2009 Team Photo

Awali Taverners have the pleasure this year of celebrating our Tenth consecutive appearance in the tournament. We would like to offer our heartfelt thanks to everyone involved, all of whom have made this annual celebration of hedonism (and cricket) the first fixture written on every Awali Taverners calendar. Our Squad for 2010:

Bob “Barney Gumble” Phillips (a.k.a. Big Bad Bob):  Affable, well dressed, and elegant all-rounderand Captain, famed for his lithe, athletic build. Team Captain Bob completes Ten consecutive Awali Taverners appearances in the tournament this year, the only Awali player to do so. A devoted husband to his Russian bride, you will often see Bob and his loving partner Smirnoff canoodling around Chiang Mai.

Barrie “The Comic Book Guy” Radburn:  Team Manager, and a fearsome bowler (think "Deep Impact"), probably less well known for his batting as he always makes sure he stays far enough down the order to avoid having to do it. Tournament mathematical wizard and Captain of the all-conquering Kissed Punts, the Awali Taverners International Touring Quiz team.

Chris “Apu” Ranganathan:  Swashbuckling all-rounder with a warm and friendly disposition. A devoted and loving husband and father (that should see you alright, Chris). Falls into the almost unheard of category of an Awali Taverners “cricketer”. One of our major hopes in this competition (especially useful  given that our only other one  is to avoid embarrassment and ridicule).

Steve “Mr. Burns” Turner (a.k.a. Fluffy the Fast Bowler from the Bouncy Castle End):  You will notice his resemblance to the avaricious Mr. Burns any time he's around food. Unfortunately, this finely tuned gourmand radar works inversely proportionally to his fielding version, his favourite phrases being “What?” and “Where is it?”. Absolutely loves shooters, so if he’s passing your cabana, please offer him one, even if he puts up the obligatory and purely symbolic struggle.

Patrick “Principal Skinner” Bateson (a.k.a. Paddy): Loved by his team mates for his speed in the field. Loathed by his team mates for his speed between the wickets. This reedy batting specialist also has his own business in Chiang Mai. We just haven’t worked out what it is yet.

Joe “Homer” Leese:  Staunch reserve player who is a natural leader off the field. Unlike his character, always looking for the perfect Marge. Will go over the top for the team when required. Fortunately for the team, as with Krusty (see below), this isn’t very often. He is known among his team mates as “The Lepidopterist”, as he has a keen interest in The Butterfly.

Manos “Grampa Abraham” Babiolakis (a.k.a. The Bubble):  Team chef and awesome bowler. He still holds the Awali record for most runs conceded in an over, a feat that may never be bettered, even if they try and make Krusty play again. Makes a welcome return to the tournament after an enforced absence.

Bob “Sideshow Bob” Hope:  No relation of the famous U.S.O. and former vaudeville singer,  comedian and actor. Which should clear it up for those confused souls that always ask, “What, THE Bob Hope?. If you think there are fireworks during the cricket, then you’d better be running for cover if you see Sideshow Bob in charge of the slammers.

Gerrard “Kearney” Hall:  Known for his quasi-Bulimic intolerance of vodka (or as he claims “it’s the soda!”) and notorious Fruit and Veg. man, who thinks nothing of chucking an apple down a tunnel, nor of following a ‘lemon’. The life and soul of a party, but with little or no discernible cricketing talent, he will fit in well with this squad. One of this year’s two Virgins.

Kevin “Krusty the Klown” Lovegrove (a.k.a. Nemo) : Hard to pin down where his cricketing talent lays. It is arguable that his batting is better than Stevie Wonder’s. His bowling can only be described as “indescribable”. Better known for his vital team support work off the field, doing incredibly important jobs like “fetching ice” and “getting the bill”. Often to be found assisting the Duck Ladies. That’s if getting hammered and talking nonsense is a euphemism for “assisting”.

Steve “Radioactive Man” Usher:  An unknown quantity in that he’s Welsh. They’re renowned for things to do with Rugby and Sheep, not so much cricket. Actually, not so much to do with Rugby either, if the leathering at Twickenham is anything to go by. The other Awali Virgin.