AustLit

'How is THAT, umpire? screamed Happy. That s gotta be out! Oh, come on, ump! Be reasonable. He was SOOOO out! What are you doing to be, ump? You haven t even bowled the ball yet, Happy, said umpire Freddy. Can Maxx survive the pressure of facing Happy Mackay? Or will the Saints start the season with a shock loss?' (Publication summary)

'Everyone was laughing the batters, the fielders, even the umpires! This was bad, I thought. I m getting laughed at! I m getting teased! I m getting SLEDGED! How can Maxx lead his team to victory when super-sledger Thelma Thrasher Thatcher keeps putting him off?' (Publication summary)

'I marched up to the umpire and looked him in the eye. Mr Nuffin, I said. We're being ripped off ... We're being had ... We're being CHEATED! The Outhouse Rodents don't play fair. But will Maxx cheat as well, to win the game?' (Publication summary)

'Maxx Rumble's sporting adventures are amazing - to say the least! You will hardly believe what goes on during a thrilling, and sometimes bizarre, season of cricket. The commando flies landed on Rexx's shoulders. They almost flew away with him! At the last minute, I pulled him back down to earth. The Kreepy Crawlies are using strange and creepy tricks to win. But they'd better watch out, because Maxx is getting angry.' (Publication summary)

'Tarkyn and Wedgie were taking us out, one fielder at a time! It was like they were bashing us up ... with a cricket ball! The Bullies are living up to their name, but can they beat the Saints determination?' (Publication summary)

'We got home for a single. It was our first run for the day AT LAST! I looked over at our teammates. Why weren't they clapping? I could see the problem straight away they were asleep! The Dodgy Duffers are the world's most boring team. Can Maxx keep his teammates awake for long enough to win?' (Publication summary)

'What's that? yelled Fang. Rexx looked down. There was a snake coiled around the middle stump! Richard grabbed it and threw it at Rexx. Rexx caught it ... and fainted! The Rocky Crocks are the scariest team in town. That doesn't bother Maxx, but his little brother Rexx is getting Spooked!' (Publication summary)

'After such a great game, it was happening all over again. We were being conned. We were being fooled. We were being TRICKED! Can Maxx beat the Outhouse Rodents? Or is their last trick one too many for the Stone Valley Saints?' (Publication summary)