Well here we are at week 3
Firstly, many members and friends of Ventnor Rugby Club have asked me to pass on their condolences to the family of Tony Atkins who passed away last week. Special thoughts go to Adam who is a new member of the club.
Highlights of the week are:
- Great committee meeting – very positive with many projects moving forward
- James has been in for ‘major’ surgery – read official account below
- Beach rugby is coming – amid much Media hype – read below
- The Niton Flag continues to provoke a reaction
- Middlesex 7s
- Ventnor Carnival
Committee meeting
The committee meeting was held last Thursday and it was encouraging to see such positive thoughts, ideas & projects. It was great to see Bill, Warren, & Dave M so proactive & Nige has a renewed vigour, long may we continue in this positive mode!
James’ Knee op’ report
Breezed the knee op'. Went down to theatre at about 11 am. They do it under general anaesthetic (so you don't wriggle I suppose). So this extraordinary chap (who claims to have a needle phobia) sticks a needle in me. I am just not going under and begin to get a bit concerned. Then this other chap is talking to me, telling me that they are worried that my blood pressure has shot up. Now I am thinking "bollocks, they're not going to do this effing operation" only suddenly to feel that I have a monster bandage on my left knee! They've only gone and done it. Where I was at the time, I have no idea!
The surgeon came to see me afterwards and told me that they had used the Black and Decker on the meniscus cartilage and got rid of the rubbish. He also told me that I had damaged my cruciate ligament sometime in my past. Why wasn't I told!
He opined that the injuries were typical of someone who has put in more than fifty years of athletic prowess and dynamic power on England’s green battle fields (with the occasional sortie to southern France). He also suggested that I should change the way I lean on the bar. I have been through the old videos and he's right. I always lean on my left elbow and, therefore, load up my left leg. Keep an eye on me will you.
Beach Rugby
There are just too many leaks coming out from this club! After the Beach Rugby revelations concerning Nolan yesterday, many red-top newspapers today carry the story - 'from an impeccable source' - that Adam Pratt is also running out for Ventnor for the weekend. Squad leader, Damo, is rightly furious, "It's unforgivable that this story has broken early. AP is your classic impact player and we wanted to keep his availability under wraps. He has been awesome in training and has really put in the hard yards in the sand. We particularly loved his beautifully sculptured relief of the two dolphins which was not only perfectly proportioned but wonderfully decorated with seashells and three types of seaweed".
With the above revelation & the fact that Nolan “the crab” Winter is available, this surely must warrant a few spectators down at Appley on Saturday. Not quite sure kick off time (12 noon, I think), but if you are interested please contact Damo 07800 628637
The Niton Flag
For those who haven’t seen it, the flag is to be seen along with former 1st XV skipper & former Chairman’s son, Dave Champion, on “You tube” type in the words “niton flag”. It’s great to see our little village advertised in such a way, however to get the blame for the bottle fight debacle is somewhat harsh. Some might say if Bob had left me to flounder in the mosh pit on the Saturday then the flag would not have been there & the whole incident wouldn’t have happened. If anyone should get the blame it is Mr R Engelgardt!!!!!
Middlesex 7s
You may have noticed the footnote on the bottom of some emails, if you don’t mind could you all pop it onto your mails so that the word gets out.
Ventnor Carnival
I have been sent some information about a relay race for the carnival, I will be forwarding to James to put on the website, but I also feel we need to have a float in the Carnival again, Coops, AP, Paul Berry & Todd, this is your moment, I will be in touch.
That’s it for this week, enjoy & see you all soon
P.S. Can anyone shed any light on Nick Jaggers’ lady?