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}

December Darlington Review Scribe Article

The Darlington Arts Festival saw the team take a break from cricket to turn their hands from wielding willow to BBQ tongs. Improved signage and burger recipe (thanks to Tracie Lucas' Nanna's tomato relish among other things) saw better patronage despite some rainy weather. Long live DAFamous DSCC Steakburger! As usual it was great to have playing and social members in the tent helping out and sharing stories and bad jokes about cooking and cricket.

The Slater Gartrell match followed much to the chagrin of Darlington. One wonders why we continue the relationship - they take our money for equipment and then they take our wickets and rob us of runs! Pivac was outstanding yet again with an unbeaten 145 after returning to the crease after retiring for 50. Other contributors for Slaters were Cox with 53 and Krekerskothen  45. Terry Giles managed 2 for 48 and Al Mallaby 2 for a very respectable 15.  Less respectable was Cam Giles bowling which was found in the end to be more amusing than woeful and likely to set Cliffy Burns burrowing through the club annuls to find an equal to this new "sure to be Bleeding Ball performance" of - no this is not a misprint - 38 runs from one over. How is this possible you ask when we have 6 ball overs? A 6 off every ball bowled supported by 2 wides = 38! This performance even inspired Tony, Bull and Risky to get back on the air and record a comment for this performance. 

In reply Vice Captain Ian Scrimshaw led the way with 80 runs not out and Duncan Ward backing up as usual with a very handy and much needed 58 not out with next nearest score of 34 from Ali Clark. The best figures for Slaters was Regan with 3 for 47 and the rest was shared around the team.  In the end Darlington couldn't catch the 345 total required so that was that. At the Aldred's post match BBQ the crowds were entertained by Mr Watsonia's spouse Theresa as she tickled the ivories a male guest vocalist to accompanied her. Stuie wonders why he hasn't seen any snakes or bobtails in the bush opposite his place.

The following game saw the Bleeding Ball winners' team The Black Adders take the field for a close game played on a great day for cricket. The Black Adders came out swingin' with a far to far too frequently seen in matches against DSCC already this year Mike Foskett snare a pacey 40.  Similarly too frequently sighted opposition player Evan Arnold nabbed 49 and all rounder Troy Hurren struck a classy 53. The Darlington bowling attack upped the ante and slowed the run rate to strangle the slithery Adders. In a finish that will for another week send Cliffy back to the club records, the final 8 overs belonged to Ian "Scrimma" Scrimshaw and James "Lenny" Miller. Scrimma and Lenny taking the last 6 wickets for 10 runs to dismiss the Black Adders for 224 (Scrimma 3/3 off 3 and Lenny 3 for 7 off 3).  

Chasing a realistic total, some notable performances were put in by Stuie Aldred with a 56 and Andy Cassel of 50 - both not out. Scrimma pitched in yet again with a 42. For the Black Adders - handy with the ball was Simon Ward with 2 for 13 off 4, with the rest of the wickets shared around however Darlington reached the total with 228 with 3 wickets in hand and 6 overs spare. One other notable performance was Gus' dog Anzac who on seeing Gus come to the crease and swing wildly at the first 2 deliveries, promptly ran across the ground and leapt into the back of Gus's ute as if to indicate that it would soon be time to go home. One smart dog that Anzac. Gus was out the next ball.

Steve and Judy James welcomed a new granddaughter as their daughter Kylie balanced the books with a boy and now a girl now born on 6/11 and called her Charlotte Jaimee Grima. So our congrats go out to the James' and their family.

Music trivia this week - 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 consumate music innovator. So confident of the albums success, this artist asked for an up front payment of a record 13 million dollars. Thats 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?

And from last week....Sharing part of the name of some man made features around the Darlington area, this band welcomed a new band member - a singer and guitarist - for the first time in 1957 and the rest they say is history. What was the name of the band and who was the new band member? The band was the Quarrymen (Statham and Boya Quarries) and the new band member was Paul McCartney.

Scribe (James)

November Darlington Review Scribe Article

If you could have a "live" edition of the Darlington Review this would be it. Its 230pm on the 23rd and were waiting for arvo tea to arrive at the innings change and i am hammering away on the keys. No its now 4pm and speaking of getting hammered - the Bushrangers are in real trouble at this point in the match. Its 7 for 79 after 15 chasing Darlington's 227. By the time I finish the article there will be a result! Yes I have  - victory to Darlington getting the Bushrangers all out for 144. 50s to Cliff burns for DSCC and to Evan Arnold for the Bushrangers. some good bowling stats too but no time for these as deadline is looming for the Review.

This edition is an update edition this month given that I didn't file a report for October. Duncan Ward held his second annual Grand Final BBQ. With one eye on the tele, and the other on the beers, food and pool table, a good time enjoyed by all. In other news, love is in the air as Graeme and Shelley Ekert's daughter Missy is engaged to Craig Sandler, and Mick and Wendy Turner's daughter Beige is engaged to Harley Constatino having been proposed to in Paris we understand. Not to forget Ben Harvey's train station proposal to Liza Beinart also in France!

Member Jon Tooby has been retraining from past full time West Australian Symphony Orchestra (WASO) cellist to conductor. After several years in his transition Jon recently got his first gig conducting his "old band"  the WASO in Kalgoorlie - a great milestone.

This year saw the club welcoming 2 new members and families/partner. Rob Zardins past junior coach and club junior club president with wife Yvonne and son Daniel who has played junior cricket for Darlington. The club also welcomes Matt Reece his partner Tiff and Matt's son Dylan.

Our newly sworn in Captain for the 2011/2012 is Ben Harvey and our Vice Captain is Ian Scrimshaw.

The club had an interesting start with our Captain vs Vice captains match. Ended up as a double wicket competition as too many members were away in the school holidays. Add to that the Prez forgot the keys to the club rooms, collected the BBQ trailer and realised that he keys for the trailer were safely locked away at Emeco in Redcliffe. Rustling up plastic wine glasses, bowls and cups, we ate sumptuously all the same. Needless to say there are now several copies of all club keys. At the very enjoyable BBQ at the Ekerts, Terry (red Riding Hood) Giles arrived with his wicker basket on his arm. Terry having arrived freshly showered and bushy haired, noticed Ben Harvey staring at Terry's hair for several minutes. Soon Ben couldn't help himself land lunged forward and grabbed Terry's shrub-like maine crying "that cant be real - its got to be a hairpiece". The response is not publishable.

The first game against a visiting club for the season was the Emeco match. Highlights were Mark Lucas (50no – first 50 of the season - its tiring already...), Flash Gordon (49), Steve Beazley (46no). Bowlers  Flash 2/31 off 4, Steve Jones (somehow) 2/24 off 3, O’Reilly 1/13 off 4 – first wicket of the season, Cam Giles 1/28 off 3. New players first competitive match: Rob Zardins: 0/9 off 4, didn’t bat. Matt Reese: 21 – not sure about bowling figures. The crowd enjoyed a lovely swim and view at the Turner's place in a peaceful and still evening. Pics with this article are from the Emeco Match.

Music trivia this month - Sharing part of the name of some man made features around the Darlington area, this band welcomed a new band member - a singer and guitarist - for the first time in 1957 and the rest they say is history. What was the name of the band and who was the new band member?

and from last week....Sourced as backing musicians for the comeback tour and recordings of Daryl Braithwaite in the late 80’s and early 90’s, these musos formed their own band winning one of the early ARIA awards with their first Album. Who were they? The Badloves

Scribe (James)

September Darlington Review Scribe Article

Its reached that time again when the club starts getting excited about another season – that is until some of the members roll their arms over in the nets and realise how stiff they are and much it hurts a few days later. I reckon a few retirements have come seemingly inexplicably after just one or two games into the season!

The seasons fixtures are currently being organised. Opposition clubs being lured to our fine suburb with talk of delicious meals presented on fine cloth doilies between innings accompanied by a nice hot cuppa served from our finest silver on a  40 degree day, and visiting our members’ homes post match to savour more fabulous wares. No one can ever recall an occasion without our signature entre and main – the garlic bread in a basket, and the potato bake. Its clear it doesn’t take much to cajole a salivating opposition team to humour our form of the game, and then listen to our post match prattle. What more could anyone want?

Speaking of getting the gear out, the past equipment officer and colourful restaurant identity, was recently heard to say that it would be a little musty, as he hadn’t pulled it our for a while.  Much relieved club members entering the conversation late were relieved to hear he was referring to the kit and its contents.

Ian Scrimshaw declared that he been thrown some new educational responsibilities by his employer (who happens to be an esteemed member of the club) . Something about a university he said…..anyway, having “played his little heart out” at the tennis club, Scrimma, with chest puffed out said “Hey fellas, I finally managed to win a spot on the Monday night comp at the courts”.  That’s quite an accomplishment Scrimma, stated Bino….but aren’t you moving out of Darlington? “Yeah thanks Bino, you can call me Vice Chancellor from here on in” quipped Ian.

All this talk of sport and none of it about cricket. Ironic too that our first fixture of the season is actually a game of golf (coming up later this month). Contact Mark Lucas 0419 046 340 if you are a club member and keen for 18 holes with some of the finest players known to grace the roughs of eastern Perth courses. Tiger Woods will no longer be joining us as he is now ranked 36^th in the world.

All Scribe editorials are now being posted on the club’s blog. Check out some of the information and goings on the various pages found at http://darlingtonsocialcricketclubnews.blogspot.com/p/about-darlington-social-cricket-club.html

From last month, Howard Jones asked what it was, 10CC suggested that they weren't in it, and the Beatles believed it was all we needed. What was it? (Love)

Sourced as backing musicians for the comeback tour and recordings of Daryl Braithwaite in the late 80’s and early 90’s, these musos formed their own band winning one of the early ARIA awards with their first Album. Who were they?

Sorry, still no cricket (but there is golf) this month.

James {Scribe}

August Darlington Review Scribe Article

Being winter, junior footy has taken over the Darlington oval. Recently the DJFC hosted a parents game following the Junior Darby. The not so junior Lucien De Rooy, pulled on the boots as did the Scribe. Andy Cassell gave it a crack and passed the ball rugby union style on the odd occasion and was not lucky not too be 'pinged' by the forgiving umpires for throwing. Ian Scrimshaw and Steve Beazley showed good form with the Sherrin - with Steve kicking the opening goal inside of a minute from the first bounce-down and Scrimma kicking out accurately from the backs to begin the build ups . Red bras and pink knickers were dished out by the umpires to overzealous players - needless to say none went to DSCC players....

Its been a pretty busy social time for the club lately. This years Annual Dinner was held at Caboose in Glen Forrest hosted by Life member Jude Axon. Captain Lindsay Ernshaw was welcomed into the "Captains Club" after this past season. Special awards this year went to Mitch and Chris Cork who shared honours for Club Members of the Year. Mark Lucas received the "Ton Award" for his century in the Test Match, and Matt Ellis was recognised as the season's best new player. Terry Giles picked up the Bleeding Ball while he also shared the Wood Duck award with ex Scribe Mario Cavallaro. A great job was done by the dinner committee Jeni Di Fillippo, Tracie Lucas, Gill Miller, Kendall Cross, and committee linchpin Bino Di Fillippo and well supported on the club statistical front by Cliff Burns.

For those who may have recently read about the Darlington Social Cricket Club, moved to the area, or who can no longer ignore their desire to shine the Kookaburra and would like to be a part of it, please contact club President Graham Ekert on 0488 511 392 or visit our blog at http://darlingtonsocialcricketclubnews.blogspot.com/p/about-darlington-social-cricket-club.html

The AGM was held on June 18th with several Committee members continuing on and some "new" additions - Ian "Scrimma" Scrimshaw and Craig "Flash" Gordon and Tom " we need a nickname for Tom" Rudas. 

Recently a fundraising celebration was held in East Toodyay for a club members grand daughter. There was much celebration with several members elbowing each other out of the way over the punchbowl and fencing with ladles - the host was serving up his famous Brandy Alexanders. Rumours abound about the impact of the hosts special beverages - from people actually snoring whilst walking to their ride home, and some claiming motion sickness as a result of a hair dressing Skippers driving, but these are just rumours after all.

...and finally, Howard Jones asked what it was, 10CC suggested that they weren't in it, and the Beatles believed it was all we needed. What was it?

Sorry no cricket this month.

James {Scribe}

July Darlington Review Scribe article

For years local residents have turned to the rear inside cover of the Darlington Review for insight as to what the aged boffins adorned in whites get up to on a Sunday down on Darlington Oval, only to find that they read mostly of the misadventures of club members off he field. Mario the Scribe has been there to cover those moments.

For those who listen to Ross Solly at 733am on 720abc radio you'll catch my drift - a lot of story and just a hint of sport. This has been the successful recipe of the Scribe since the 1999/2000 season when Mario Cavallaro's keen ear for a great tale began gracing the pages of the Darlington Review.

At post match BBQs he slys on over like the alleged Warren Beatty does in Carly Simon's "You're so Vain" to take a seat and eavesdrop for an embarrassing escapade of a club member. Feigning interest he tops up your wine,  grins, and states something akin to  "Shelley my darling you're looking lovely as ever. What have you been up to lately....."  The unwitting member has the misfortune to read all about the conversation retold in the back pages of the Review a short while later. Mario has been happy to recount some of his own misadventures too, lost shopping, broken windows, goats and horses....

In his last editorial he claims to have mastered most technological devices, this, like many of his stories was more fiction. Most of the technology he has mastered has seen little advance since the bronze age, but he does work a bolster and hammer beautifully. Even though we have had 20 years of the internet, and 30 years of personal computers, Mario's facsimile machine (very dear to him) has finally given up the ghost. He wonders at iPod Nanos and iPad 2s, Kindles, blogs, and external hard drives with 3 terabytes.  Conversion to typing at glowing screens has been a bridge too far. He has scoured every country clearing sale unsuccessfully for a replacement fax to send his handwritten etchings to the Review. No luck.

So his 2B will rest in his pencil case, and his stories will be told verbally to horizontal, partially pain relieved punters who are counting the minutes and wishing they were being tarred and feathered instead.

Well done Scribe Mario, thanks for the 12 years of great tales.

Sorry. No cricket this month.......

James {scribe}





Marios office