Meet in the Old Royal 11.30 - 11.45am for the match, mobiles at the ready in case they don't have the footy on
2.00pm - 7.30pm back to or still in the OR to watch the test match
7.30pm - wherever the Beer Scooter takes us !!!!!!
The Chaps (Dave, Nige, Rog, Simbers & Chap) duly assembled in the OR in time to watch Villa temporarily top the premiership table (Ho, Ho!). We were joined by Dave's mate Bernhard who had to go via Next to get a new shirt as colours could not be worn in the pub. Tone sidled up later during the match and provided the Cuban cigars in anticipation of the post match celebrations.
Unfortunately, as has become the norm with the Villa, the result was not as hoped for as we suffered a 2-0 defeat and a shite second half performance to boot. Time for a bit of fodder (which was quite acceptable) and a few more beers to easy the pain and prevent serious depression setting in. We also lit a couple of the monstrous Cubans, which were still being smoked some 3 hours later !!!!. Steve & Fran popped in for a quick jar and then left as did Tone, both Steve & Tone promising to return later. About 4.00pm it was time for a change of venue, so the Chaps lobbed up to the Hogshead for a few beers and a game of pool or two.
The Hogshead provided a bit of respite from the beer with games of pool and killer being in order as well has the usual thrashing by the quiz machine. Steve returned and we were also joined by Phil & Ted. The Cubans at this point in time were still going, and Phil who won the 'Tone's foot' compy was forced to light a third!!!!. Around 7.00pm, it was time to depart to pastures new.
The walk up to O'Neill's was interspersed with chat about who was the fittest Central TV News presenter (Llewella, Joanne, Shifali, etc) and a call to Tone who said he would be up shortly (he never arrived!!!!.). O'Neill's was as usual where more beer was consumed with some of the Chaps looking slightly the worse for wear, but the Cubans just kept on going!!!!, After a 10 hour session, Rog & Simber's bailed out to leave the remaining Chaps to head for a strangely quiet Adam and Eve.
There was no band on at the A & E so it was pretty deserted, however the Chaps continued with their 12 hour session regardless, Chap even managing a pre-Sharma's lomb at the bar!!!. After 12 + hours of steady ale consumption, it was time for a ruby. Off to Sharma's for the usual feast.
There was a slight problem as it had been a busy night, so Phil drew the short straw and missed out on the Nargis Kebabs and the Bali Keema had all gone. However, Chap & Dave we suitably satisfied with a Chicken & Mushy balti instead. It was quiet amazing after an all dayer that no one fell asleep to get naaned !!!, but Nige did a quick impression.
A reasonable end to a day that was only spoiled by the footy result.
Chap 25.08.03
