Is Cider with breakfast ever wrong?!?
By Classy Bird (and friends)
October 13 2008
Classy Bird and chums have a big day out in Reading, watching rugby, making friends and exchanging culture with our Italian cousins. As Al Murray would have it there follows an account of fabulous British life - with a fruit-based drink, for the Lady...
October 13 2008
Classy Bird and chums have a big day out in Reading, watching rugby, making friends and exchanging culture with our Italian cousins. As Al Murray would have it there follows an account of fabulous British life - with a fruit-based drink, for the Lady...
Rovigo … the first European game of the season. The day started with brunch at Chez Tallula & Andy the Hat. Tallula was aiming to line the Classy stomach to get me through the excitement of the day!! Unfortunately she didn’t plan on cider with brunch. After a superb brunch and tin of the classy stuff we headed on down to the 3Guineas hoping to meet some Italian fans. It was on the journey to the 3G’s when I realised my memory was failing me and I’d left my phone at home, which I needed to get hold of those I had bought some tickets from – apologies to you all!!! Unfortunately on arrival at the 3G’s it wasn’t quite as lively as the USAP fans last season but the odd red shirt could be spotted through the crowd. Here we meet with old friends and new to enjoy a few more bevvies before making our way to the bus.
The bus queue as always was long but moving, AtH attempting to pass time with the lady fans trying to play “I’ll show you mine if you’ll show me yours” … Trouble wasn’t falling for that one … she clearly hadn’t drunk as much as me at that point! Unfortunately when I joined in nobody wanted to play. The bus was very quiet for the excitement of a European game though I did manage to get thoughts off some fans (all who wished to remain anonymous!!!). “We’re gonna win!”, “They’re in Red!”, “21-18 to Irish” “the weather’s nice, Irish will like that!” I was clearly on a bus with some deep thinking fans! So, to the ground, to locate those I needed tickets off, and a few more ciders to get me in the mood … this match reporter was ready to roll!
I located my seat next to Mrs Cheffy and whilst befriending the people around me and doing some wine tasting with Mrs C, in the first minute of the game, Taki went over the line to score under the posts and this was converted by Hewat. It was at this point I realised it might be a high scoring game and maybe I shouldn’t have drunk quite so much apple juice before kick off! Mr K predicted at this point that Irish would have 70 points on the board by half time (he later turned out not to be not far off!). My thanks go to Grandad’s Gang from hereon who contributed greatly to the report!! Less than five minutes later, Sheila showed positive handling skills when he took the interception for try two. Again converted by Hewat … 6 minutes in, Irish are 14-0 up … come on you Irish! Just two minutes later, Delon went for try three but knocked it on just before going over the line. In the eleventh minute Rovigo got a penalty around the half way line due to Coetzee holding on, Rovigo went for the kick and with No 14 slotting it beautifully between the posts (oo-er), Rovigo got some points on the board, Irish 14, Rovigo 3. Just 3 minutes later Dodge went over the line to score try number three from a quick tap penalty. Again with Hewat on form, the conversion went over. With pen poised and still writing details of the last try, Topsy offloads to Elvis who went steaming through for try number four and the bonus point. Hewat converted the try off the left hand up right and play started again. Just 3 minutes later Delon wanted a piece of the action and following a very flat pass from Hala’ufia went over the line for try number five, again converted by Hewat who was showing a superb boot today.
Coetzee was replaced after 23 minutes and shortly to follow a penalty against London Irish in the scrum which Rovigo kicked to the corner. Lineout to Rovigo which was infringed by London Irish resulting in a second line out won by Rovigo but shortly followed by a forward pass resulting in a scrum to London Irish in Rovigo’s 22. The ball came out of the scrum and with some solid passing went down the line to Topsy who sprinted 60 metres down the wing and scored under the posts. Try converted by Hewat to make the score Irish 42, Rovigo 3. Almost immediately the ball was received back and after some superb hand offs from Kennedy, was shipped to Dodge and then to Steffon who went over the line but the try was disallowed due to a forward pass. Irish however had advantage due to Rovigo being offside. We opted for the scrum and Irish were awarded a penalty try, converted by Hewat. 31 mins London Irish 49, Rovigo 3. It was at this point I realised the double sided envelope I had bought to write the match report had run out of space. Luckily Mrs Cheffy came to the rescue with a cigarette packet and cigarette inners for me to continue my report. AtH also noted at this point we were scoring faster than the clock. Next up was a near try for Rovigo which was rapturously cheered by the Irish supporters; however Irish were able to clear the lines. Errors by London Irish gave possession back to Rovigo and a penalty was given to Rovigo who kicked for the corner. The lineout was stolen by Irish and a number of handling errors on both sides resulted in some scrappy play and scrums. The end of the half saw a good run by Delon Armitage. Half time London Irish 49, Rovigo 3.
At this point I went outside for a drink and cigarette after an exhausting first half reporting. To keep energy levels up I refuelled with some more apple juice and Tighty very kindly bought me and Mrs Cheffy some more white wine. A little off balance most of the cider and the 3 glasses of white wine, myself and Mrs Cheffy had accumulated ended up on me!! So, after a quick shake off I was back up to my seat, pen poised for the second half!
By the time I got settled there was a penalty to Irish in front of the posts. We opted for the scrum which was passed out to Elvis who crossed the line less than two minutes from the restart, converted by Hewat. So just 2 minutes into the second half, Irish 56, Rovigo 3. Irish then made a number of substitutions, particularly noticeable was the Tinkerbelle’s one and only Adam Thompstone (thanks Coach for the superb logo for all to see on the screen!). Shortly after Rovigo’s number 16 got binned for a scrummage infringement and following on from this a miss pass by Rovigo was picked up and run in to the corner by Richards. Missed conversion by Hewat. The next 10 minutes saw some good running and passing between forwards and backs and particularly good work by Kennedy in open space. Disappointingly the ball was knocked on 10 metres short of the line by Delon. 54 minutes in Mrs Cheffy announces she is drunk! Outcome the humous and pitta for sobriety purposes, Tink comes to join the party and suddenly it is more like ladies day at ascot than an afternoon at the rugger! (I declined the offer of humous and pitta not being a fan of fish eggs …!!! It was going down hill fast … ). Back to the game in hand. Irish had a scrum 5metres out which was driven over, picked up by Hala’ufia and scored. Hewat’s conversion went right of the posts. Irish 66 Rovigo 3.
At this point I left Mrs Cheffy in charge as I needed some fresh air!! The following notes are Mrs Cheffy’s and Tallula’s. Scrums went uncontested and at 72 minutes the Rovigo number 20 was binned which the Irish crowd deemed to be a little harsh. A minute later Shane took advantage breaking through the defence and scoring in the left hand corner. Conversion missed by Delon. In the 77th minute, Richards finished the try scoring, converted by Delon making the score 78-3 to Irish. There was a last ditch attempt by the Rovigo forwards with a run up the wing spoilt by Irish. Final Score 78 -3 with a disappointing turn out of just 5,657. Hewat was voted Man of the Match but, for me, Elvis was my MotM today with his superb display. As we emptied out of the stadium everyone was chuffed with an excellent performance although Tighty did comment that he finds it very nerve wrecking when Irish leave it until the first minute to score a try!
So to the cowshed for some more drinks. As Cider wasn’t on the menu I was handed some tasty lager (it’s amazing how the Mad Stad drinks improve as the time passes!). So a quick boogie, a catch up with some friends and an embarrassing moment when I harassed a man I thought was MadMonk trying to buy him the drink I owed him! Sorry! Then to pop in to the Hotel bar to see Mr Raff (who I couldn’t find – sorry Raffy .. I still owe you a pint too!), a brief chat with Mr Thorpe Senior, and then we were on the bus heading back to the Guineas for … yep, you guessed it, more cider! The Guineas was unusually quiet for a post European Saturday game so after a couple more drinks I was scooped up by Tallula, AtH and Eyaan, put in a taxi, fed chilli and put to bed by 8pm! All in all, a bleedy good day out and top points to the Irish! Roll on January … can’t wait for the away leg!
My thanks go to Andy the Hat, Tallula, Grandad’s Gang and Mrs Cheffy for their huge contribution to the match report.
Thanks to Eyaan, Mike, Mrs Cheffy and Tighty for keeping me well topped up.
To my top buddy Tallula for feeding and housing us for the weekend despite my unconsciousness before Strictly Come Dancing even started!
And finally, my apologies to all if this doesn’t even slightly resemble what you saw yesterday!!!
Quote from Tallula - “Classy asleep is a beautiful thing!!!!!!”
The bus queue as always was long but moving, AtH attempting to pass time with the lady fans trying to play “I’ll show you mine if you’ll show me yours” … Trouble wasn’t falling for that one … she clearly hadn’t drunk as much as me at that point! Unfortunately when I joined in nobody wanted to play. The bus was very quiet for the excitement of a European game though I did manage to get thoughts off some fans (all who wished to remain anonymous!!!). “We’re gonna win!”, “They’re in Red!”, “21-18 to Irish” “the weather’s nice, Irish will like that!” I was clearly on a bus with some deep thinking fans! So, to the ground, to locate those I needed tickets off, and a few more ciders to get me in the mood … this match reporter was ready to roll!
I located my seat next to Mrs Cheffy and whilst befriending the people around me and doing some wine tasting with Mrs C, in the first minute of the game, Taki went over the line to score under the posts and this was converted by Hewat. It was at this point I realised it might be a high scoring game and maybe I shouldn’t have drunk quite so much apple juice before kick off! Mr K predicted at this point that Irish would have 70 points on the board by half time (he later turned out not to be not far off!). My thanks go to Grandad’s Gang from hereon who contributed greatly to the report!! Less than five minutes later, Sheila showed positive handling skills when he took the interception for try two. Again converted by Hewat … 6 minutes in, Irish are 14-0 up … come on you Irish! Just two minutes later, Delon went for try three but knocked it on just before going over the line. In the eleventh minute Rovigo got a penalty around the half way line due to Coetzee holding on, Rovigo went for the kick and with No 14 slotting it beautifully between the posts (oo-er), Rovigo got some points on the board, Irish 14, Rovigo 3. Just 3 minutes later Dodge went over the line to score try number three from a quick tap penalty. Again with Hewat on form, the conversion went over. With pen poised and still writing details of the last try, Topsy offloads to Elvis who went steaming through for try number four and the bonus point. Hewat converted the try off the left hand up right and play started again. Just 3 minutes later Delon wanted a piece of the action and following a very flat pass from Hala’ufia went over the line for try number five, again converted by Hewat who was showing a superb boot today.
Coetzee was replaced after 23 minutes and shortly to follow a penalty against London Irish in the scrum which Rovigo kicked to the corner. Lineout to Rovigo which was infringed by London Irish resulting in a second line out won by Rovigo but shortly followed by a forward pass resulting in a scrum to London Irish in Rovigo’s 22. The ball came out of the scrum and with some solid passing went down the line to Topsy who sprinted 60 metres down the wing and scored under the posts. Try converted by Hewat to make the score Irish 42, Rovigo 3. Almost immediately the ball was received back and after some superb hand offs from Kennedy, was shipped to Dodge and then to Steffon who went over the line but the try was disallowed due to a forward pass. Irish however had advantage due to Rovigo being offside. We opted for the scrum and Irish were awarded a penalty try, converted by Hewat. 31 mins London Irish 49, Rovigo 3. It was at this point I realised the double sided envelope I had bought to write the match report had run out of space. Luckily Mrs Cheffy came to the rescue with a cigarette packet and cigarette inners for me to continue my report. AtH also noted at this point we were scoring faster than the clock. Next up was a near try for Rovigo which was rapturously cheered by the Irish supporters; however Irish were able to clear the lines. Errors by London Irish gave possession back to Rovigo and a penalty was given to Rovigo who kicked for the corner. The lineout was stolen by Irish and a number of handling errors on both sides resulted in some scrappy play and scrums. The end of the half saw a good run by Delon Armitage. Half time London Irish 49, Rovigo 3.
At this point I went outside for a drink and cigarette after an exhausting first half reporting. To keep energy levels up I refuelled with some more apple juice and Tighty very kindly bought me and Mrs Cheffy some more white wine. A little off balance most of the cider and the 3 glasses of white wine, myself and Mrs Cheffy had accumulated ended up on me!! So, after a quick shake off I was back up to my seat, pen poised for the second half!
By the time I got settled there was a penalty to Irish in front of the posts. We opted for the scrum which was passed out to Elvis who crossed the line less than two minutes from the restart, converted by Hewat. So just 2 minutes into the second half, Irish 56, Rovigo 3. Irish then made a number of substitutions, particularly noticeable was the Tinkerbelle’s one and only Adam Thompstone (thanks Coach for the superb logo for all to see on the screen!). Shortly after Rovigo’s number 16 got binned for a scrummage infringement and following on from this a miss pass by Rovigo was picked up and run in to the corner by Richards. Missed conversion by Hewat. The next 10 minutes saw some good running and passing between forwards and backs and particularly good work by Kennedy in open space. Disappointingly the ball was knocked on 10 metres short of the line by Delon. 54 minutes in Mrs Cheffy announces she is drunk! Outcome the humous and pitta for sobriety purposes, Tink comes to join the party and suddenly it is more like ladies day at ascot than an afternoon at the rugger! (I declined the offer of humous and pitta not being a fan of fish eggs …!!! It was going down hill fast … ). Back to the game in hand. Irish had a scrum 5metres out which was driven over, picked up by Hala’ufia and scored. Hewat’s conversion went right of the posts. Irish 66 Rovigo 3.
At this point I left Mrs Cheffy in charge as I needed some fresh air!! The following notes are Mrs Cheffy’s and Tallula’s. Scrums went uncontested and at 72 minutes the Rovigo number 20 was binned which the Irish crowd deemed to be a little harsh. A minute later Shane took advantage breaking through the defence and scoring in the left hand corner. Conversion missed by Delon. In the 77th minute, Richards finished the try scoring, converted by Delon making the score 78-3 to Irish. There was a last ditch attempt by the Rovigo forwards with a run up the wing spoilt by Irish. Final Score 78 -3 with a disappointing turn out of just 5,657. Hewat was voted Man of the Match but, for me, Elvis was my MotM today with his superb display. As we emptied out of the stadium everyone was chuffed with an excellent performance although Tighty did comment that he finds it very nerve wrecking when Irish leave it until the first minute to score a try!
So to the cowshed for some more drinks. As Cider wasn’t on the menu I was handed some tasty lager (it’s amazing how the Mad Stad drinks improve as the time passes!). So a quick boogie, a catch up with some friends and an embarrassing moment when I harassed a man I thought was MadMonk trying to buy him the drink I owed him! Sorry! Then to pop in to the Hotel bar to see Mr Raff (who I couldn’t find – sorry Raffy .. I still owe you a pint too!), a brief chat with Mr Thorpe Senior, and then we were on the bus heading back to the Guineas for … yep, you guessed it, more cider! The Guineas was unusually quiet for a post European Saturday game so after a couple more drinks I was scooped up by Tallula, AtH and Eyaan, put in a taxi, fed chilli and put to bed by 8pm! All in all, a bleedy good day out and top points to the Irish! Roll on January … can’t wait for the away leg!
My thanks go to Andy the Hat, Tallula, Grandad’s Gang and Mrs Cheffy for their huge contribution to the match report.
Thanks to Eyaan, Mike, Mrs Cheffy and Tighty for keeping me well topped up.
To my top buddy Tallula for feeding and housing us for the weekend despite my unconsciousness before Strictly Come Dancing even started!
And finally, my apologies to all if this doesn’t even slightly resemble what you saw yesterday!!!
Quote from Tallula - “Classy asleep is a beautiful thing!!!!!!”
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StumbleuponIs Cider with breakfast ever wrong?!?
Posted by: The Craic www.londonirish.org (IP Logged)
Date: 13/10/2008 09:06
Is Cider with breakfast ever wrong?!?
Re: Is Cider with breakfast ever wrong?!?
Posted by: Props are not stupid (IP Logged)
Date: 13/10/2008 09:16
Very Classy report! You got all that at the back of an envelope?
Re: Is Cider with breakfast ever wrong?!?
Posted by: Griff (IP Logged)
Date: 13/10/2008 09:23
Tis a pity we didn't get a picture of the notes for this. Classy showed them to me after the game - they made it look like she'd cleaned out one of the litter bins on the way out of the stadium...
Apologies to the reporting team for the lateness of the report showing-up on here. They did email it yesterday morning. Unfortunately I must've picked up a virus of some description on Saturday as I was very ill yesterday...
Cheers guys, your efforts are very much appreciated.
Apologies to the reporting team for the lateness of the report showing-up on here. They did email it yesterday morning. Unfortunately I must've picked up a virus of some description on Saturday as I was very ill yesterday...
Cheers guys, your efforts are very much appreciated.
Re: Is Cider with breakfast ever wrong?!?
Posted by: mulledwinemarie (IP Logged)
Date: 13/10/2008 09:44
Griff.........did you by any chance have a AG from the mobile seller.........it seems it has a queer effect on some takers.
MWM
London Irish - and loving it...........
MWM
London Irish - and loving it...........
Re: Is Cider with breakfast ever wrong?!?
Posted by: MadMonk (IP Logged)
Date: 13/10/2008 11:51
Great report. Glad you managed to get into the ground. Next time remember your mobile...
Re: Is Cider with breakfast ever wrong?!?
Posted by: waltham (IP Logged)
Date: 13/10/2008 11:58
No need for any apology Classy - but I was certainly puzzled by the drink offer....
Re: Is Cider with breakfast ever wrong?!?
Posted by: MaggieH (IP Logged)
Date: 13/10/2008 12:09
I have absolutely no idea why I thought that Saturday would be a relatively civilised affair, with perhaps a couple of beers before and after the game, possibly a couple of hours out in Reading Saturday evening, and then home relatively early.
You lot are a bad influence!
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2008:10:13:12:10:22 by MaggieH.
You lot are a bad influence!
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2008:10:13:12:10:22 by MaggieH.
Re: Is Cider with breakfast ever wrong?!?
Posted by: MadMonk (IP Logged)
Date: 13/10/2008 12:20
Quote:Were you wearing my habit then Waltham? Maybe you are my long lost twin from whom I was separated at birth...waltham
No need for any apology Classy - but I was certainly puzzled by the drink offer....
Re: Is Cider with breakfast ever wrong?!?
Posted by: waltham (IP Logged)
Date: 13/10/2008 12:37
I'll have nowt t'do wiv any of your habits Monk....Re: Is Cider with breakfast ever wrong?!?
Posted by: Griff (IP Logged)
Date: 13/10/2008 12:58
Another one in the harem eh waltham ? You're gonna need a bigger tent soon matey!
Re: Is Cider with breakfast ever wrong?!?
Posted by: Classy Bird (IP Logged)
Date: 15/10/2008 10:20
I believe Trouble has the photo evidence Griff!!
I knew it was going to be a messy day when someone I had only just met in the 3Gs pre match told me they worked with "special" people like me!!
Thanks again to all my aides!!
I knew it was going to be a messy day when someone I had only just met in the 3Gs pre match told me they worked with "special" people like me!!
Thanks again to all my aides!!
Re: Is Cider with breakfast ever wrong?!?
Posted by: Seamus O'Rielly (IP Logged)
Date: 15/10/2008 13:19
(I declined the offer of humous and pitta not being a fan of fish eggs …!!! It was going down hill fast … )
Just have to tell you that there are no fish eggs in Houmos, only chick peas!!
You're thinking of Taramasalata, and with a name like that he should be playing for us.
Just have to tell you that there are no fish eggs in Houmos, only chick peas!!
You're thinking of Taramasalata, and with a name like that he should be playing for us.
Re: Is Cider with breakfast ever wrong?!?
Posted by: MadMonk (IP Logged)
Date: 15/10/2008 15:40
Quote:Classy Bird
I knew it was going to be a messy day when someone I had only just met in the 3Gs pre match told me they worked with "special" people like me!!
Probably worked in special education
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