The ‘Aussies’ recorded a hard-fought victory over the ‘Lebs’ in the year’s first State Of Origin clash, held last Sunday in Cronulla. A passionate home crowd of 5,000 turned up to watch the contest at the beach, the local backstreets, and wherever participants could find anyone who looked vaguely Middle Eastern.

“They were a disgrace,” said NSW Premier Morris Iemma of the flag-bearing yobbos. “Bashing Muslims is one thing. But subjecting them to ‘Aussie Aussie Aussie Oi Oi Oi’ chants is simply barbaric.” However, Cronulla surfies said that their actions hwere only designed to defend traditional Australian values, such as racism and drunken violence.

The news has been a public relations disaster for Australia, shattering its international reputation as a country where people are too lazy to form lynch mobs. But Prime Minister John Howard denied that the riots were racially motivated. ‘I don’t think there was an underlying racism behind the riots,” he said. “In fact, compared to some of my backbenchers, the rioters' views were quite moderate.”

Nevertheless, the response to the riots has been swift. NSW Premier Morris Iemma met with community leaders from the local, Christian and Islamic communities on Monday, agreeing to condemn the ethnic violence around Sydney, and to further condemn the fact that no one cared what they thought.

NSW Opposition Leader Peter Debnam has also weighed into the debate, calling for greater powers for police, “Like the power for 150 of them to be able to control a crowd of 5,000 boozed-up thugs,” he said. 

Lebanese Muslim gangs are the only ones who have welcomed the violence, saying that the events of Sunday made them feel like they truly belonged in Australia for the first time ever.  "It's just wonderful to know that violent thugs do have a place in this country," a spokesperson said, while smashing a car.
The next State of Origin match is expected this Sunday, a crucial contest in the 27 part series.

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