Long Way Round

I eventually stumbled into the house this morning at 4 a.m , after one heck of a journey back from Lewes. First and foremost obviously we won and won well. We needed a victory and a great team effort ensured that we got it. What a great sight it was to be playing towards our fans in both half's - incredible to see so many turn up and give the place some atmosphere.
Having to stay overnight for away games means it can be a long drawn out process, so entertainment levels can become desperate. The last time we stayed in Brighton, as blog readers will know, ended up with some of the team having a 'refreshing' dip in the sea - we all agreed that a return fixture was unnecessary, this time deciding that a relaxing stroll on Brighton Pier would be more sensible!.
Saying that we nearly lost Stevie 'Ghoul' Adams who nipped to see his mates in the Ghost train, only surfacing when some people complained that he was too realistic!- a cheap dig mate I know but anyway well played last night on your return and also what a great 'Roomy', although the nakedness straight away was a bit of a shocker, even for my high naturist standards.
The night before the game a few of the lads, encouraged by 'Barry Norman' himself Kevin Nicholson decided to go to the Cinema to watch the Wrestler. The title didn't bode well so myself and Stevie Adams ducked out and gave Brighton's 'livelier areas' a once over instead. Woods, Mansell, Sills and a reluctant Nicholson admitted that the £12 for the entrance fee and the pick and mix was money not well spent. I've told you Kev not to take on board reviews from 'Electric Showers Weekly'
Another interesting incident on the Pier involved Elliot Benyon our 'den' loving 'aardvark fan' striker. About halfway down the Pier we looked down to the sea, about a fifty foot drop, and discussed how long it would take, after jumping in, to swim back to shore. We reckoned about 25 Min's. Elliot suggested he would do it for £100. Knowing that the drop alone could result in major injury as well as the fact that the current was very strong it was amazing to see how many of the lads were offering Elliot the money to jump - I think there is a strong message in there somewhere!!!.
Another first was seeing the Beavonator stand next to a height chart for a ride and be too tall for it !.


So with the game done and dusted it was time for the journey home. A heavy blow to both knees just before the final whistle ensured that I was in pain all the way back. Ice packs to both knees and a dickey tummy doesn't mix well. A lot of the lads get bad stomach ache after games, a combination of nervous energy, caffeine, pain-killers and pain! can be a pretty volatile mix. Last night's winner on that front was Chris Robertson our 'never been Scottish' centre half. The toilet area had to be roped off for Health and Safety reasons.
The rest of the lads were as follows:
Mark Ellis was keeping( or not) his mate and our driver Dave ( who's banter is late 70's, minimum! ) awake. Dave chose a quick route back, mountainous and bumpy!!. Wayne Carlilse also had stomach turmoil. Rosco and Matt Green were asleep. Tyronne was talking to himself. Steve Woods and Lee Mansell were watching a war DVD, officially out of the circle!. 'Muzzi' was 'face booking' whilst laughing on his mobile for 4 hours. Scott Beavan was doing press-ups and pull ups at 12 0'clock. Danny and Elliot were giggling away at the back of the coach, playing Pro- evo and mixing potions !!. Kev Nicholson was staring into his phone hoping for a call ( he didn't get one ) and desperately missing his quiz mate Tim Sills who had gone home with Mrs Sills. And Chris Hargreaves was semi-naked with knee and stomach trauma whilst watching the combined deaths of around 2000 people ( 300, Braveheart and Band of Brothers on view).
Must not forget the Ghoul who travelled back with Damien. 'Damo' was struggling to stay awake until the 'Ghoul' screamed at him to avoid a speed camera. This resulted in Damo spilling and then sitting in ice cold coke for most of the journey. Although he did say this morning that Stevie's presence alone was keeping him awake!!!.
So I crawled into bed at 4.a.m feeling sick and not able to roll over. Harriet came into bed at 6.30 and so here we are. Was it all worth it? Of course it was, we got 3 points!!!.

CH