It’s been a while, but it was back to playing in the league this week and we were away to the Coach and Horses. I was pleased that we were playing with seven players, but Ivan had to pull out as he was very tired indeed. That’s the problem with getting older, one missed nap and it’s all over. I’m actually reluctant to mock this too much with my own fiftieth birthday approaching as it might shortly become team policy. We were also without the stalwarts Terri and Kirsty, but we did have the moral support of Sue.
The league is hotting up whilst we plummet down it. Not that I’m overly concerned about actually winning anything, it would be nice not to come last. I accept that someone has to, but I’d rather it was someone else as I’m generous like that.
I didn’t play in the home match earlier in the year, so this is both the first time that I’ve played the Coach and Horses and the first time I’ve ever played in their venue in a competitive match. Unlike Luke and I, who run a very tight ship, their team had forgotten a team sheet but I liked the alternative that was quickly drawn up. I approved of this sensible approach to paperwork, although I would have preferred them to be less organised once the games started. They’re a friendly team and I liked that they didn’t take the whole evening too seriously, I’m an advocate that it should be fun. Annoying sometimes maybe, but still fun.
I decided to referee an early game to help me learn the table a little. I’m not sure that this plan entirely worked, but I liked to think that I was doing something useful. I was quite annoyed when the food arrived during the second game, which I was refereeing, as that distracted me a little, but I decided not to say anything. But, it is difficult to maintain an impartial interest in a game when the buffet is proceeding without you.
We had Vaughan and PJ playing first, so I was confident of an early success as they’re competent and talented players. Anyway, we lost the first two games.
I moved to a more comfortable table and that happened to be the one with the food on it. I like coincidences and I thought that was a positive omen.
Very nice.
Luke the Lion won his game and that was never in doubt in my mind, so that brought us back to 2-1. Mel was too powerful for Ian, but then the boy wonder Ben came to the table. He is definitely not ever leaving the Artichoke Hearts, his score of 1290 contained some really rather optimal shots. I hoped some of this ability might transfer to me through proximity. My subsequent game suggested that it hadn’t as I didn’t play well, albeit against a very good opponent, so we were 4-2 down going into the doubles.
Even the dynamic father and son team couldn’t edge to victory. Losing the first two doubles ended our hopes of winning the match.
I’m pleased to note that Vaughan and I managed to win some dignity back with the final game of the night. I was also pleased to finish unbeaten in games whose outcome no longer mattered. At least Sue had the advantage of being able to distance herself from the result, which was sensible planning.
Anyway, a very lovely evening and thanks to George and his team for a welcoming night, good food and slightly too professional bar billiards. As ever, we were gracious in defeat, helped by having had several opportunities to practise recently. And we’re now second from bottom with two games to go, but what could possibly go wrong?