Mr BILLSON —Once a year the hard work of the capital comes down to some men trying to simulate some athleticism when the annual government versus the press gallery cricket game is on. It is my melancholy duty to inform the House that the press gallery won this year. After two consecutive victories by coalition MPs we were overcome by climate conditions and, in some areas, a distinct lack of talent when we needed it. I report that the junior minister at the table, Mal Brough, scored 34 magnificent runs. Joe Hockey scored 50 runs as well, and most of the other coalition members got off to a reasonable start but could not capitalise on that good start, scoring 178 runs in 39.2 overs of perpetual drizzle in Canberra yesterday.

Mark Ludlow from News Ltd unfortunately got 2-13 and Tom Allard from the Sydney Morning Herald took 2-28. We thought we were in good shape until we started defending our total. Steve Lewis, the captain of the press gallery team, helped us greatly with a very poor opening effort of one, but then the rot began with Andrew Probyn for News Ltd hitting 50, Richard McGregor from the Australian getting 43 runs and Tom Allard—in possibly a best on ground performance—backed up his bowling effort with 45 not out. Sadly, the gallery won at 8-180, with overs and wickets to spare. Mr Brough bowled well and Paul Everingham from Treasury got 3-6 off five overs. I happened to hit the pitch occasionally and got 2-16. We look forward to the rematch.