While England's test match squad have been enduring a miserable time in Australia, two Upminster players have been having a much more enjoyable experience "Down Under", although victories have been nearly as hard to come by as they have been for England!!

Rob Healy is playing for Vasse CC who are based around 150 miles south of Perth. Vasse's A Grade XI, for whom Rob has been playing, are currently at the bottom of the Busselton Margaret River Cricket Association one-day table, but they have played in a number of closely fought contests so far this term. Vasse picked up an excellent win over DCC in the fourth round of matches, with Healy making 32, while they lost to the same opposition yesterday (Saturday) by one wicket, with the Upminster man top scoring with a gritty 40. Rob also made 40 in a narrow loss to Yallingup-Oddbods while he had the experience of playing against former Australia ODI star Nathan Coulter-Nile in a loss to Cowarampup Bulls who are unsurprisingly top of the table at the Christmas break.

Despite the results Rob has clearly been enjoying his time in Western Australia: "Since our win in the fourth round of games we have had a rough patch and have come out on the wrong side of three really close games. Off the pitch I have settled into a job at a chicken shop, working Monday to Friday, and I've been enjoying the blistering heat. Last week I met up with Kiran (Kullar) and we went and watched a Big Bash game. It's been an amazing experience so far and I am loving it."

Kiran himself is playing 1st Grade cricket for Leschenault in the Bunbury and Districts Cricket Association League. Leschenault are also struggling at the wrong end of the table with their only win so far coming against Marist, a game in which Kiran top scored with a brilliant half century. Kiran also made 54 in a loss to Dalyellup while his top score of the season (71*) came during a guest appearance for Harvey-Benger in the Retravision T20 Cup.

We hope Rob and Kiran enjoy the mid-season Christmas break and we wish them all the very best of luck for the rest of their seasons. We can't wait to see them back in action for Upminster in April (where it may not be quite as warm!!).