A Caped Crocodile in Cardiff
Prior to this week’s skittle match, the captain in his infinite tactical wisdom enlisted ‘swab’ Russ to organise an educational excursion. And so it came to be the Burtle Skittle team made an excursion to Cardiff to watch Australia V Fiji in the Rugby World Cup.
Minibus booked and piloted by helmsman Andy, clutching their passports the team crossed over to Cardiff. It’s a well known fact that many places in this world are busier than Burtle and captain unphased by the crowds immediately formed the team into a 2-by-2 crocodile, removed his shiny red raincoat and formed it into a makeshift cape around his neck, presumably to ensure his ship mates could easily spot him if the crowds thickened. The crocodile continued onwards and the crowds parted before the caped crusader, muttering was heard under their breath – who was this mystery man in a cape ?
It was a short wait before the game and the team thought it best to test the local ales. For the most part this went well until the captain had to be resuscitated in one bar when he received his bill – there was a brief fracas, some colourful language and once the captain came round he gave the publican some advice on marketing beer at £6 a pint.
Eventually the team found the stadium and their hospitality suite. Our hosts had left a complimentary cheese board which was immediately inhaled by the team.During the first half of the game The team enjoyed berating the Autralian’s sat in the seats below, some signing and contributing to a mexican wave. Half time came and the captain disappeared. The team assumed he had been summoned to impart his tactical genius to the Fijians. Captain safely returned to the suite and full time came, Fiji had unfortunately lost – we all agreed it wasn’t the captain’s fault and they should of payed more attention to his wise words.
The team re-assembled on Thursday evening, full of promise, dregs of a hangover and pockets full of free cheese. First hand came and the team scored a respectable 64, the visitors came back with 61 and 66. On a high the team skittled on, hands of 76 and 70 was wrote up, visitors responded with an 81 and 68. Their lead eroded the team battled on and wrote up another good hand hand of 73 and 68. The beer flowed, cards was played and our brave team waited for their turn….
Disaster, the visitors came back with two strong hands of 84 and 80. The team a little deflated could only manage a 62 on the next hand. Captain issued a few stern words and the team ended with a hand of 77 – bringing a total of 490 – a respectable result. but it wasn’t enough. The visitors responded with a final hand of 65 bring their total to 505.
The first home loss. The captain although disappointed with the loss could not fault the team’s performance.
Man of the match this week was ‘first mate’ Colin. He put in a fine display of skittles with 3 spares and a final personal total of 77.
