View from the Perch

Issue Four - 21st December 2005

Greetings fellow Parrots,

All has been very quiet around the flock of late. We started the new season back on November 4 with a match against the league's defending champions. Winning the toss and batting first we quickly realised that the outfield was more conducive for grazing a hundred head of cattle than caressing coverdrives for 4 (or even 2!). The Parrot tail wagged with Slatts, Neil and Strunky hitting out to reach a poor looking but competitive, given the lush outfield, 166 for 9. No twos or threes were run and the only way to hit four was via the air. In the field Vicky and Slatts bowled with control and commitment and at the first drinks interval the Parrots were well on the way and we had them in our sights at 41 for 3. Alas a couple of Thailand's better batsman then stole the show and hit the ball with power and lashings of luck to steer their team home by a flattering 7 wickets.
A very encouraging first hit out for the lads who showed excellent determination and spirit which augers well for next years fixtures. Highlights from the traditional and much loved after match vodka session included "blooding" 4 new players (Neil, Vicky Raja and Saeed) and one Female Parrot (Or) and Washington native Strunky's first six in any cricket - a beautiful straight drive over mid on.

As I mentioned we've had a bit of a hiatus lately and our next game is on January 14 after which we will play and practise more regularly through to April. With this in mind we will have a Parrots Members Night at the Green Parrot Bar and Grill on Soi 33 early in the new year - I'll keep you posted.

In other news, Committee member and gentle outswing bowler (a bit like Terry Alderman on valium) Nick Chomonter celebrated his marriage to his long time love Rai at a wonderful ceremony (the MC being particularly noteworthy) at the Sheraton where the traditional toasts were replaced with... you guessed it - vodka slammers!

Other than that we've been getting our cricket "fixes" by watching the internationals on TV at the Green Parrot. We've seen the Aussies putting their serious faces on again, the Poms suffering from vertigo after reaching their dizzying heights last July, the Kiwis breaking world records in a game that didn't count (bloody typical!) the Indians weeding out trouble makers, the Zims weeding out everybody and the Pakis upsetting the odds and the pitches, while the ICC fishheads address that terrible blight afflicting the game - players talking to newspaper reporters!

Finally On behalf the Prez and all the Parrots I'd like to wish you the happiest of Christmases and the Merriest of New Years for the next fortnight or so. Thanks for your interest and support and we look forward to your company in early 2006.

Laugh a lot these holidays and be good to the Aussies - they've had a tough year!!

Cheers

Kiwi