April Darlington Review Scribe Article

The cricket season has come to an end with the Test Match being the last game of the 2011/12 season. One of the standout players of the match was unable to play the Maccas XI game due to his hair being out of form. Following an attendance at Sandy’s Barber shop, all was rectified – his golden locks restored and he could once again return to looking like James Reyne and batting like David Marsh. (The Macca’s XI match also featured our first of 2 streakers for the season!!) The Test Match was originally planned earlier in the season, but a forecast of 42 degrees on the scheduled day of play found players reaching for their Sunberg pool lounges and Pina coladas instead.

The match itself was full of spectacle, including our second streaker for the season covered head to toe in a green and white outfit with large (and somewhat stretched around the girth) red Welsh Dragon. While the streaker was wearing a mask to conceal his identity, his identity was all too transparent when he turned side on and cried “Come on the ROWS! At the afternoon tea break Holly was heard to say “What are you complaining about – I had to dress him”. This brought a curt response of “That would have to be better than undressing him!” Then came the spectacle of when Mario Cavallaro came to bat and after his free ball, the Aussies continued to place all of their fielders on the boundary for fear of his reputation as a big hitter! Now I’ve already reported the overall score in last month’s edition, so no need to repeat the winner of that match. One of our new members of the club and a strong player for the ROWS was unavailable for the match as he needed to attend a pantomime about an umbrella carrying nanny. Needless to say Matt (AKA “Mary”) Ellis enjoyed Mary Poppins tremendously with his family – so much so he is enjoying sharing the same first name as the famed nanny. At the post match BBQ the Cavallaro Medal was awarded to Mick O’Reilly as the best ROW player of the match having taken 3 wickets and scored 40 runs. So overcome  was the medal winner that he proceeded to faint into the Wisteria with hands in his pockets crying “I’ll be alright” as he slowly descended  and disappeared into the shrub.

The DSCC Family weekend was held at Myalup this year as a trial for something closer to home. As usual Jonesy put on entertainment not only for the DSCC kids but all the kids in the caravan park - you can see how much the kids appreciated his entertainment!!!

So with the season at an end, the club looked to bring members together on other ways hosting a bus to members to the Blues and Roots Festival in Freo. The usual suspects are featured in the picture below!

Music trivia this month. Hard to classify, this mostly blues and folk singer recently performed both at the Whitehouse  in the USA and Fremantle at the Blues and Roots Festival. A relative recent shining star on the blues scene he first gained full recognition in 1994 even though had been playing as a session muso since 1973 and releasing an album to no acclaim in 1980. By winning stage acting roles where he had to play a guitar playing bluesman, he had to play more blues music than he had up to that point. Then, winning another stage role in the same vein, the scene was set and he never looked back. He cites his influences as Robert Johnson and Taj Mahal and James Taylor for his finger picking style. Since then he has gone on to win Grammy Awards for best contemporary Blues Album of the year three times. His first successful album released in 1994 is self titled. Who is he?

And from last month...formed in the 1983 this band is an eclectic performer of funk punk rock and hip hop. Loud and energetic, and having experienced all the highs and lows with band line up changes and drug addiction that bands such as these experience when they push themselves and their craft into overdrive, they have a great live following. They continue to weave this unusual blend of styles blend through their music in a way few bands have done with any commercial success. They manage to span 2 generations of followers with many parents listening to them currently (they released their 10th studio album in 2011) with many having their kids also enjoying the bands style. The band sites its influences as artists as wide ranging as Jimi Hendrix, James Brown, Bob Marley, Queen, Stevie Wonder, Elvis Presley, The Beatles, The Clash, Siouxsie and the Banshees, Devo, and Miles Davis. With this kind of range of influences you know you are bound to get the interesting sounds. Who are they?  The Red Hot Chilli Peppers

Hey how about a Caption Competition! - please email me your clever caption for the photo below of Mario and Baiba, and the winner will recieve a free ticket to the AGM!

Scribe {James)

March Darlington Review Scribe Article

There is a saying that you cant teach old dogs new tricks. I'm into music trivia not fables so I don't know where that one came from, and if you do know the name of the person who coined that phrase, please write to me and let me know. Our beloved pooch is very loyal and will do anything for food as it is a great motivator. ( I can think of a few DSCC members like that). I am not sure I subscribe to the saying as this weeks match saw that wisdom tested. 2 newcomers to the game had some amazing performances - Bino DiFillippo (newcomer to cricket) who up until a few years ago never played a match picked up 3 wickets for 17 and new member Matt Reece who also had never played before went from bowling overs that had at least 10 balls in each over, to bowling 3 overs with just 6 balls, to last week landing them all on the pitch and picking up 3 for 12! So much for old dogs and new tricks!

Recently the Macca's 11 returned for their second match against the club. Played with arguably the highest level of energy of any of our opposition,  the team wore the customary red T-shirts with the tribute to Lizzy B of Prisoner fame emblazoned across the front. Spurred on by this fearsome inmate, the team put themselves in to the field hoping to knock Darlington off early. Stalwarts Ben Harvey had a captains knock opening and scoring 57. Matt Ellis joined the 50s crowd with 53 and Mitch Cork ground out a 50 after injuring his knee wielding the willow with such ferocity that the bat was almost as bruised as his knee. Darlington made 287. The wickets were shared around in the Maccas team with Wade getting 2 for 29. Chasing 287 wasn't going to be easy but captain James MacWatt also managed over 50 as did one of his compatriots, however 7 runs an over is a challenge to maintain throughout the match especially with Harvey starring with the ball as well (must have been a good honeymoon Ben) with 4 for 20, Bino DiFillippo 3 for 17 and Matt Reece 3 for 12! Maccas didn't get the runs, but as we say in the game - next year!  

Recently a member placed an SOS call to any electricians in the neighbourhood as a member was in peril. Thankfully a caped crusader lived in Mundaring and swiftly flew to the damsel in distress (instead of helping yours truly lift our ridiculously heavy BBQs off the trailer). "I have more pressing matters" he advised me as he made his way to the end of Pine Terrace. On arrival he was greeted by the usual suspects all waiting to have their (lessening locks) trimmed, but without power, Sandy's scissors don't work nor does her cigar lighter, so things were looking really bad (Sandy used more pointed words to describe the situation). On inspection there was no problem with the wiring, so like a bloodhound SuperFlash traced an extension lead out of the shop to a quadruple-ganger of power boards and extension leads interspersed in the bushes outside. It looked like an octopus out of water. Moisture from the dew was causing the short but the real culprit was nowhere to be seen. Flash made it to my place to lift our ridiculously heavy BBQs off the trailer. All of Darlington listened to "Radio Sandy" as she began rapping about what she was gonna do once she saw Duncan again. 

The Test Match was again battled out on the hallowed ground with the Aussies taking the cup in comfortable style scoring 263 with the ROWS only managing 143. Match info and pics to come when photographer Ekert sends me the pics and I'll do a special blog update. Its also worth noting that this ends Ben Harvey's season as El Capitan and soon the sucking up will transfer to Ian Scrimshaw as 2012/2013 captain. Good luck Scrimma.

And from last edition....released 42 years ago this year, these artists last studio album was released and was a number one album around the world. The band then split up that year. Only together for 13 years these artists often referred to as "Bookends" often tried to "Keep the customer satisfied" as they walked on "to look for America". They got back together periodically once in 1981 where they played to 500,000 people in this epic and famous concert. They have continued to reform from time to time and recently performed in Perth in 2010. Who are they and what was the 5th and final studio album they released in 1970. Simon and Garfunkel and the album is Bridge over Troubled Water  

Music trivia this month...formed in the 1983 this band is an eclectic performer of funk punk rock and hip hop. Loud and energetic, and having experienced all the highs and lows with band line up changes and drug addiction that bands such as these experience when they push themselves and their craft into overdrive, they have a great live following. They continue to weave this unusual blend of styles blend through their music in a way few bands have done with any commercial success. They manage to span 2 generations of followers with many parents listening to them currently (they released their 10th studio album in 2011) with many having their kids also enjoying the bands style. The band sites its influences as artists as wide ranging as Jimi Hendrix, James Brown, Bob Marley, Queen, Stevie Wonder, Elvis Presley, The Beatles, The Clash, Siouxsie and the Banshees, Devo, and Miles Davis. With this kind of range of influences you know you are bound to get the interesting sounds. Who are they?  

          Scribe {James} 

February Darlington Review Scribe Article

Over the centuries there have been many vices - snuff, liquor, fraternising and gambling. With the DSCC, bevvies and fraternising still find their way onto the hill on a late Sunday arvo, and wagering - well that's an interesting one. Not one normally known for a flutter, recently a member found himself in a bind over the use of his new "smartphone" and his ability to put a bet on the GGs whilst at one of our matches. Purchased because the member thought it enhanced his intelligence, this member was "outsmarted" as the wonderfully convenient device got the better of him. Not to be outdone, the member wrestled control over the disobedient beast crying "All bloody I.T. people should be tortured first, and then shot" as he hurled the recalcitrant phone onto the oval in an act of defiance. Bino, walking back from the centre of the ground picked up a phone and declared, "Look what I found". Darlington took the field and this frustrated member bowled brilliantly to tie up the quality batsmen from the DJCC. After his spell we noticed a gap in the field only to look up and see a cloud of dust from the fire station car park as the metallic pooh brown Camry veered its way towards Pine Terrace. He was gone. Ten minutes later he was back, only for one minute then gone again (wallets are required to drive and place bets). The fines master looked on in disbelief as he entered another fine into the hand held Excel fines spreadsheet on his iPhone. "I think I'll fine him a dollar for every minute that he's been gone" cried Lindsay. After 20 minutes a bobbing green hat reappeared onto the field immediately after the fall of an important wicket. As the players gathered to congratulate the wicket taker, the inevitable question was put. "How much did you win?" The no-longer frustrated metallic pooh brown Camry driving player gave his reply. The fines master cried, "Hell in that case I'm fining you a hundred bucks Jonesy!"

In cricket news, Darlington faced up to the Subi Floreat Old Boys - always a difficult match. Darlington were 9/203, with Subi reaching our total for the loss of just 3 wickets and 10 overs in hand. Mentionalbles for Darlington with the bat were Ward 78 not out and Lucas 25 (no other worth noting according to the Cap.) Bowling figures were Steve James 1/7 off 1 over, Jake O'Reilly 1/31 off 4 overs and Cam Giles 1/48 off 4 overs (could be another FOOS Cam!) 2 great catches were taken - one by Baz Roberts in slip and an equally amazing one hander by Bino in mid wicket. Oh and yeah our El Prezidente Graham Ekert turned 55 so we had 3 cheers for the old bastard at the O'Reilly's BBQ!

The Fathers and Sons made an ever popular return this year with 7 actual fathers and sons pairings for a double wicket combo match. It would have been 9 pairings had one Dad not done his back in and another's son decided that he would rather do his homework! (not really). Steve James had the honours of captaining the Dad's while Danon Letica led the sons to a comfortable victory. The format was declared a real winner by both the Captain of the Dad's and long time patron of the Game Greg Letica. Baz Roberts set an aggressive fines target keen to avoid fund-raising efforts this year. He did exceptionally well as players were slugged $108 for the match. Other notable mentions were the biggest crowd seen on the hill for many moons as Mums came to cheer on their sons and sons (those that had partners/wives) also cheered them on leaving the fathers destitute of support. Some bragging rights to the scribe's family with Mitchell Miller scoring good runs, taking 5 catches and one run out.  3 generations featured in the match for the first time in anyone's memory - Geoff Sherwin (Mitchell's grandfather) umpiring the whole match, Mitchell Miller and his Dad the scribe (James) both playing. We also had 4 new sons play this year and look like having 3 more next year which is very promising for a great match next year.

McMahon returned for their third match at our picturesque ground. It really has been lush and green this year due to all the late rain throughout the season. As McMahon didn't bring all the gifts that they brought us in their first year of playing, we decided to beat them. Making 4 for 319, a tough run chase ensued but McMahon came up short, so continued to send their players into bat and after 40 overs the scoreboard told the story - yes 15/251 after 40 overs. I don't think I have seen a scoreboard like that before. Reece and Tiff hosted their first BBQ and set new standards in lawn mowing accuracy, stone masonry, and salad layouts. Many a bloke went home wondering how to get their lawns lookin' so good!

Darlington Vs. McMahon

Darlington Junior Cricket Club were the next culprits with BBQ virgins Mitch and Angela Behan's the hosts. The match was played in great spirit and the spirit was in the end too much for the Seniors as the Juniors snatched victory for the returning Captain Duncan Ward.  An opening partnership of 50 was made between Nigel Harding and Mick O'Rielly, and a quickfire 36 was made by Lindsay Earnshaw. Duncan Ward made 52no , Steve Beazley 47, while in the bowling stakes, Mark Lucas tried to emulate Cam Giles efforts of an earlier match conceding 52 off 4 overs (picking up the FOOS award). O'Rielly was a close second for the FOOS with 41 off 2 overs (imagine if he had 4 overs!!!!), Ward 2/16, Difillipo 1/8. In the end DSCC made 239 which was not quite enough as DJCC scored 240 with 11 overs to spare. While not crying handicap, our captain noted our valiant efforts in the face of playing with one player short, then 2 players short Harding (Hamstring), then 3 players short Earnshaw (home duties) then 4 Players short S.Jones (TAB duties - see the lead story in this edition) disappeared for 20 mins. In the end we even if we had 17 players its very hard to set a field to stop sixes!

Oh by the way Ben Harvey (our Skipper for 2011/12 season) and Liza got hitched yesterday and here's a paparazzi shot at the event....

Ben and Liza's Wedding

Music trivia this month...released 42 years ago this year, these artists last studio album was released and was a number one album around the world. The band then split up that year. Only together for 13 years these artists often referred to as "Bookends" often tried to "Keep the customer satisfied" as they walked on "to look for America". They got back together periodically once in 1981 where they played to 500,000 people in this epic and famous concert. They have continued to reform from time to time and recently performed in Perth in 2010. Who are they and what was the 5th and final studio album they released in 1970?

And from last edition… icon of Australian music changed his name and took his names from 2 of his music idols – his first name from one of the Rolling Stones and his second name from an artist who played in the 60’s band Cream. Most popular from 1974 to 1982, his songs are legendary and cut his teeth on the Sydney pub scene mostly as well as short stint overseas. He was recently inducted into the ARIA hall of fame, despite only ever having one top 10 single and one top 10 album. Interestingly his only top 10 single was a “B” side on a 45 released from his second album, but got so much airplay it was subsequently changed to become the “A” side of the single. He also produced early music for INXS. A portrait of this artist was a finalist in the 2009 Archibald prize. Who is this musician? Richard Clapton

January Darlington Review Scribe Article

Happy New Year and welcome back!


The internal combustion engine was one of the 19^th century’s most propelling inventions. With this one invention we have been able to run generators to build great structures, power chainsaws to clear land for farming and provide timber for a paper industry fed by a hunger for books and learning materials, to enable heavier than air flight to take us around the globe to new countries and to fight wars. Transportation was reformed and new markets created as large vehicles could now transport vast amounts and variety of goods long distances. Perishable foods could be refrigerated and as cities grew larger allowing people to live far away from where their food was sourced.


In 1884 British engineer Edward Butler constructed the first petrol (gasoline) internal combustion engine. Butler invented the spark plug, magneto, coil ignition and spray jet carburettor, and was the first to use the word petrol. Karl Benz was the first to patent the motorcar in 1886 and not long after that Rudolf Diesel, the diesel engine in 1900. 


Soon vehicles were developed for personal transport as costs came down. Most cars were petrol vehicles (and most of them a Ford in the early days as Henry’s mass production had made a car affordable for the world). It seemed diesels were destined for the trucking and heavy machinery. In the 20^th century with the Europeans led the way in bringing diesels into the passenger car market due to high petrol costs and great fuel efficiency. In Australia the V8s ruled until the 1980s and 90s when Toyota’s ever popular diesels took off and were used by tradies and the mining industry alike. Soft roaders entered the market in the 90s and 2000s becoming our favourite form of urban transport and so diesels found there way into Australian personal transportation. 


With these advancements come misfortune as those accustomed to filling their tanks with unleaded petrol filled their shiny new diesels with unleaded which led to expensive repair costs. This wouldn’t happen to any of our members however as a service to members, I thought New Year might be a good time for a reminder – and for those wishing to take a further step and prevent this happening (or happening again). Ian Scrimshaw sent me this link http://www.raa.com.au/shop_products.asp?SecID=56&SCatID=159&CatID=158  where you can buy a device that will prevent one putting the wrong pump nozzle and fuel into one’s car.


In cricket news, Darlington made 2/246 (opening stand of 114 off 19 overs) James Miller 50no, Ben Harvey 50no, Stewie Aldred 42, Mark Lucas 31. The Hill Billy Vets were 224 all out, with wicket takers Harvey 2/7, Bates 2/22, Zardins 2/24. Highlights of the match were Stewie – spectacular left handed leaping catch on the boundary to dismiss Bazil Roberts. For HBV – had 3 players (2 Americans and one Brit who grew up in France) who all playing for the first time. Tim Bates saying how it was a privilege to bowl to his “boyhood idol” (we think this was Graham Ekert - obviously very limited on idols as he was growing up!) 


The following match saw Darlington make 220 (all out) Duncan Ward a reliable 50, Stewie Aldred 38, Matt Ellis 30, Cam Giles 25 n.o. In reply the Riverton Rats were 135 (all out) with Rob Zardins taking 2/15, Duncan Ward 2/20, Bino di Fillippo 2/23 and Ian Scrimshaw, Steve Beazley and Steve James all picking up a wicket. Simon Ward top scored (26) for the Rats.


In a nail biter - For Darlington against the Cavallaro XI, Lindsay Earnshaw notched up 55no, James Miller 47no, Ben Harvey 27no. Rob Zardins was true to recent form for the season with 3/40, Lindsay Earnshaw 1/6, Terry Giles 1/9, and James Miller and Peter Jones both 1/13 off their 4 overs.


The match ended in a tie on 218 – Darlington 9 for 218 and the opposition all out for 218.

In our match against the Umpires, the Umpires batted first and were all out for 178. Al Mallaby got a 3 fa            with 3/40 (3 overs), Stewie Aldred 2/1 (2 overs) and Andy Cassell 2/18 (4 overs) and Giles snr again featuring with  2/23 (4 overs)  -a very good bowling performance all round. In reply Dalington made the target for the fall of only 2 wickets. noted batsmen were Nigel Harding 51no, Stewie Aldred 38no and Mark Lucas with a handy 30.Lucas 30.

In a match where both sides were short on players, (DSCC v North BeachCC)

Darlington batted first batted first making 5/291 with Stewie Aldred 55 no, Ben Harvey 54no, Peter Jones 48 and Matt Ellis 47.


Nigel Harding played for the opposition with 0/50 (off 5 overs) - Hmmm FOOS?

Northbeach were dispatched for 188 with Nigel Harding 62no clawing back his conceded 50 runs from his bowling to leave himself with 18 in positive territory!! (NBCC's best batsmen got 23) - You must have been fined for the Nige....Other notables were Matt Reese 4/46 (3.1 overs) Duncan Ward 2/31 (5) Darren Walsh (first game for the club this season) 1/10 (3) Peter Jones 1/17 (5).
A highlight of the game was the NBCC captain absolutely belting a leg side full toss from Matt Reese (one of many...when they actually made it on to the pitch) straight at Stewie Aldred at square leg who all he could do was try and get his damaged hand behind his good one before the ball struck (and stuck).  Matt bowled 7 no balls in his second over (because they didn't make it onto the pitch for most of them i.e. none because he stepped over the bowling crease) - he also got two wickets so plus the two free balls it was a 15 ball over (2/20 off just that one over)!


Music trivia this month…..This icon of Australian music changed his name and took his names from 2 of his music idols – his first name from one of the Rolling Stones and his second name from an artist who played in the 60’s band Cream. Most popular from 1974 to 1982, his songs are legendary and cut his teeth on the Sydney pub scene mostly as well as short stint overseas. He was recently inducted into the ARIA hall of fame, despite only ever having one top 10 single and one top 10 album. Interestingly his only top 10 single was a “B” side on a 45 released from his second album, but got so much airplay it was subsequently changed to become the “A” side of the single. He also produced early music for INXS. A portrait of this artist was a finalist in the 2009 Archibald prize. Who is this musician?


And from last edition…Released in 1976, this album is regarded as one of the popular musical benchmarks of all time. This artist was already a household name and a consummate music innovator. So confident of the albums success, this artist asked for an up front payment of a record 13 million dollars. That’s a lot of dough now - imagine what that was worth in '76! The record producer of the day said it felt like the biggest gamble of his career but one that only lasted a week as the album went to number one a week after its release and stayed there for 14 weeks in a row. It stayed in the charts for 44 weeks in the USA and over a year in the UK. Who was the artist and what was the name of the album? – Stevie Wonder and the album was “Songs in the Key of Life”


Scribe {James}