Derek 'Groucho' Grove - The Cheats Have Gone
A RIPPING SPORTING YARN
ISBN: 9780648986270 250pp Paperback (size 15 x 23 cm)
The ‘Cheats Have Gone’ is a sporting journey with Groucho over more than 50 years, accompanied by not only our friends the umpires on and off the field, but also some of the more interesting playing personnel and their on-field persona, as well as extremely important off-field activities and characters. Humorous and tragic anecdotes, covering referees and umpires from a variety of sports illustrate the torments and stresses that affect these officials, or conversely the players and spectators reliant upon them. The book also exposes what can happen when a robot umpire takes over!
Groucho’s research and personal experiences reveal fascinating stories from the archives of some of South Australia’s sporting heroes, legends and other characters! The golden 70’s and early 80’s naturally abounds with many of these, as this was the core of Groucho’s active involvement. It is not restricted to just local tales though, as we also learn about the nuances of playing on the Nullarbor, as well as some of its more colourful celebrities from the past – and even head off overseas on a sporting ‘World Tour’! Finally, owing to the overwhelming popularity and advancement of Veteran’s cricket in Australia, England and others countries in recent years, the latter content is relatively current … and if you happen to take a stroll through the Adelaide Hills, do keep an eye open for any black panthers!
