Day 1-

We started by picking up what for a Baptist tour team was a first ... a state of the art van to travel in, especially with the air conditioning above every seat just what we needed for the long trip to Chester in the heat. Having picked up our young team of Eamonn (young at heart) Webbo, James W,Jack D, Lewis S, Tom T, Ben H It was James that had forgotten his phone so across Horsham we went to get it, just as Eamonn confessed that he also had to go and pick up his phone! Over to Crawley we went to pick up what has to be the Baptists player with the dodgiest dress sense, Chris Hughes.

We listened to the first World Cup game on a comfortable journey with lots of laughter at the expense of other drivers through shouting at the window, and various hand gestures at other drivers. It was decided that it was time for dinner so we stopped off at a service station for a nice cooked meal whilst watching what turned out to be the start of Frances downfall. We then had a small kick about, then in the van for the final hour or so.

Our first nights accommodation was the 5* church hall floor, which actually turned out to be a nice place to stay, with CD player, pool table, table football, and enough sofas for us all to nick enough cushions to make a reasonable bed. Eamonn promptly ran in the toilet dropped his guts, and then wondered why no one wanted to go in after him, must have been that chilli for dinner! We all made ourselves at home with a pool tournament running alongside teaching the youngsters the joys of cards. By about 2am and with football the next morning it was decided we needed to get some sleep. And as Eamonn started his compulsory snoring (which has got quieter!) Jack and Lewis fell asleep whispering sweet nothings in each other’s ears.

Day 2-

We woke up to the sound of each others tummies rumbling, and decided a big greasy breakfast was just what was called for so off we went into chester in hunt of a cafe, problem solved in we all piled to a small cafe and had to quickly adjust to the word “luv” at the end of every sentence. Having all eaten to bursting point, we popped into Sainsburys to pick up supplies for the day ahead.

We arrived at the sports ground pleasantly surprised by the facilities, all desperate to have a shower the changing rooms were the first place we headed. Lewis who had had no luck in the local charity shop trying to hunt down a towel was a bit stuck, after his mum had packed everything imaginable for him, apart from a towel.

Having got there a bit earlier than everyone else we were able to have a good kick around, in what was a lovely, very hot, summer’s day so hot that some of the lads would regret it later.

Game 1-  We went into this one not knowing what the opposition were going to be like as we were the first team on. The gaffer Eamonn, put himself in goal, with a 2-3-1 formation. We come up against a very strong, old, experienced team who didn’t walk all over us but beat us comfortably 2-0.

Game 2- Having analysed the game after us, and taking some inspiration from the trusty radio listening to the world cup game the gaffer decided a change of formation was in order, and we dropped Lewis (who was probably our player of the tournament) back into defence after his good display of tackling and distribution in the first game. Webbo and James on the wings and Jack up top. The game started after a long delay waiting for the ref, who we had all day and didn’t seem to like us one bit giving the opposition every decision and us nothing. After 14 out of 15 minutes played we were looking comfortable at 0-0 creating chances and soaking up pressure at the back. Then breakthrough a ball played from the back from Lewis allowed captain Webbo to turn and fire a low shot past the goalie from 15 yards into the hockey goal 1-0, we defended strongly for the final minute with several crucial tackles and there it was our first win. Having Tom as a super sub made such a difference, as he posed a real threat every time he came on.

Game 3- Spirits were high after the win and we went into the third game looking to build on the previous game. The only major change was Jack going in goal and putting Eamonn up top. This seemed to work against this team and Eamonn got the goal he craved as well as missing another chance but no one needs to know about that! Having Jack in goal gave us a different option not only was he a good shot stopper but his humongous throws for Eamonn to hold up were causing havoc further up the pitch. Full time 1-1.

Game 4- We went into this game knowing that it was looking good that we wouldn’t be going home early. Eamonn went back in goal for this one, with James Lewis and Ben at the back and Tom, Jack and Webbo further up. In a tight game we went ahead with a goal from Webbo, unfortunately they got one back, probably a fair result in the end. Jack did his best to wind up the scousers on this team. Ben had another solid game at the back as he had done all day.

Quarter Finals-  We knew this was going to be a tough game, but we had deserved to be there, we come up against a very strong team and although we defended well and had a few chances of our own, we lost 2-0 and that was our day done!

We were told that we should stay for the trophy presentation so knew we were in line for something, and we had been awarded the Fairplay Trophy, as voted for by the refs, which was quite funny considering all the ref had taken from us all day was complaining about every decision, and Jack in a very scrappy mood, as well as the refs blatant dislike to us, so we renamed it the “who travelled the furthest to be here trophy?”

Back in the van we got and travelled to the local Premier Inn where we would stay the night, with the oldies in one room and the youngsters in another.  In the oldies one somehow Chris had decided he had the double bed and no one fancied sharing with him so James set up camp under the desk, Webbo on the floor and another night in a sleeping bag for Eamonn.

We quickly got ready to go out knowing that the England game wouldn’t wait for us, some were keener to go out than others with Webbo showered and ready to go from the sports club despite his hayfever playing up. We didn’t bank on Lois having a ridiculously long shower, meaning that we were in a rush to find somewhere to allow a very young looking group of lads into a pub. But we did find a place sneaking into a pub/club through the back door, and just for kick off we had made it into a very packed and loud pub, just in time for Gerrards goal, then the less said about the rest of that game the better.

After the game this place turned into more of a club. At this point I must describe what Chris was wearing: a very ummm interesting yellowy browny  shirt, his black work trousers and a pair of old white running shoes ... an outfit that even Gok-Wan would have had trouble fixing. But it was debatably him with the “luck” after eating the face off of a cave-woman although there were several rumours that she was lady gaga like and was actually a man, look at the pictures on the website and make your own mind up! The drinks kept flowing to everyone for a while (with some having more than others, but in my defence I am a student) until the bouncers, who had been watching us all night, decided at 11pm that we were a very young looking group and started to check for I.D. so out we went from the club after everyone having had a very enjoyable night, unfortunately Chris did have to leave Fred Flintstone behind, just in case you were wondering. I can’t really remember anymore of what happened next so I guess we went to bed.

Day 3-

 The oldies room was up nice and early and were all ready for breakfast. Webbo went to get the other room up from their darkened pit. Only to be greeted by some grunting and very tired faces, although they did look far too comfortable together in their double beds. Some, mentioning no names were a bit sore having got sunburnt the previous day. When they were finally ready we went for another huge breakfast, having £10 each to spend on a breakfast meant we were once again stuffed. And was now ready for the journey home, only to stop 2 or 3 hours later for yes another meal !!!And of course as if Eamonns bowels weren’t gassy enough already he decided again for the chilli. As we got closer to home we wondered where the trophy was and found Jack guarding it very tightly. Everyone was dropped off home and that was that.

Thank you to Eamonn for organising the trip as always, Rick for getting us the van, and Tony Sharpe for inviting us to come.

Same again next year????