TOKYO WOMBATS CRICKET CLUB was formed in 2002, by cricket loving members of the Goannas' Aussie Rules Football Club. On the eve of Japan Gold Cup/ Kanto Cricket Association season, the footy team chanced upon Sheikh Nassir's Edogawa Falcons' training session, and were invited to have a game....or so they thought. Unknowingly, they had in fact been invited to enter a team in the league. Driven by Jarrad Shearer and ably assisted by Chuck Jones and Smokin' Peter Hosking, the Aussies scoured the watering holes and run-down gaijin houses, hacked the Goannas email list, and scraped together 11 Wombats. A Club was born.
Wombats tasted victory in their first game, knocking over the Falcons cheaply. The Wombats next victory took some time, but 'the rain game' victory over highly fancied Sri Lankan Lions became a defining moment for the Club. A wet outfield, soggy ball, muddy run-ups and persistent rain didn't stop The Wombats from posting 120. As the conditions worsened, we looked to be lost, when 30 runs were needed, with 5 wickets and many overs to spare. A non-striker was run out backing up, and a collapse began. Wombats removed the last 5 Lions for 15 runs, and earned a semi final berth.
The semi final saw a determined Indian Engineers chase down a respectable 195 with just 1 wicket to spare. Indians eventually lifted the JGC.
In 2003 Wombats entered both the JGC and the JCA/ICC affiliated Kanto Cup. 3 straight JGC losses was followed by 3 straight wins, and we earned our 2nd semi birth in 2 years. Rain spoiled our KCL season, losing 4 of 5 games to the Gods. An ungodly act by a square leg umpire marred our sole game, as we gamely tried to defend 130 on a small ground, but lost by 1 wicket. At Koiwa for the JGC semi, we dismissed the league's best batting side (Sri Lankan Lions) for 120, only to find they are also the leagues best bowling side! 5-19 did recover to all out 97. Lions then defeated Indians in the final, 180 all out, vs 75, having been 7-12!
Wombats are a tough unit, a close unit. Whilst we love our cricket, and we love to win, we also believe we are priveleged to have a chance to play the great game here in Japan. Sportsmanship and fair play are part of our beliefs, and we place a great importance on having a good time, and making mates along the way. We believe there is more to playing cricket than just playing cricket.
We have been supported since our inuagural season by South Australian winemaker HARDYS, and Shinjuku sports bar, THE CLUBHOUSE. Their support has been vital for our on-field requirements, and helped us gel as a Club and gives us all a sense of community.
The Tokyo Wombats' social life is second to none. 'Road-trip' games are worth the early start, as 11 cricket loving blokes pile into rented car and hit the highway, bound for glory. Win, lose or draw, the true fun begins on the drive back. Surprisingly, an onboard esky is re-stocked to over flowing, and old cricketing war stories, nocturnal conquests, the day highlights are all re-lived in greatly exegerated tones. Our Golden Thong Award was born on such an occasion.
A car load of lady Wombats usual accompanies the players. Local games (Koiwa, Chiba, Yokohama) are also well attended by our better halves and their friends. They enjoy the chance to chat and drink, usually oblivious to our on-field endeavours.
At stumps, we usually head back to the CLUBHOUSE, where a winning team enjoys two pitchers on the house. Or we invade a nearby izakaya, where many a service industry career has ended prematurely! The evening's highlight is "The Highlights", as all players and spectators in turn share their highlight of the day. Forgotten moments are re-lived. Unforgetable moments are toasted. "The Highlights" is an entrenched part of Wombats' culture, and responsible for the close bonds we enjoy.
AWAY from the pitch, many a Wombat can be found at THE CLUBHOUSE in Shinjuku, rubbing shoulders with our reptilian comrades, The Goannas. Live cricket, Aussie rules: Our clubhouse, THE CLUBHOUSE.
Wombat events - hanami, trips to the races, pool comps - occur throughout the year. One of the biggest night is our mid-season Trivia Night, with cash prizes and Hardys wine on offer. Its a fun night out and all are welcome. Same night we draw our raffle, with dozens of bottles of Hardys to be won. DON'T miss out!
The year finishes with a Presentation Night. After a long year in the field we unwind and take a light-hearted look at the year's high-lights and low-lights. Worst Dropped Catch, Best Sledge, The Dummy Spit, Great Moment In Sport, and The Golden Thong are all awarded. The evening culminates in The Golden Wombat Countdown, when the Club's Best and Fairest is presented, as voted by the players after each match.
Statistics & Club Records
