If ever one were asked to describe the fabric that defined SUCC, Nash Ball would never be far from the mind. Throw in a superior level of intellect, numerous premierships and you’ll come close to the definition you’re looking for.
Each day’s play begins with a hotly contested game. Top 6 vs. Bottom 6 (including the evergreen Gary Whitaker) is the customary team divide. Testament to the high stakes has been the recent promotion of Tim Ley up the batting order to 6. Never has one team benefited so drastically from an inclusion since the demotion of ex cult figure Kevin Desai, who despite being the leading run scorer was dropped to 7 purely on nash ability. Tim’s recent promotion has seen the batsmen take home all the spoils so far this season. However, whispers have surfaced on the rumour mill from within the bowling camp, that new inclusion Ben Joy has been extremely poor early doors. There are fears that he will not cope with the idea that Greg Mail continues to referee nash. If you’re reading this Ben, it’s not the first time you’ve dealt with adversity. It would be good to have you back on both fronts.
Nash enthusiasts also believe that the recent elevation of Nick Larkin to first grade Captain will result in a return to Nash ball form. Previously labelled a one trick pony, his decision to promote Tim Ley will have no greater affect than on his own game as the goal mouth is now rarely compromised. A glimmer of hope for the bowling team this season has been Jonte Pattison who continually runs rings around older members of the side. Unfortunately for him his only support occasionally comes in the form of Ash Cowan. I know what you’re thinking but having been found sleeping in the covers after one too many Friday night beers, ‘Smash’ often sports his vollies and begins a comical attempt at showing us what lower grade nash has to offer.
Alongside Jonte this season has been ‘Screech 2.0’ Dugald Holloway. Safe to say his ability to apply complex mathematical models to his nash game have so far yielded little results. Onlookers can expect screech to find his feet and have a major impact as he finds a way to successfully apply the Pythagoras theorem to his nash tactics. He could do worse than take a leaf from the book of Maily who has in recent seasons moulded the game and its rules to suit his ageing frame. The most notable instance was the eradication of the controversial rugby tackle, however many believe this also coincided with Josh Toyer and Tom Kierath no longer lining up in the bottom 6.
After an early season hiccup, Will Somerville otherwise known as emu makes a return to nash this weekend. Experts of the game have on numerous occasions pointed out that the top 6 look most dangerous when emu has the ball in his hands. Unfortunately for him he occupies a spot in the bottom 6 and therefore any spectator witnessing a game will often see the ball purposely turned over. However, top 6 beware, word on the grape vine is that Emu is in the shape of his life having spent his first full pre season as a professional cricketer in the nets and on the ‘bench’ press. Congratulations to Will and his wife who are expecting a baby in Feb.
On the down side, as each season rolls around, you need not look any further than nash for a reminder of just how old you now are. Turning circles grow increasingly wider as each day passes; just ask Will Hay whom this season is trotting out in his 30th year after birth. Luckily for him, his career at SUCC will be defined by far more than his nash ability. Enough said.
I know all grades are again looking forward to cricket this weekend, however turn up to any venue where uni are playing and you will not be able to go past the enthusiasm shown by all in what has become an important part of who we are.