World Renown Kiwi Spirit Knows no Bounds

Hardy: "No, sir. The French and the Spanish are your European partners now. According to the Common Fisheries Policy, we shouldn't even be in this stretch of water. We could get hit with a claim for compensation." Nelson: "But you must hate a Frenchman as you hate the devil." Hardy: "I wouldn't let the ship's diversity coordinator hear you saying that sir. You'll be up on disciplinary report."

Nelson: "You must consider every man an enemy who speaks ill of your King." Hardy: "Not anymore, sir. We must be inclusive in this multicultural age. Now put on your Kevlar vest; it's the rules. It could save your life"

Nelson: "Don't tell me - health and safety. Whatever happened to rum and the lash?" Hardy: As I explained, sir, rum is off the menu! And there's a ban on corporal punishment."

Nelson: "What about having you key holed and fed to the sharks?" Hardy: "Sharks are an endangered species sir and that could be seen as overfeeding. As far as the key holing goes, well I’m not sure but I could seek legal advice and talk to our industrial relations and Worksafe people. Nelson: "In that case raise the surrender flag if that’s allowed” – Brian Lucas

World Renown Kiwi Spirit Knows no Bounds

My former cricket-writing colleague Robert “Crash” Craddock recently wrote an article in Brisbane’s Courier Mail which told of the enormous respect New Zealand’s cricket

team has generated around the globe.

Craddock, who had interviewed former Australian umpire Bruce Oxenford (pictured alongside), gained a rare insight into the refreshing attitude of the Kiwi cricketers. Oxenford, who recently retired after 14 years on the international panel and who officiated in 62 Test matches, 97 one day internationals and twenty T20 games, told Crash he believed the New Zealand team had become a World Cup powerhouse by taking negative energy out of the game.

In recent times the Kiwi cricket team has been crowned World Test Match Champions after beating India in the final, was robbed of victory in the ODI final against England and was beaten in the T20 final against Australia.

Oxenford has umpired New Zealand many times and their relaxed mindset, including being gracious and supportive to umpires when they make a mistake, has impressed him to such a degree he tried to adopt a similar approach.

“They are amazing,” Oxenford told Crash. “They could have been world champions (in ODI’s) had it not been for an incorrect call on an overthrow in the last 50 over World Cup. The outcome, after the ricochet to the boundary off Ben Stokes’ bat in the final over, couldn’t have been crueler for the Kiwis, but the team handled the disappointment with incredible distinction.

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With an opinion that could well be applied to lawn bowls, Oxenford went on to say, “New Zealand don’t waste energy on things they cannot control. It’s such a vital thing for all sports people. If you start concerning yourself with things that go wrong you can forget about the things that need to go right. “I think it started when Brendon McCullum took over as captain. He took a lead off the All Blacks and started giving respect to the opposition. Controlling what you can and forgetting about the rest.”

“It’s incredible. They genuinely wish you well before and during the game. It’s nice to be treated as an equal rather than an enemy on the field.” Oxenford feels any sporting team could learn and improve if they successfully embraced the Kiwi mindset.

“The “good bloke” syndrome is only part of it. It’s about playing without mental handbrakes,” Oxenford said “New Zealand just doesn’t waste energy on things it can’t control.” Craddock couldn’t agree more. “While the sledgers of world cricket stew in their own juices, the unpretentious Kiwis simply shrug their shoulders at every setback, move on and don’t waste a calorie of energy. “The Kiwis’ come what may attitude, where they simply do their best and get on with the job without regret or remorse, has left others in the cricketing world behind.”

And, while on the subject of Kiwis, the “good bloke” syndrome at the Sorrento Bowling Club is well and truly alive. At last count there are nine Kiwi blokes at our Club – Chris Lander, Ross Cunningham, Warren Elliott, Mick Martin, Kevin McKersey, John Smith, John Hobbs, Gerald Hanna, and Russel Fishwick.

And Russel, our esteemed Joondalup councilor, surreptitiously points to a quote attributed to former New Zealand Prime Minister Piggy Muldoon. “Every time a Kiwi migrates to Australia, they improve the

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intelligence of both countries,” Muldoon said.

We have two valuable Kiwi lady members, the no nonsense selection chair

Shona Carter and the indefatigable Emily Dunn, at age 92, who still plays social bowls and until recently made sandwiches for the Men's Pennant teams.

On the count of loyalty, Chris Lander is unwavering. In putting together a team for the Club Championship Fours, in which they reached the semi finals in November, Chris selected Ross Cunningham as his third, Warren Elliott as his second and Kevin McKersey as his lead.

Chris did the same thing when picking Kevin McKersey, Ross Cunningham and John Smith, the previous year and is fiercely proud that he is able to skip a Shaky Isles team in such a prestigious event. “We don’t do the Haka before a game but we do bowl underarm,” he quipped.

– Jim Woodward

Editor's Note: We are indeed lucky to have such a great bunch of Kiwis in our Club. Hopefully we have recognised all of them!