'Thrill Killer's' prove that eight is usually better than seven

The regular season might be drawing to a close but the 'Thrill Killers' last night lived up to their 'next big thing' tag in the WICC World Championships, finishing with a 12 run win over their more fancied rivals the Founding Fathers (141 to 129). The Founding Fathers have bossed around all comers for most of the last month but last night the 'TK's' proved too good in a tight tussle.

The Father's bowlers had a tough time last night - the 24 extras indicated as much - and all conceded seven or more runs an over.

Overthrows, one less player and a wicket off a no-ball typified their night and there was really nothing that went their way in front of a raucous crowd.

The flashing blades of the 'TK's' punished much of the Fathers attack and after 16 overs their total stood at a respectable 141.

Sent in to bat by Captain Norro the opening pair of Gladdy and Madman were keen to get the team off to a good start. Controlled aggression and masterful stroke play were the order of the day and despite their best efforts the 'TK's were unable to force any wickets from this pairing. By the end of the fourth over the pair had put on 57 runs for no loss and the Fathers were off to a flyer.

Andy and Cheesy were next in and promised so much. Unfortunately their promises were a little hollow and a combination of devastating bowling and cavalier batting combined to see the boys trooping off with only 7 runs to their names.

Into the breech stepped Itchy and Kev. Kev was a little less excited than usual (perhaps at the sight of his batting partner?) but an uncharacteristic show of common sense batting from Itchy (second week in a row of no outs) and dependable batting from Kev saw a respectable total of 47 achieved after the 12 over was completed.

With one player short the 'TK's' had to pick another Father to bat again with Captain Norro. They chose Kev and he and Norro set about working hard toward the 31 required runs for victory. Bad luck hampered their innings and with two balls to go they needed 8 runs. Kev opened up the shoulders, wound up to hit the back fence and was comprehensively bowled. With that the match was effectively over.

The boys trooped off and adjourned to the carpark for the traditional post mortem. Madman played host and the players present decided to blame the loss on the fact that for the umpteenth time this season that Fathers had fielded an under-strength team. In practice this means that, as the last player to pull out this week, Kermie was to blame for the loss. Strangely, this made everyone feel much better. The disciplinary committee meets Friday to discuss what action, if any, will be taken against the Kerminator.

Last night's loss doesn't change the table and with one match left to play in the regular season it looks like the Father's position at number two on the ladder is safe. It also appears that the Father's will again face the third placed 'Thrill Killer's' in a semi final in a fortnights time.

This weeks 'Coolie weirdness':
Man pushing a shopping trolley full of meat off cuts back home while walking his rottweiler.

Batting:
Madman - 40 (not out)
KEVIN! - 24 (not out)
Itchy - 23 (not out)
Gladdy - 17 (not out)
Norris - 14
Andy - 8
Kermie - 4 (out bowled off the penultimate delivery to lose the match)
Cheezy - pretty good - better than Kermie.

Bowling:
Cheezy - 3 for 6
Itchy - 1 for 16
Norris - 3 for 20
Andy - 2 for 29
Gladdy - 3 for 11
Madman - 0 for 22
KEVIN! - 3 for 8
Kermie - 1 for 29

Partnerships:
Gladdy and Madman - 57 chasing 34 for the skin
Andy and Cheezy - 7 chasing 38 for the skin
Itchy and KEVIN! - 47 chasing 30 for the skin
Norris and Kermie - 18 chasing 39 for the skin and 31 for victory

Sitter of the Match:
Kermie

Man of the Match:
Madman - can't argue with 40 not out and a match high contribution of +18

FINES!
Kermie - Withdrew on Match Day with no legitimate excuse - DOUBLE FINE!
Gladdy - Failed to take the hat trick - FINE

Quotable Quotes:
Norris on fielding: "The gap in the field cost us 30 or 40 runs - We were lucky that Cheezy was able to sub in for Choco and KEVIN! able to sub in for Gilly. I think Kermie was at a swimsuit photo shoot for the cover of Cricketers Illustrated."
Norris on batting "We soared like eagles but we just couldn't get off the ground."
Norris on Finals Season: "Sometimes you have to take one step forward in order to take two steps back."
Norris on the Thrill Killers 12 run victory: "They are a bunch of poofs - we'll smash 'em in the semis."
Gilly on Wicketkeeping: "You miss one lousy match in 2 years you lose your spot in the side."
Itchy on back to back Not Out performances: "It's my life and it's now or never and I ain't gonna live forever."
Gladdy and KEVIN! on AFL Football: "The Cats are a pack of chokers."

Fundraising
New policy:
1. Every player needs to pay $15 every match. (You can pay in advance if you wish - FFCC Accounting Standards rival those of Enron Financial Officers.)
2. 8 x $15 = $120. (Match fee is $96. Excess funds contribute to WICC membership fee, bye nights, Official FFCC Functions, beer in the carpark and new promotional FFCC tye died froot loops.)
3. At the start of the new season - your first match will cost $30 ($15 match fee and $15 deposit). (Your $15 deposit wil be held by the FFCC Treasurer and will be for every player - you may lose your match deposit if you withdraw from a match without providing adequate notice.)

Next Match - 6.50pm Tuesday

In the 8:
1. Norris - Captain
2. Madman
3. Cheesy
4. Gilly
5. Gladdy
6. Itchy
7. Kermie - beer & fries boy
8. Billy the kid (aka: Andy)

Resting but on call:
Harmie

Semi Finals Contention:
If you attended Encampment you are IN.
If you are up to date on your match fees you are IN.
If you are better than Norris you are IN.