h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Remember, remember the 5th of November. It began badly for NZ sporting fans with an All Black defeat, 22-18 at the hands of our old foes South Africa. The ignominy of this is that NZ will have to go through the qualifying rounds for the next world cup tournament. (Australia, now the likely winners, had to qualify for this present world cup, so you see how ridiculous that is.)
Guy Fawkes day was a grey, rainy one throughout NZ, matching the mood of the nation. The only smile were on the faces of the Fire Service (they love wet Guy Fawkes days), and the farmers, who'll take any spring rain they can get.
In the evening our hopes were transferred to the Kiwi rugby league side, who were playing Australia in the final of the tri-nations (might as well be the world title.) The final second of the game had the Kiwis diving for the line, but were held up by the Kangaroos, so we lost that one too, by 22 to 20.
Hopes were again transferred to the Black Caps, who were playing India in a One Day International over in India overnight. The Black Caps did us proud, by smashing an amazing 349 in the stinking heat after being put in to bat, and then dismissing the Indians for 305. Great stuff guys. Third time lucky, I reckon.