By GTD
May 22 2006

The day started on the 9.01 AM from Windsor. A ridiculously early time to be heading anywhere on a Sunday morning and so it transpired way to early to be intending to have my first tipple in an hour or so. As documented elsewhere I was a 'little' worse for wear quite early doors! As we got off the train at Twickenham the platform was practically deserted with most sane people still being in their beds enjoying a lie in at the weekend. We were greeted by 2 Glaws supporters, one of which assured us we had nothing to worry about as he had never seen his team win as yet – what a false promise that turned out to be.

The three of us soon became 4 as we walked out of the station and crossed the road deciding to head straight for the ground as all the pubs were closed (well it was just after 9.30). Who should shout after us – none other than Clonmel (Skippy to some). He just seems to have this habit of appearing like that. We were walking a little slowly due to one of our party having been involved in a nasty ‘toe injuring incident’ the day before involving a clothes hanger – this didn’t hold Skippy back. I think it was fair to say the boy was on a mission to get a drink!! We spent the majority of the walk looking at his back as he strode purposely towards the Stoop.

Approaching the ground it became evident that we weren’t the only fools up so early as the car park party was taking good shape. Jack’s flag was already adorning the perimeter fence as a reminder of more important events elsewhere. That wasn’t the last time the wee man’s name was mentioned throughout the day as his story seems to have touched many hundreds of people.

The next hour or so were the usual mix of banter, booze and nibbles with all seeming in good spirits. One thing was clear – not many people were actually talking about the game ahead. Were we confident, nervous? Did we really know how to react to a big final? Who knows or cares, the mood was good. Then came the rain. It wasn’t heavy rain to start with, just that sort of constant rain that annoys you. After tolerating it for about half an hour and with many people questioning that “it was nearly June wasn’t it?” we headed into the ground to the bar under the East Stand. The bar looked rammed as usual but luckily we still had the ‘odd can’ left which we finished off. Here came our first instance of ‘interacting with players’. Justin Bishop and Adrian Flavin happily posed with us all for a photo opportunity and so set one of the themes of the day.

Somebody announced that is was ten past twelve so we rushed off to our seats.

The game : I’d imagine a good game for the neutral to watch. But for myself and most around it seemed a game full of bewildering decisions from the ref and probably not the best performance from either side. Bizarrely it reminded me of supporting LI a season or two ago. Lots of effort yet you kind of knew that it was never going to happen. Despite bags full of optimism from the ‘green habited’ fella beside me it wasn’t to be. Take nothing away from what the team has achieved this season. One thing is for sure, they did look ready for a well-earned rest at the final whistle.

With the game and result all but forgotten we headed back under the stand for some more entertainment and libations aplenty. The band were superb and a real party atmosphere was building. It was a great opportunity to catch up with a few old friends. Still there was little talk of the game amongst us – I think it was a time, for us anyway, just to celebrate the season

We had decided before the match to all meet up in Twickenham so left the ground at probably around 4.30ish. As we walked around the back of the ground some of the players were emerging and heading for the coach : photo opportunity No.2 !! Sorry Delon – you looked a little ‘rabbit in the headlights’ as 4 drunken eejits approached. We also bumped into Brian Smith who had clearly lost the coach (photo opp. No3) and was wandering aimlessly around looking for it.

The long stagger into The Cabbage Patch seemed to take forever and we were finally greeted by about 10 others who had made the trip. It wasn’t long afterwards we all agreed that Sunbury was our destination – cabs were rapidly booked and we took on board a Zambuca or two for the journey (this was the beginning of the end for me or maybe the end of the beginning – who knows!).

Sunbury was more than worth the effort to get there. A fantastic evening with Eek and Murph entertaining all. I was particularly chuffed when Murph shouted ‘Come on the Newfies’ mid set. It was great to chat to some of the players, something that I don’t often do. I’d imagine the dutch courage I had taken on board helped with my approach to these playing heroes. Kieron Roche was on our hit list after Carmel (Staples / Camilla) had decided that she has taken quite a fancy to him since the players sponsor’s evening the other night. At this point I should apologise to him and Carmel for telling him this fact……in front of her – Oops. Thanks to Star of the County Down for the intros !!

In summary the after match party seemed to be enjoyed by all and did fill me and others I was with with a great feeling of really belonging to a club. When it was pointed out to me this morning that I passed out within about five minutes of getting home and it was only 8.30pm I did have a chuckle to myself – I’m sure it was midnight at least, so much had been crammed into the day !!

We are lucky to have such a great team, a fantastic set of supporters and to have been part of this truly amazing season. Onwards and upwards now one hopes. The standards have been set and we now leave behind the European Challenge Cup and enter the Heineken Cup. We finished 3rd this season. Would 4th be seen as a failure next year? Who knows what’s round the corner but lets hope we all enjoy it, even from our reserved seats and remember that it’s only a game, some things are more important eh?

A great day, shame about the result.