They stayed in Wellington last week, arriving on the midnight flight from Sydney on Thursday. Their arrival meant two important changes in lifestyle. Firstly, the fast was over, and alcohol appeared again in our lives after six and half weeks of being on the outer. Secondly, it meant that late nights were back in fashion. It was great seeing them, and it was particularly good timing with respect to Isaac’s birthday. Lucky Isaac received an extra present and at the same time his birthday audience was swelled by two. So they had the pleasure of an (British)Indian style curry with two on Isaac’s friends with the rest of the clan.
Anthony alos had the “pleasure” of witnessing the Quirke boys in action on the cricket field. First up was a trip across town to Seatoun to watch Isaac play first thing Saturday morning. Isaac was not at his best, with a lack of concentration and indifferent attitude. Then in the afternoon a trip just up the road to see Joe play. We only saw him bowl the last few balls of the innings. He had taken 2 wickets. The oppo had scored plenty of runs, helped by all the dropped catches. The lad who scored a ton was I think 104/4 personally.
Then his team batted, and did so abysmally-Joe included. As a team they played at everything, missed most of the deliveries, and when they did connect, the ball was always in the air. So catches galore. An embarrassing 42/8, with only 10 players and a further one too ill to bat. Maybe this coming week will be better!
We managed to fit in a Super 14 game as well on Saturday night. Anthony’s first, and my first for 2 years. It featured the Hurricanes and the Lions-a South African team. King Carlos was playing for the oppo, and he still looked good to my eyes, despite his age. A stand out player was the No8, who American. I recognised him because of his size and his pony tail. Joe knew he he was of course. For the record, the Canes won, and it was an enjoyable game. This season’s rugby seems to have improved. There is less of the continual kicking tennis.
Anthony and Linda are now in the South Island, having been to Nelson and Abel Tasman park, and now going down the West Coast. The sun has shone on them.
