Time to return to the official Chaps home of football - Simber's house to watch the England vs. N. Ireland World cup qualifier. Meet around 11.45am at Snow Hill station, lob on the train to Dorridge and then disappear to the Railway for some beer & a pie. Return to Simber's to watch the footy.
6.00pm - Meet back up town in the WELLINGTON not the OR for a change!!!!
7.30pm - Wherever the great manager 'Jose' guides us!!!!
The day started with Dave, Tone, Steve and Chap meeting at Snow Hill to catch the train to The Simber's Stadium. This time we avoided the usual Central train cancellations and got there around 12.30pm. After Steve had fiddled with Simber's electrics (good job he's not a plumber or that could have sounded a bit iffy!!!) we made a move down to the Station for a few beers and a bite to eat, Ian also joined us in the pre-match festivities.
After suitable refreshment, we set off back to the viewing gallery, where Di had a surprise waiting for the birthday boy - a new comfy chair had been installed ready for testing. We then settled down to watch England comfortably stuff Northern Ireland 4-0 whist supping the odd can or two. After the game we lobbed down to the Forrest for a swift pint or two before catching the train back into Brum - minus Ian who had some political shenanigans to take care of!!.
We had decided on a venue change and met Nige back in the recently re-opened Wellington Pub. A real ale festival was on so we had a fair old selection of beer to go at, although Tone (with broken arm) insisted on sticking to the lager.
A swift pint later it was time to go off to the Old Royal. Here we meet Tone's brother Steve and Jo also joined us for a beer. Several more ales were consumed and Simbers was already looking slightly bedraggled. Tone made his usual 'church bazaar' excuses before the remaining chaps opted for the Reflex option on Hurst Street.
The Reflex provided a chance to let the hair down, so to speak and also to quoth plenty more ale. Steve found a new friend, Simber's & Chap indulged in a bit of singing, Dave and Nige had a gurning competition and plenty of dancing was done by one and all. Ian did attempt to rejoin us but could not find a parking space round by the pub. Somehow Simber's managed to survive the Reflex despite at time looking the worse for wear!!. Around 12.30am we decided to head for a curry.
Unfortunately, Sharma's our old haunt has closed down (and looks like it want be re-opening!!) so the taxi driver took us up the Ladypool Road to the local haunt used by them when they clock-off. The chaps, somewhat pissed at this stage did not follow his instructions as we ended up in the take-away part not the normal restaurant bit and had to settle for a chicken tikka kebab or the like. Simber's finally succumbed to powerful sleeping draft (beer), before barfing in the taxi on the way home.
A good night was had by all!!!!
