I wake early, excited for the day ahead. The skipper is away, saving the world from the impending doom of flooding, leaving me and the lads to see through another big game. The squad are up early, various chats on the WhatsApp with Dave fulfilling his normal (only?) function of offering a poorly formed pun about the opposition. I wish he would stay in bed-for(d) a little longer sometimes. Not bad?

Neil tells us the new kit is in and the team have generously suggested I go to get it. Who knew Joel would have ordered a hoody, and goodness knows why Chris needs enough shorts for a small family?

I’ve got my kit* ready; it would be a shame to forget anything this week. Looking across the city the early morning sun glistens on rooftops, with a small puff of smoke rising into the morning as Sam sets fire to another pair of socks in the microwave.

Anyway, back to me, captain fantastic for the day. I’m ready for the game ahead…

I get to the pitch nice and early, practice some reverse stick hits and am clearing the bar time after time (three points a shot, right?). Practice makes perfect, although I may wait until the last ten minutes before trying that one. The lads love that move.

On to the pitch. Heartbeat rising. I’m ready to lead the warm-up, and we all know how important this is to get right. We don’t want any silly injuries before kick off. It’s a normal approach** to get the lads going:

• 34% lunge, sometimes straight, sometimes not, you can’t be too careful these days.
• Release the chickens.
• Drag the chickens.
• Something about chickens.
• Into some jogging: my favourite. 75% out, 50% back. I think that’s right.
• One runners, two runners, many runners, and don’t forget ball pace.
• A couple of short corners to loosen the shoulders. Balls flying all over the place, some towards goal and others less so. They won’t know what’s coming their way.

Anyway, some comments on the game:

• We scored reasonably early from a short corner. Yes, a short corner! Our second was also a shorty, best routines we’ve had for a while :)
• They put two in to draw back level, with both teams pushing hard to get the third
• Will stepped up for the winner, with South seeing out the last few minutes of the game.

Another great match, time for a shower and match teas. Now, did I pack a towel…?

*Ts & Cs apply.
**In the last three weeks James has indeed lead various aspects of the warm-up as outlined above.