Cricket Kings, the first novel by William McInnes, is set in late summer in suburban Victoria. The Yarraville West Fourths, a team cobbled together by Chris Andersen, are playing their last game of the season against Trinity on the Cec Bull Memorial Oval. What happens immediately before, during and after the match, to the players, organizers and spectators, makes for plenty of laugh-out-loud moments as well as the occasional lump in the throat. McInnes does an excellent job of portraying these sportsmen and showing us their deeper thoughts and feelings. He touches on father-son relationships, immigration, war, love of music, reminiscence, teamwork and having a go. An altogether enjoyable novel.