When I was a young lad, my father shared with me the following sagely words of advice, “Son, get the hell away from my asparagus.” I cannot recall a year that encompasses that ethos more strongly than 2007/08.

The season just past was one of mixed fortunes. The Mustards spread their seed over the meat salad that was the B1 division and beefed up the Breakers trophy cabinet with the club’s second Summer minor and major premierships however, whilst the sailing was smooth for the B3 Maroons early, the second half of the season saw them shipwrecked on a reef of injuries and coral.

In the annual Chewie Cup a Breakers representative side overcame almost insurmountable odds to pluck the sacred mounted scrotum from the clammy hands of Collaroy Plateau for the first time in three years. After much searching, the prized scrotum was extracted from some dark Plateau crevice and now hangs proudly on David Lang’s mantle.

The twisted Janussian nature of the 2007/08 season was also demonstrated in the playing ranks of the club. Barnicalian supporters of the club were lost and will be missed. In their place, however, a youthful pod of passionate whale cubs has emerged. Special mention must be made of long time member Chris Sweet (who is old) and the club’s inaugural Life Member, Mark Hill. Mark has been with the club since its inception and his unique position in the club is well deserved.

Socially, life was grand. We danced to the dulcet tones of Smith, Fisher and Moore in the Brookie ballroom at the annual trivia night, regaled the assembled glitterati at the season launch with tales of derring-do and made out with our best friend’s sister in the hallway closet at a memorable Christmas party.

Like any good Oscar’s speech there are many people to thank. Everyone in the club contributed to an enjoyable year but I would like to extend a special thank you to the secretary, treasurer and committee; the captains; and the webmaster for all their hard work throughout the year. I would like to specifically denigrate God for smiting us with the wettest Summer in many years.

As with every year, it was a pleasure to join with all of you in playing under the Manly Breakers banner this season and I sincerely hope to see you all donning the navy, maroon and yellow again in 08/09.

With a love that will echo through the ages,
Rob Lavery
President, Manly Breakers Cricket Club