O Me Miserum: the genesis and revelations of an offie

With the chat about Tim May on our site, it’s timely to get into the mind of an offie…

Chris Harms, whose bowling action was highlighted in a recent piece by John Harms, replies to his cousin.

[first published 2014]

Round 5 – Sydney v Greater Western Sydney: Sport. Sport. Sport.

Jan Courtin is back the SCG for the first time since June 2019 to see her beloved Swans in action on their home ground. While Sydney didn’t get the win, another of her favourites, the Queensland Bulls, triumphed in the Sheffield Shield final.

Graeme Watson (Don’t leave it too late)

John Gordon remembers the late Graeme Watson, who was a big early influence during his teenage years in Perth.

The Parade College Writing Workshop – Rowan Saw: NSW v Victoria Sheffield Shield clash

Victoria managed to defeat a strong NSW side in the Sheffield Shield last week. Grade 9 Parade College student Rowan Saw recaps the match and details the momentum swings throughout the encounter.

Almanac History – What happened on January 9?

Former student and teacher of History Ian Hauser looks back at significant people and events associated with January 9. Ring any bells?

The ‘Esk Bradman’: who was Jack Badcock?

Some are never favoured by timing or luck. Dave Brown takes a fascinating look at the career highs and lows of Jack Badcock, the ‘Esk Bradman’.

Almanac Cricket – A comeback for the Sheffield Shield?

What did we learn from the first Round of the Marsh Sheffield Shield competition last weekend? Ian Hauser found that it left him with more questions than answers.

Sheffield Shield – Victoria v New South Wales: Back to the future

It’s been a while between innings for Smokie when it comes to watching the Sheffield Shield at the MCG, so when a gap appeared in the covers of life, he slipped in to watch the Vics take on NSW and reminisce.

Almanac Cricket: Jake Reed – “Training with a purpose”

Jake Reed’s cricketing journey is one of dedication and perseverance – Gil Roseby takes us into what makes Jake tick

Almanac Cricket: Wayne Phillips – 159 On Test Debut

Malcolm Rulebook Ashwood pays tribute to the career, life and humour of South Australian left-hander Wayne Phillips, who famously made a brilliant 159 on his Test debut.

Wishing everyone a happy sporting weekend

Jan Courtin wonders if she watches too much sport. She has a huge weekend ahead, with her Swans in Round 1 AFL action, her Lions in the AFLW Grand Final and her Bulls in the Sheffield Shield decider. [Great photo – Ed]

The pleasures of men in white at a deserted SCG

A pleasant surprise awaited Jan Courtin at the SCG. Remember when?

Almanac Baseball: ABL Ain’t No BBL

What has slowly dawned on The Ruminator over time is that trying to compare our respective affinities for cricket and baseball is not so much a hankering for the glory days of old but the brutal reality of sport in the modern world. The BBL is a behemoth that is offering Australian fans what Americans have taken for granted for decades – when the days are long and languid people like to watch games that kick off about 7pm and finish around 10pm pretty much any old night of the week.

Sheffield Shield Teams 1975/76: Mugs Shot

Swish blows the cobwebs off some more of his collection and comes up with team photos from the 1975/76 Shield season. They weren’t called the Ugly Australians for nothing.

Ashes Preview: Ashes Before the Fire?

Test cricket is back, and even if, according to John Butler, two mediocre teams face off in a contest always laden with historic baggage, it is still important to the psyche of both nations. The end result will have huge consequence to the careers of many, both on and off the field reports John.

Almanac Baseball: The Other Summer Shield

Almanackers, if you are looking for a new treat this summer keep an eye out for the Australian Baseball League ruminates Brian.

Almanac Cricket: Cricket Bloody Cricket

Bernard Whimpress takes us on a tour of cricket over the past few days and places it all in the context of the last few weeks and the last few years. Cricket! Bloody Cricket! It’s all happening – even in Adelaide.

The radical shake-up Shield cricket needs

Scana sees problems in Australian domestic cricket, namely the lack of interest and talent in the Sheffield Shield. With the success of Australian cricket in mind, he outlines his plan for the rise of the Shield. Has he got it right?

Australia v South Africa – Hobart Test, Day 3: De Kock ton, Hazlewood’s sixfa, and Khawaja’s steel, as the Australians survive

Citrus Bob Utber is happy to record something of an Australian fightback thanks to Josh Hazlewood and Usman Khawaja. But our correspondent is already focusing on Australian selection for Adelaide.

Sheffield Shield Final Day 5- Easy Ride For Bushrangers

Bernard Whimpress is angry. Why would Redbacks captain and part time offie Travis Head open the bowling on Day 5 of the Sheffield Shield Final with the Bushrangers needing 98 runs? Surely you go with your best bowlers….