3 weeks ago, three members of the Southerners Cricket Section traveled to Malaysia with the Thai National Squad for two warm up games against a Malaysian Malay select side in KL. The 3 Southerners on tour were Vaughan McClear, Doug Kinsella and Saurabh Dhanuka. Both Vaughan and Saurabh have had international status before though this was Dougie's first tour with the National Side. Playing two games, the Thai side came home with even honors though during the second game, our ever dependable Uncle V,ended up bringing back home a terrible injury - a class 2 strain to his muscles on his thigh and hip (though I can ask, do chicken legs really have muscles??)

In a interview after the game, he was asked what he thought about the injury which caused him dropping to the ground like a shot bull! "Well mate, it's surprising as I reckon I don't have muscles big enough in me legs to pull?. Anyway, that's cricket so Saurabh, pass me a green, Dutch mineral water mate!"

Southerners management think this could be a ploy to keep the Southerners stalwart out of the upcoming league season as with a last season's average of 90, some teams are concerned?? Consider this, as from skipper of the 3's, Andrew Barns.

"Uncle V is a keeper so why was he in the field? Ok, making way for a much youthful Kiwi from the Parrots so 12th man duties called. So how's this? RBSC player injures finger (slightly!). Elite Skipper calls Uncle V onto the field. Uncle V is fielding like a demon off other club's bowlers chasing leather though when Dougie from the Southerners bowls, Uncle V get no action?? Uncle V goes to backward square (sent by Elite Skipper???). Ball bowled down leg side by Colts player, missed behind the stumps by Parrots player so it's left up to Vaughany to chase and bang!, there goes the leg and he is left there in the rain on the boundary until a Southerners team mate, Dougie comes to inspect the injury! Well, well???........leave that one to the conspiracy theorists!"

Anyway, unfortunately this injury was possibly the reason (though yet to be confirmed by management) for Vaughany missing the squad to Malaysia to compete in the ACC Trophy 2006. Saurabh and Dougie will be there representing the club as will Peter Goodchap, Swapnil Kaushik and Uncle Kader all who are support staff for the team. So good luck to all and well
done from the Southerners!

Finally, it must be mentioned that Vaughany has all praise and immense gratitude to Southerners sponsors Bangkok Hospital for the professional service given out whilst Vaughany was undergoing treatment at the hospital. He would personally like to thank Khun Seksan for his assistance during his daily visits to the hospital. Great stuff Bangkok Hospital. Also, gratitude to the highest must be given to Southerners Rugby supporter and Rugby Doc,
Dr Francis Nettle, who only after 1 week after a major surgery, is up and about helping Vaughan is his rehab to get him back on the cricket field.....which he already is!