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Interesting Facts: Double facts this week as a Christmas treat!

In order to make the Bible more accessible to the masses, the Australian Church sanctioned an "Aussie" version in which Mary was prepared for her big event by the angel telling her, "You are a very special Sheila, Mary. God has His eye on you", the birth of Jesus being described as "Bewtie, Grouse, Ripper" and the arrival of the wise men as "three eggheads from the East". The stable where Jesus was born is described as a "back shed" which was utilised because "the pub was full to bursting" whereupon the baby was placed in a "feed trough".

In Oz, Santa's sleigh is pulled by kangaroos named Kylie, Kirsty, Shazza, Shane, and Kipper.

Zach's Pakenham went into the Christmas break with an impressive six wicket win, chasing down Clyde Cougars' 244-7 with a ball to spare. Zach made it into the Christmas period with a smile on his face as well, after top scoring with 69 in 64 balls including twelve fours. The Cougars must have fancied their chances having scored in excess of six runs per over and when Zach lost his opening partner with only 18 on the board, that confidence will have been amplified, but a stand of 103 provided the platform for the middle order to secure a thrilling win that lifts Pakenham into 4th spot having been next to bottom quite recently.

After piling up 258 runs on the opening day last weekend, Churchill entered the break with a resounding 103 run victory over Toongabbie. After scoring 92 last week, Ryan was wicketless in the hosts' innings, but Jordy picked up the vital wicket of Sri Lankan Amal Athulathmudali and bowled a couple of maidens in his seven over spell that cost him 22 runs as Churchill, mirrored Pakenham by entering the New Year in 4th spot. Amal Athulathmudali was pro at Egerton in 2013 and scored 191 against Kearsley before being bowled by Joe McCann in the Bolton League. It's a small world.

After going 2nd last week, Sam's Northern Suburbs couldn’t make it three out of three wins for our intrepid explorers as they could only manage 102 against lowly Rutherford. Sam could only contribute seven runs and was not called into action with the ball as the visitors limped to 103-8 and a two wicket win. The 'Burbs enter the New Year handily placed in third just 3.5points behind the leaders and play 2nd placed Bowthorne when the season resumes on January 17th.

Scorecards:

Zach - Here

Sam - Here

Jordy & Ryan - Here