The Inaugural Wildcat Formal Ball

"Formally Wild"

Friday 27th July saw the West London Walkabout Wildcats hold their inaugural Black tie Ball, at the Emerald Centre, right in the heart of Hammersmith roundabout.

Upon initial inspection of this corrugated shedlike venue you would not be far shy of the mark in thinking, where are the hay bales and holden Ute's doing "circle work"? These similarities with the traditional country Victorian B & S ball would continue to be prevalent throughout the night. The wildcats however, were able to maintain the "formal" rather than "feral" atmosphere, well for most of the night anyway.

Entering the hall we were greeted with sparkling decorations, lavish varieties of finger food, champagne, wine, and, fortunately icy cold Fosters. On this sweltering evening, which the UK press had dubbed the middle of a "heat wave", it was good to see the feline pruning of these cats and kittens had not been effected. The gents resplendent in tuxedos and the ladies stunning in evening gowns.

After some light conversation and some warm-up sips, things got underway with Justin "Dogga, I'll make up my own title" Shannon the club's Media Liaison Officer and internationally famous streaker, commencing the speeches.

Dogga spoke eloquently and graciously, primarily expressing the clubs gratitude to our sponsors The Walkabout, Lam magazine, PP Travel, Top Goodies, PPC Consulting and Hi Gear. Secondly but no less importantly thanking Sam Willoughby, the social committee and all those responsible for bringing this event to fruition.

As the evening wore on the initially tame wildcats and kittens gradually bared a claw or two and started to show why the "Wild" mantle fits so well. With the Circus Animals performing some traditional classics, the dance floor was packed. Nostalgically mixing some Australian tunes with recent hits and the hardest version of the Beetles "DayTripper" ever performed; the Animals really exceeded all expectations and totally shifted the atmosphere up a gear.

With the night pumping, the time was right for one of our Tasmanian contingents Damien "Jars" Brooks to sheer Premiership captain Chris "Mr Home Shopping Network" Schleter. Once again Brooksy skillfully completed the task in seconds and even managed a couple of turkey calls throughout the process. Slates was finely regaled as usual but in the space of about 5 minutes went from being pristine and bowtied, to blackened, unbuttoned and hanging from the rafters, scratching armpits monkey style. Nice one Slates, we love ya.

Dale "Daisy Rambo" Hillard had the all-seeing, all-knowing and all-embarrassing video camera in action and once again captured some not so memorable moments. Whether it was Justin "Missing in action Dirt" Barry's quasi redneck bootscootin' dance style or Lisa "Mrs Aubadroid" Jennings frequently falling flat on her backside, the camera caught it all.

Derek "Kangaroo paws" Shaw the clubs Scottish treasurer decided he didn't particularly like Mr. Camera and proceeded to release a string of profanities that even the hardest of West Australian miners would be proud of.

Chris "dirty stopover" Richmond and Matty "how do you say your surname" Carracher did the Aussie male bonding wrestle thing complete with utterances of "I love you mate." Could this be the beginning of a beautiful relationship?

David "don't vilify me in public" McAdam decided it was payback time and called up the club President Paul "If I get embarrassed I'll hold you personally responsible" Toll to the stage for a rousing rendition of Happy Birthday. Tolly tried to make a speech that no one really listened to, (standard) something or other about how great we all are and showing the league how its done.

A couple of tidbits to leave you with, apparently some people weren't very happy with the food and drink so they decided to return the meal, after a couple of hour's digestion of course. Not to name any names, but one was a sponsor of the club (must have enjoyed himself) who hurled to the running commentary of Rowdy Robbie Piper and then there was a certain Tasmanian's girlfriend, who didnt make any new friends with a certain taxi driver.