2000-01

1999-2000

1998-99

1997-98

Saracens Wars
Episode: Who's Counting?
The Attack of the Skips

Time was running out for the ancient Jedi knights from Planet Saracen. The time was approaching fast when OB1, Peecee, Wicky (I used to be the Captain) Gilly, Lord Katanani and King Coc, with not a fully functioning joint between them, would be able to fight no longer. The Evil umpire, OB's uglier and older brother had already gone over to the dark side. And what of the youngsters, would they be able to take their place and clear Watson's shelves of Tiger balm, Deep heat and analgesic rub? Could the frightening Darth Grumper, the Ravinator, the family Vach, and the assorted international cast carry the ancient ones to another (?) season of glory and triumph? Would the fours be with us? Read on...

Ravinator the fearless skip #1 took the troops, light sabres flashing, back straight into the jaws of the marauding Mainlanders. These were the evil ones who had so battered the Saracens in the last game of last season that it led to the now infamous hat stomping episode. Conduct that was surely an indicator that the time had come for that particular Jedi to disappear down a convenient black hole. Seamlessly continuing from where they had left off last season they put the Saracens to the sword. OB 1 limped off swearing never to return. But of course he did.

And so it continued with one defeat following the other. Skip #1 could take no more and so the Venerable Peecee took over as Skip #2. Occasional glimmers of hope with only a few rare victories. Darth Grumpy battling away as usual but with little support. King CoC with some delightful cameos but after several light years still not able to understand his partners calls. Yarman the Vach was stretchered off yet again, Zarrie the Vach disappeared for long stretches to study social interaction in Wanchai and Jabba the Vach showed the consistency of performance with which we have become all to familiar. OB1 and Peecee celebrated their century of leading the charge into battle with the new missiles. Shoulders returned and then disappeared to marry his fourth wife in Pakistan. Temogen, Anil and Steve flashed briefly. If only they could have done it on the field. The Vaz man demonstrating his own special brand of athleticism. Junior Shroff defending resolutely, showing no nerves and promising much for the future.

The Cup saw the emergence of Skip#3, the first from Planet Oz to have this distinct honour. Performing brilliantly in his first game in charge he disappeared and has not been sighted since. A tough win against CCC, with Jabba the Vach performing admirably took the warriors into the semis. There they perished in usual fashion against the Tarts at Mission Road.

And so the ancient Jedi's fade into the sunset. How will Darth Grumper manage next season with his very own Princess Grumplette making demands on his attention? How long will Temmy manage to hang on as Skip? Will Steve learn Hindi so he can understand Darth Grumper's words of encouragement. Will Anil take the new ball? How many of the Vachinators will we see? Will Ravi be prepared to ever Skip again? All will be revealed in the next episode.

Thanks for the memories
Finesmaster.