Team at 2002 Sixes

Bullengarook Bellows, February 2003

Nature Notes

This series will try to inform and refresh our knowledge of the fauna we may encounter in Bullengarook.

WOMBATS are nocturnal, burrowing herbivores, weighing roughly 25-30kgs when fully grown. There are 3 species in Australia: the Northern and Southern Hairy Nosed wombats and the 'Common' wombat.

COMMON WOMBAT - Vombatus ursinus

Wombats are strict herbivores eating native or pasture grasses and make shallow diggings, looking for roots. Most graze close to their burrow system. They may have as many as 10 holes in their home range, but often only use two or three of these. A wombat's home range may vary from 5HA to 25HA. Some wombats may share common holes but retain individual territories.

The female may breed from two years old and produces one offspring per year. The young will stay with its mother even when she has a newborn in her pouch.

They have rootless teeth, which grow throughout their life and thus need course roughage for wear and to prevent malocclusion. Therefore, captive wombats need a maintenance pallet, and rough hay to aid digestion. They must not receive too much fruit, vegetables or alfalfa or they may get indigestion.

We commonly see local wombats with sarcoptic 'fox' mange, where a very small mite burrows into the skin, causing severe irritation, and hair loss from rubbing secondary bacterial infections and hyperkeratotic (thick, 'elephant' like) skin. Severe infections may lead to debilitation and death through starvation. The best treatment is probably to use 'pour on' formulations of Ivermectin (cattle drench).

Handling

A healthy wombat if cornered will lunge, charge and bite. A thick blanket or hessian sack thrown over them may be of use. Some people suggest approaching them from behind, grabbing them under their forelegs and lifting them off the ground (watch your back) it is also advised to have a metal rubbish bin handy. If the wombat charges, jump into the bin, wait until it passes, and then jump out and grab it from behind as it runs away.

Good hunting !

Peter Hollibone, Earl Of Wombatshire

The eternal Captain of the Wombats will yet again lead this gallant team in valourous combat with the froth and bubble of the Chiang Mai Cricket and social circuit. Also, fields well on a deck chair brilliantly sited in the shade.

Neville Clearson, Poet Laureate of The Wombats

Nifty has often promised to compose the Wombats battle cry, but we have so far had to settle for his unending supply of limericks. A continuous supply of Heineken may bring forth interesting results in the literacy sense. A superb opening Batsman who no doubt will miss his opening partner Alan Tasker who cannot be with us this year.

Ken Dashwood, Wombat Enforcer

May well continue with his fetish for rubbish carts, particularly when surrounded by bunnies. Superbly fit bowler and top order Batsman

John Congleton, Archbishop of Bullengarook

No longer wears a mitre and now has two troublesome canine assistants. We are not sure whether to promote him to Cardinal (Scarlet would suit him) or to give the honour of recruiting the bar resident dogs of war for the Wombats.
Wicket keeper of distinction.

Aland Hobbs, King of Bullengarook

His regal personage will reside in state at the Wombats Pavilion. The King is in charge of the Wombats kit and if he loses any more essential items such as batting gloves, boxes, credit cards or himself, there is the danger of a Palace Revolution.
Alan is the secret weapon of the Wombats 65 and over brigade.

Fritz Boegle, Wombat Lord Chief Justice

Fritz will create and adjudicate arguments on all subjects whether Cricket, politics, women or other Wombat activities. Will be the Wombat nomination for third umpire as his judicial skills will ensure a long and thorough investigation of each referral.
Deputy Wicketkeeper and sometime Batsman.

Bryan Pickering, Sommelier to The Wombat Court

Bryan is our Winemaster who will select the most appropriate liquor for all Wombats and camp followers. Wily Bowler with mesmerising technique.

Ian Chippendale, Minister for Health and Foreign Affairs

The Doc will again be with us, complete with medical kit immediately available to treat all Wombat ills. Prescriptions for pills to assist in social activities and to treat the results thereof are available at special prices. Chips holds the Wombat bowling record of 1 wicket for 38 runs off 1 over.

Mick Hislop, Wombat Co-Ordinator Of Liquid Activities

Mick actually tells the Sommelier which wine to unload upon the unsuspecting Wombats. He also controls in Pavilion and in bar activities. Former Schlunger with huge reputation and similar girth. Likely to perform from a comfortable chair in the Wombats Pavilion.

Peter Nitschke, Wombat Greenock Taverner

Woolly is a Barossa Schlunger and Chiang Mai Wombat which carries immense responsibility particularly when the Wombat emissaries arrive in the Barossa for the Tolley Prince of Wales Triathlon. For the uninitiated, the tri in Triathlon means (1) drinking, (2) falling over and (3) standing up again for another drink. The Barossa Triathlon is trying to remain upright under severe alcoholic pressure. Strike bowler and brilliant Batsman (particularly after dark).

Paul Murphy, Welsh Wombat

Probably related to Welsh Rarebit. Inherited from the Schlungers and very adept at lying prostrate on the grass. Usually requires a lot of nursing. Useful only in the evening as mornings are impossible and afternoons difficult. Rumour has it has 'Murf' has actually worked out which way around to hold the bat.

Graeme Harry, Wombat Bagman

Graeme has unusual physical training activities for Cricket. Known to jump in and out of railway carriages and fall out of bed, all at the same time. Offers bags to all Wombats who did not bring their own. A Cricket tactician of exceptional quality.

Mark Curtis, Wombat Communications Director

Mark has a mobile telephone continuously attached to his ear. Will talk to anybody at any time about anything. Forceful top order Batsman with brilliant stroke play best seen after sundown.

James Collard, Wombat Attorney General

James is our legal eagle and is also very experienced with racy fillies. Has been commissioned by the Wombats to control activities at the spotlight bar. Reputed to have once held a bat.

David Rudland, Wombat Air Marshall

Controller of Coconut Airlines, now seconded to airlines of Bullengarook subject to David bringing an Aeroplane with him, not to mention a bevy of hostesses. Bats and bowls if cornered, and known to be a wicked keeper.

Rod Grierson, Wombat Physical Training Instructor

Former P.T. Teacher with outstanding sporting C.V. including Rugby League, Rugby Union, Aussie Rules, Cycling, Squash, Cricket and Soccer. With this background, we are sure that Rod will cope with the traditional rigorous Wombat training regime. Definitely a top order Batsman.

James Bell, Wombat Ambassador to The Court of St.John of Marchweil

The son of the revered Saint himself, James has been despatched to assist the Wombats in their pythonesque search for the Holy Grail of Chiang Mai. The travail of the Wombats has been long and arduous over the past 16 years, and the inclusion of James 'Dinga' Bell will bring new sight to the Wombats about time as the rest of us can hardly see at all ! James will hold the Wombats batting order together, and will bowl relentlessly at all nominated targets.

Jim Young

Retired executive who used to be G.M. of Exxon Chemicals in Australia after tour of duty in Hong Kong and elsewhere. With his major feedstock customers situated in the next offices in the Petrochemical complex in Melbourne, it is only natural that most of their conferences and contract discussions took place in Bangkok and other S.E. Asian haunts. Has a wide network to catch up with the Crown Royal and is having his heart serviced in hospital this week in preparation.