in this game, disappointingly enough, as I have been feeling really good. I'll remember this game for the ton David Lloyd made for us, seriously, this bloke is as talented a cricketer I have ever played with our against, he is just so mentally weak... Seriously, he has the brain of a 7 year old, if someone says to him "good shot", he will fire, if a team get stuck into him, he crumbles, which I found out the next week...

Our Second game, just this week gone, against a team called Purbrook, well, we lost, and ah, the Rowledge Overseas copped a spray for the way he got out - for those who have played with and against me over the years, well, you know I'm prone to the odd attempted big one too many... Well, after punishing the attack to plunder 59 off 52 at home (yes, it is freaking small, and a road of a track at that) I attempted one heave too many down the ground and was comprehensively sent back to the rooms with us needing 50 to win from the final 12 overs. Of course, if we had won, well batted Scotty, but, we lost, so I was almost hung in the town square. Didn't help I didn't get a wicket, but that isn't helped when your 'keeper drops 3 sitters and misses a stumping. If only I had the ever reliable Nuttsy behind the stumps, I would feel much more at ease.

So anyway, copped a spray, which was I thought slightly unfair (3 batsmen failed to score) and ah, on to this weeks game at which I'm hoping our illustrious leader chooses to bat first. Anyway, I will remember this game by the one on one duel I had with their South African born captain, Will Prosezky - good all round cricketer and I was winning the battle 'till I was bowled. Next time, he's mine!

You can see all these match reports on the Rowledge website, its been upgraded and is working now, go to results - 1st Team - and then click the link next to the fixture and result, its in PDF format so you get to read what goes in the paper here.

On Sunday I played a friendly for a team called "Howzat" - they basically play for charity. We played a team called Dogmersfield at home, literally this ground was on a hill, batting at one end I felt like I was bending backwards! We won and it was a great laugh, 40 over game, 1/19 off 12 and 38 off about 20 balls with 2 more sixes. So far my 6's tally for and against stands 6:5 so I'm happy, I'm winning!

As I said before its been absolutely sensational weather, mind you the last 2 days have been pretty piss poor! But you get that, I am in England, aren't I! No Sight-Seeing done yet, waiting for our midweek games to complete and so far my destinations wanting to travel to include:

Amsterdam
Italy
Greece
Bratislava
France

But this isn't a completed list, of course! Pictures WILL be updated this week, I have to find a computer quick enough to process it all!

Stay Classy everyone, keep me updated on stuff going on at home!

I Love Lamp

Just a Quick Note this one...

... I hear everyone in Tassie is facing their coldest April/May in history? Should be noted that Farnham and surrounding areas of Hampshire/Surrey (where I am) is actually experiencing record highs... It should be noted at the moment its a good 23 degrees Celsius and not a cloud in the sky in sunny Farnham town....

... I should've packed more summer attire... ha ha ha.

Stay Classy.


*picture courtesy tshirtsoup.com*

A Night At The Roxbury (Well, Oceana...)

Well Gday Gday.

Just thought id update everyone on my goings on - if i havent replied to ur emails yet im sorry, only have dial-up at home and havent been to the library yet to set things up - am currently at the homestead of one Ian Metcalfe, our 'keeper.

Well, what have I been up to you ask?

Started coaching at Edgeborough, lovely school (massive) and great kids to boot, easy coaching to be honest. Been doing a lot of coaching for the club as well, its all going along very well. I have found the English coaching methods are slightly different, they are very much down the line, not forward thinking really, one grip, one stance, only one way to do things... I guess from both sides its been quite an eye opener and refreshing for the club also. Didn't think they thought I would be so involved in things but its going very well. As I've said great bunch of blokes and really fitting in well here.

Started calling soccer "footy" without thinking, quite scary. Considering however the 'Roos are having the worst season i can remember is probably a good thing I've jumped on the Tottenham bandwagon ( www.tottenhamhotspurs.com ). Hopefully Arsenal lose the Champions League Final because if they win, well, Tottenham dont go to Europe. Confused? Well it does my head in.

Played my first game, just a practice match, against Alton, a Division 1 team. Honestly, not that great, but their Aussie recruit hid himself at 5 and took me apart - after I had him dropped. took 1/49 off 9 (45 over game) but bowled a lot better than that. Made 28 off about 16 balls, we were chasing 175 and needed about 8 an over when I came in - adjusting to bowling is hard, but the pitches are slow and you can hit through the line pretty well. And I also took a nice little catch at 1st slip (yep, got the mortgage there now) so going well. Didnt drop any either, I know, I was shocked to. We lost the game by about 12 runs in the end, bit disappointing but heartening for the lads we came so close - apparently they normally pump us, so very positive for the year ahead. Oh yeah, and they like joking about sending me home, hard not to think they are serious some times! (Maybe they are...!!!)

Umpired my first, yes umpired my first game on English soil on Sunday in the Village Cup, a comp i can't play in. We won and apparently there was a dubious LBW I gave but it was hitting all 3, no doubt about it. And he didn't hit it either.

Went out to Kingston last night, club called Oceana (Google it, it has like 30+ rooms). It was their 3rd anniversary so they had the girls out of the "Call on me" filmclip, you know the song? Eric Prydez or something sings it. Girls in a gym gyrating? 3 of them, on stage, Gyrating. GOLD. Good viewing to be honest. And some poxy girl band sang, quite funny. We had an excellent seat and sank a lot of alcoholic beverages. Pulled up well though so happy with my efforts there. Awesome club. They actually search you and all before they let you in, bit of a trip out!

And here I am on Monday, about to go do some more coaching and have a net with Lloydy.

Stay Classy.

Scotty, if you call it "Soccer" one more time...

Jason Gillespie, 201 not out...

... What is happening? it's surreal enough im actually here but to see that... Gives me plenty of pre-ashes banter to give them tho dont worry bout that, and dont they love it.

Been a pretty quiet week, well ok thats a lie.

Wednesday night i went and watched some live soccer, no not premier league, Aldershot VS Raines Park. Kind of our version of Bridgewater VS Gagebrook - interesting is all i can say.

Friday was the club golf day, and they didnt believe me when i said i was crap... ok so maybe the ball travels further in England... but they soon realised how bad i was and put me with the 3 good players. haha, well didnt i pull some birdies and pars outa my arse to get our team over the line by 40 points (Stableford for those in the know). Had a couple of quiet ones at the Hogs Head pub, after we had drank ourselves silly at the course, i made friends with a nice little croation girl who loved my accent probably as much as i fancied hers. Hogs Head, excellent venue, get around it. Still smoking in pubs here, it goes out in November, but I am living with it for now.

3 things not to say in front of an Englishman I have learnt are "im going to put my thongs on", "can we watch the soccer" and "give it a rip". Oh yeah, and fair dinkum. the ladies love it but the blokes take the piss big time, I love it tho lets be honest. Great bunch of blokes here.

Saturday we watched the "Footy", yuk, Spurs VS Arsenal. Good game, 1-1 after 95 minutes. BORING. No cricket yet, not because of the weather but because our oppositions change rooms had asbestos in them and so did everything else. YUK.

And today is Monday, my first working day, well afternoon, 15 pound an hour to coach under 11's. Oh, life is sweet.

English Breakfasts are awesome too just quietly. And Pints are taking me down...

Stay Tuned for my next update, and oh yeah some pictures going up today hopefully of the area that i have taken. Its a beautiful place it really is. Missing everyone but wont i have some stories when i get back.. Or will they all be blogged? Possibly!

Stay Classy and keep in touch,

Scotty.

P.S. I have adopted the nickname, Big Mac... yep, excellent!!! AND SOMEONE PLEASE KEEP ME UPDATED ON THE KANGAROOS PROGRESS!!!

Welcome Kansas 'Coz Your Not In Toto Anymore...

Hello everyone and greetings from the old country!

you would all be currently cuddled up in bed, its 7pm here, and is 4am at home. Slept well on the flight so today I got here at 6am (excellent flight, meals have something to live up to but excellent excellent cant fault it at all), cruised through customs and have so far ventured in and around my home village of Farnham (its so, I dunno, old and just really awesome, not crappy old but actually beautiful old - Monopoly looking old - I'll upload some photos in the coming days).

The Yates's (My "family" for 5 months) have been great and i have my own room and study bit, oh yeah and my own balcony. not bad for £60 a week.

Checked out the ground with Chris Jnr (he is Chris Snr, bloke i live with's nephew) and yes boys and girls it is as small as on my blog shows ( www.myukadventure.blogspot.com ). even smaller. It could be triple figure sixes and thats not being sarcastic! Beautiful little ground though (and they have got a square with no less than 16 wickets) and some tennis courts and stuff and its just all so quaint and quiet and i love it so far everything has been awesome and everyone has been great. Starting to feel really tired now though, I guess its natural ive been up for well over 40 hours or something (craving a bed, oh yeah, i got my own queen size too).

Played a round of golf at Bairstow, just a lazy 9, and went down, yes, i lost to a pom. only by 6 shots though - let it be known 4 birdies does not compensate for finding a lake 6 times in 1 hole, thinking that cost me. Weather is very much like Tassie, on and off, changes a lot, im adjusted to it and plus its summer nearly here so yeah, all good on that front.

Then went down to the nets for a hit, good little session and was good to roll the arm over, and get a decent hit out. we have a practice match on saturday, so be interesting and will let you all know how that one goes (and how many sixes i get hit for also).

Well people I shall be off, gotta go down to the pub (one of 15 in a street believe it or not) for some welcome drinks, and well, I dont think im going to even consider refusing those.

Be in touch.

Magpies End of Season Dinner

Well where do I start? It’s all happening less than a week from me leaving I give you the red hot tip. Lots going on, it’s ridiculous. I’ve just started packing, and well that’s all good, but yeah few things just making me a bit nervous and screwing me up a little.

It’s finally starting to sink in I’m leaving everything I know and have always known for 5 months. It’s a bit surreal, but yeah, you can imagine how excited I am at the moment.

My blog today anyway will be about our end of year dinner for the Glenorchy Magpies held on the 8th of April. My first obviously for my new club and it was a top night. MC Brett Geeves kicked off proceedings by giving us all a quick rundown of the evening’s events, and thanking the life members and in particular Emerson Rodwell and his lovely wife for attending.

Egg then gave a very emotional speech about the late Noel Diprose. Now I didn’t know Noel, but from the way Egg spoke and the way everyone responded to his speech said that this guy was extremely well respected. Later in the evening Emerson gave a speech about his good mate Noel, and also presented the Noel Diprose medal to Elliot Maher, a kid with bucket loads of potential as long as he keeps working on his game and keeps his head screwed on. Plus he is a Magra boy so he gets extra kudos from me. He also took home Outstanding Junior, and the Under 17 Bowling Award, which he gained by taking a club record 42 wickets in a season for the Under 17’s.

After Egg’s speech we ran through the batting, bowling and fielding awards, Best Clubman award (won by David Maher, Elliot’s dad), and the President’s Perpetual Appreciation Award (Sladey Struggled with this one) won by Steve Absolom – top bloke old Steve and well deserved by all the winners.

We then had our meal, an excellent feed I must admit; thoroughly enjoyed by myself I give you the red hot tip.

We then moved onto the novelty awards. I was sweating at this point – 3 ducks in a row at the start of the year and it looked like I would be ribbed at some stage – but I was lucky to escape this time. The “DC” award for intellect of the year was won by Snooksy, quite obvious choice there. The best eater award was a hotly contested prize, eventually won by Michael “Beaver” Knight, our captain from last season, well done Beav well deserved there. The last Novelty award was the Inaugural Egg Appreciation Award, given to Brett Geeves. Now, I don’t know if Geevesy would have survived the night as Egg had a little story about when he was painting out Geevesy’s house. Now, his girlfriend was in attendance so one assumes Egg did water down this one – I won’t tell the story but let’s just say it had something to do with a young lady thanking Egg about the nice shade of Brett’s room – and it wasn’t his girlfriend thanking him, lets just say that!

Egg then finished with a little diddy called, “the pub at the club with no beer”, and had some nice little jibes there at some of the blokes at the club, some of the classic lines included something about Kelby’s goats, and another about Beaver and his salad rolls, and something about dishing them for pies. I can’t remember how the song went, but let me assure you it was classic and apparently topped Egg’s effort last year.

It was then announce Glen Hughes would be club coach next season, excellent news for us players who really rate Hughesy in that department and hopefully can guide us to some more Premierships this season.

At the end of the night, my youth league boys made a presentation to me. It had a card signed by them all, which was great, a toy Moose (going straight in my bag boys, good luck charm right there), and a Kangaroos Polo top – after a 69 point drubbing during the day, I wasn’t keen to get this one out and show it off. But those lads were an excellent bunch, and obviously they must think I’m an alright kinda bloke, and hopefully a half-decent super coach in the making. Those boys have bucket loads of potential, and I have no doubt they have long futures in the game. Look out for 3 names in particular, Chris Iles (batting award), Damien Butterworth (bowling award) and Alex Triffitt (fielding award) – These boys have got something, and I know if they stick at it could play a lot of top-grade cricket in a couple of years time. Not to say the other lads wont of course, back them in to make big improvements next year, great bunch of kids (I’ll upload a team photo shortly).
Well there is a wrap for the evening, we all proceeded to go out thereafter, I chewed everything I drank due to the huge amounts of beer I drank on Friday night with Paul (can drink, can drink) but all in all had a terrific evening, and hope to have many more with the Glenorchy Boys.

Pity Da Fool

Gotta be happy with this bloke and his efforts.

Follow the link and keep up with this fella's progress and the story behind it. Basically, he bet his girlfriend that if he could get 2 million hits on a website he created, his girlfriend would have a threesome with him and another girl. Suffice to say, he has tackled this head on, and to date has 1.3 million hits - go on, help the bloke out, you know you want to.


http://www.helpwinmybet.com

Stay Classy.

Mr T approves, you fool.

***UPDATE - AS AT 11:30 PM THIS EVENING OUR GOOD OL' MATE JUST MADE 2.4 MILLION HITS! BANG GET AROUND HIM!!! GO FOR GLORY SON!!!***

Pre-Flight Nerves and Bratislava

Yeah, ah, those houses could be in trouble....

....Apparently thats "my end". Bets for the amount of maximums during my stay? This could be very, very interesting...

... Have most of my stuff organised now, not much to go, gear arrived last night which was excellent (Good on ya Spotty, big thanks to you mate), so all that is left is for me to get there. Got the email from Ricky which said "There is a big bag from Australia here for you" So it has to be my gear, because I'm sure my old college Sociology teacher didn't get wrapped up and sent (although she could be looking for her 2 fingers which were missing - yuk).

Countdown is at 10 days, I arrive technically at Heathrow on the 18th, but I cross that many time zones I dont know, Jet Lag could be a big problem, but I guess we can only wait and see. Get to Sydney on the 16th, leave Sydney on the 17th... Interesting times ahead.

How good is an e-ticket tho? No having to wait for paper tickets, just need my passport and away I go. Makes life so much easier, and now, apart from the stress of getting over there I have nothing to worry about! Maybe I stress too much, but you get that. Always been one to stress about the little things, I'm a thinker, and sometimes a little too much thinking goes on between my ears, it isn't exactly a bad thing, all the time. But thats it, I think all the time. Sure thats not too bad a thing, is it?! Ill have a think about that anyway.

*Bratislavian Architecture at its finest... traveljournal.net*

Moving Along... Watched the worst movie in history, well one of them, last night. Hostel. Quentin Tarantino, what are you thinking? It's like a porno for the first hour, and then its just a guy drilling holes in American tourists and cutting their fingers off and stuff... The only thing I really learnt was that even though Bratislava seems to have some seriously hot chicks in hostels, its probably not best to go there. Now, no disrespect to Bratislava because it quite possibly be a lovely place, but yeah, if Hostel is anything to go by I think the village town of Farnham in Surrey will suit me just fine thankyou, my fingers are quite important to me - as are my achilles tendons (If you have seen the movie you will know exactly what I'm talking about here...)!

Anyway, just a few things to do before I go now. New toothbrush, some wax or gel or something for my fro' and away I go. Oh yeah, and some new wheels - I want something a bit different, like something multi-colouored that just look so stupid you wouldn't even think of wearing them. I'll find them and when I do I'll show you all a picture of how stupid I look in them.

And my phone, I think I need a new one, and i don't think I'll get a Sony Ericcson again, Software is crap! My tip? Go the Nokia 6280 or the N91 (not released yet) but Nokia is a safe bet, always has and will be in my books, and ask anyone who knows me, I know my phones, don't you worry bout that.

Well, I think I've said enough for today, had to get that out of the system. No doubt there will be more nervous ramblings from me before I go.

Oh, and yeah, I won footy tipping for the first time ever, 8 out of 8, and I'm even ranked # 1 in Australia - So of course I had to be going to England, didn't I.

Until Next Time....

Stay Classy.