Meet in Après 4.30pm, match kicks off at 5.15pm
7.30pm - TBA
Due to the lack of proper ale at Après, Chap met up with Dave, Simbers & Ian outside the Shakespeare on what was rather a pleasant October afternoon. The plan was to head back to Après for the kick off. Around 4.45pm a dark out-of town stranger appeared on the horizon, on closer inspection this turned out to be Ted who had arrived un-announced. We were soon joined by Phil who suggested we try the old Hogshead, now Edmunds to watch the footy.
Edmunds was fine, we had virtually our own private viewing lounge in the back area to watch the match whilst consuming a varied selection of decent ales. We were joined here by Phil's mate Ian and one of Ian's other mates to watch a dismal England first half performance (square pegs in round holes again - Gerrard & Lampard), which improved marginally in the second half even though the 5-1 scoreline would suggest differently!!. After the game the chaps settled down for a few more ales whilst indulging in various topics of conversation including the Credit Crunch as Ted was passed a rather dubious Irish £5 note by the bar staff. We were joined by Catherine later in the evening before we decided to head for pastures new. Phil suggested the much maligned Island bar so that was the plan.
The Chaps split into 2 groups, Chap, Ted, Sim, Ian & Dave headed off to the Island bar, but we decided to nip in the Wellington for a quick jar of real ale & a bag of scratchings. Dave, can't stand the smell of the place so he legged it back to wait for the others. Phil came in and grabbed the rest of the chaps from the Welly and we all headed off to the Island bar.
For once, and as Phil had predicted there were a few people there, more outside than in though. More beer, cider etc were ordered and subsequently swigged as the night wore on. Around 9.45 - Ted had to leg it to catch the last train to Derby. He was followed shortly afterwards by Sim and Ian - Sim later claiming he was well bolloxed. The original curry plan fell apart as the rest of the merry crew headed for a club. Chap made his way home around 11.30pm, leaving the rest to go clubbing and Phil to crawl in at 7.00am in the morning via the casino.