THE vinda-looney cricket fans from Buntingford have suffered a set back after Australian officials turned their dreams to ashes. As reported in The Crow last week, Jason Morrin, 38 of Vicarage Road, and nine colleagues ordered an Indian take-away to be d

THE vinda-looney cricket fans from Buntingford have suffered a set back after Australian officials turned their dreams to ashes.

As reported in The Crow last week, Jason Morrin, 38 of Vicarage Road, and nine colleagues ordered an Indian take-away to be delivered to their doorstep Down Under, after watching England's dismal start to the Ashes series.

Raj Miah, the owner of their favourite Indian restaurant, had been prepared to cook, chill and specially pack lamb dishes such as tikka masala, dhansak and biriani, before flying them out in time for the Third Test in Perth.

But their plans were shattered when strict Australian quarantine officials warned that the food would have to be dumped at the airport upon arrival.

However, determined to feed his hungry customers, Mr Miah, who used to be manager of an Indian restaurant in Buntingford, set off on the 8,000-mile trip on Tuesday, accompanied by his secret recipes and finest spices - to cook their order fresh when he arrives in Oz.

Before his trip, Mr Miah, 36, said: "We usually deliver to a three or four mile radius.

"This is certainly the furthest I've ever been to deliver a takeaway."

An employee at Mr Miah's restaurant said: "Raj is on the plane as we speak and he certainly didn't forget his special spices.

"I think he was looking forward to the trip, but was disappointed that he could not take over the food."

Speaking from Australia, Mr Morrin told The Crow: "It started as a joke.

"We have been for a couple of curries during our stay, but they have all been average."

John Clements, 38, a member of Buntingford Cricket Club, who was due to meet up with the group on Tuesday, said: "You can't get a good curry in Perth.