It all started at the Chicago convention in 1997, when two TWSers, Alekh (Gussie) Bhurke and Shamim (Pongo) Mohamed, gathered up a bunch of other Plummies, found a spot to play, and held a cricket practice session at which those who knew what they were doing (Gussie and Pongo) taught the essentials of the game to all the rest. Some rudimentary equipment had been provided by the convention organizers, and wickets were created from random sticks. A good time was had by all.

In fact, it was so successful that a full-fledged match, pitting the May Queens against the Green Swizzles, was held at the Houston convention in 1999, complete with umpiring provided by Tony Ring. Thereafter a Rules Committee, consisting of Gussie, Pongo, and Jean Tillson, was self-appointed to provide simple, fun guidance to all aspiring cricket players within TWS. Among the rules, the most important one is this: “Most of all, don’t ever forget that it isn’t whether you win or lose, or whether you even hit the blasted ball, that counts; the goal is to be able to return from a TWS convention proudly proclaiming, ‘I have played cricket!’” Jean also designed and produced TWSCC’s delightful club badge; the Latin translates to: Laughter, Clothing, Conviviality

 TWSCC played matches at the 1999, 2001, and 2003 conventions, always led by Gussie and Pongo. Circumstances made the games impossible at the next two binges, but in 2009 another jolly time was had, with the teams now named the Nodders and the Old Florentians. A match was scheduled for 2011, but rain stopped play, so an indoor bowling session was held instead. Fast-forward eleven years, when the TWSCC once again convened to play at Balboa Park in San Diego, joined by four students from UCSD. While no winner was determined, there was no doubt whatsoever that all who played had themselves a jolly good time.