Some say it was just an innocent fashion faux pas. Others contend that it was a tactic, a cunning ploy to put Fuchu’s opponents off their game. Whatever the intention, Gonad wore sandals and socks to round 6 and Fuchu (Stella and Gonad sans Brad) won both their games.

They creamed the last-placed ARSE 7-0 and also beat Cairo (HRH Prince Andrew II and Cannonball, but no Digger) 7-4, so maybe Birk’n’socks Boy was on the money. At the end of the round, Fuchu was high-fiving atop the ladder with two home-and-away rounds to play.

Motherchucker made the calculated decision to cop a double forfeit in round 6, choosing instead to complete some rigorous high-altitude training in Kashmir, with an eye on the fact that this year’s AATBL finals are to be played on the treacherous slopes of Mrs Herbert’s Park.

Beneficiaries of Mochu’s 7-0 forfeit largesse were Australian Research & Space Administration and Barney, both whom were grateful, as they attempt to climb from the murky depths at the bottom of the ladder. It wasn’t enough.

Barney, playing his debut season as a singleton, lost his other game, going down 4-8 to Urbane Gorillas (both of whom turned up!).

Urbane Gorillas did less well in their other game, capitulating 4-7 to Reg, and they thereby relinquished the top rung of the ladder.

Although Reg was visibly relieved to break his losing streak with that victory, his was a day of mixed fortunes as SuperMario managed to pip him 7-6 in S&M’s only game of the day.