Date: Sunday, November 30, 2025
Location: Princes Park, Carlton
Time: 1 p.m. start
Captain: Rev
I normally write these as close to the end of the match that time allows, ensuring that my memory of the game and how it transpired are relatively fresh in my mind.
Unfortunately (?), Christmas and a much-needed break intervened and so most of my memories of this are a bit of a blur. So, apologies.
I remember getting to the ground early to set-up. I went for a very pleasant walk with F1 where he explained the rationale for baking carrot cake for Christmas lunch and had a very good coffee on Sydney Rd.
Back at the ground we started setting up and were soon joined by one, two, more, several, and then loads of Quokkas from all over. Marquees and folding tables went up, picnic rugs went down. A spread of snacks was displayed, thanks all.
Unfortunately, Fargo wasn’t here, which meant Humphrey wasn’t either, or my favourite folding chair (note: the best folding chair is never yours).
Hugs and handshakes and introductions were made. Ches (Seagull) and I continued a conversation we started over 15 years ago, seemingly without interruption. Nat laughed in her uniquely identifiable way, and all was well.
A headcount was made and we were short, but they were tall, so we evened it all up. Perfect. Both teams came together and we went through the brief history and complete rules of the YPCA. Gifts were exchanged, stubby holders with sandpaper from us. Sandals to us.
A coin was tossed and I actually won, a new experience that caused great consternation. Figuring they had travelled a long way, I sent them in.
From here the blur of details becomes real. Prez opened the bowling with tight lines, followed by bowlers who got single-over spells to much effect; Local, Alex (thanks for filling in at the last minute!), Hendo and Fergus.
TBC got some tap early, but then came back to go for 1 run. Dusty and Hendo took some good catches, Hendo was particularly good as it went straight to him right after he declined to hear me asking him to move to a different spot. A solid approach to life, that.
Drinks were had and we need to thank Waste Services for their generosity as the official drinks sponsor for the game.
The last half of the innings saw me get a kid out (you’re my bunny, Connor), Sizzle appeared from somewhere in the trees like Robin Hood to snare one and do some fielding while punching a dart. He also took a contested mark at the bowlers end. Build the man a statue.
Radar took off the gloves and sent down a couple of overs for a miserly 4 runs, is there anything he can’t do? Again, statue.
Lunch was taken and halal souvlakis were enjoyed, a great Melbourne experience. Many thanks to everyone that helped pull that together. With my blur of the day getting started, I had no idea about a batting order. Thankfully, Fergus got in front of me and asked to open. Done. I remembered Prez had opened the bowling well, so maybe there was some Mitchell Johnson (bowls well, bats well) vibes happening?
Chasing 143 (I think), we started in a much more secure way than the mens national team. We didn’t lose a wicket for over 5 overs. Unfortunately, we only scored 10 runs in that time too.
With the first break made, Radar came in and started slapping it like a snare drum. I dunno, is that what you do with snare drums?
TBC came on and helped us steady after a couple of wickets, even playing a legitimate leg-side shot off very decent bowling from Harry (edit: it was actually off Faggy: getting bat to ball off Harry was hard enough – tbc). I spent a good 20 minutes trying to convince Harry to move to Melbourne later in the night, so we may have an opening bowler and batter for years to come.
Once given their chance, Dusty and Local tried to up the run rate, which ended up as late Christmas gifts to our visitors. F1 and Alex started looking very good, forming a solid partnership, until Alex was done in by one of the best Quokkas wickets ever.
The bowler (Faggy) was getting plenty of shape from his left armers, so came around the wicket and pitched one just short of a length that seemed back in. Alex played inside the line and did well to edge it, which looked like a four to 3rd man for all money, before Skip (thus far moving as well as an office block) dived backwards and at full stretch to his left to take it one handed.
Unbelievable.
Just to show how unlikely it was, he dropped a dolly that landed in both hands in front of his belt a few balls later.
Hendo and Sizzle had a crack at it right at the end, before Hendo retired to give Mark a bat. Good show, Hendo.
In the end we were about 20 runs short, but the result, as always, didn’t really matter. Thanks again to the UK Quokkas for making the trip out, to the Aussie Quokkas that came, and those that helped organise the day and the gifts (particularly Hendo, F1, and TBC), and Slug for the photos.
Thanks again all. The details are a blur but the memory is of sunshine, laughs and great cheer.