[comments by Markian Jaworksy in Italics.]
Finally home after 10 days on the road.
Me too.
I had intended to stay for the Tonga v American Somoa match, but was too tired, and had to bail out a sleeping-on-the-grass David Arnold with no place to stay, and no plans whatsoever. David, you owe me one!
So speaketh the man who fell over in the gravel at Bundheynonnyno. His missus cleaned the wounds AND took over the wheel pointing me to the back seat. Why he doesn't marry her is beyond me.
I think I saw Chris Dunkerley in a Socceroo shirt('97) as I was leaving? Wish I had of met the rest of the ozlistees in Coffs and been able to play in the supporters match before I had to leave Coffs, but by Sunday arvo I was well and truly gone.
Moi too. I arranged with Becky Carey (thanks Bec, you're an angel) to rendezvous at Hornsby Train station 6am Sat morning, which involved a 4.15am wakeup. Not a problem, but I only got 3 hours sleep! We made great time and got to Coffs at 11.30am.
Then it was lunch with GKW, clan Forza and family Gatt. Ray's son is a dead ringer for Simon Colosimo. Thanks for the beer and tix Fred, much obliged. Your drunken revelry after the game has me green with envy.
I was feeling very seedy by this time and arranged to meet Mark & Kline inside the gates. Accosted by Alan Clark and his better, and met Mike Huckle and SO.
Much to my delight, Trumper, Rohan and John Herron were in the crowd. This is 8 Carlton supporters versus 2 Souths! The Marconi and Brisbane boys were present, but were where the others?
All the carefully laid plans were thrown out the window as I was only too happy to join up with the CBFC (Con Boustianis Fan club). With my hand on my heart, I truthfully say the CBFC were giving CB some much-needed encouragement and positive feedback in what must have been a difficult position on the left wing and directly in front us.
I've read the players didn't hear the crowd. I'd accept it, if Trumper wasn't there. He can clean out the Chicago graveyard from Melbourne with just 2 words. Just ask CB. Trumper also showed off his Digital Video. AWESOME sequence of Mark rushing up to get his photo with Archie.
We were extremely poor in the match, only the introduction of Simes boosted the team. We'd spent the entire 2nd half demanding the introduction of one A. Thompson and the sarcastic cheering when he came on was fully deserved IMHO.
How Boutsianis lasted 30 minutes, let alone 70, is beyond me.
Mark wanted to watch the 2nd match, what was it, Tonga vs Samoa? 4 years ago, I said to Mark "How about that Carlton team." He said, "nah". I kept at him and now I'm thinking "What HAVE I done?"
I just collapsed - I only had 3 hours sleep, please take this into consideration before I hear the sarcastic comments about the staying ability of Melburnians
Much thanks to Bec for the drive up, the Marconi fellas for the drink and tix and Mark/Kline for the bed, breakfast and drive back. We got stuck behind the long, big VIAGRA bus (Veterans ? aging gracefully going round Australia).
It was a great trip. Tinged with a bit of sadness at those whom would have been first in last out in the 'old days'. I speak of Kev Christopher, Greg Stock, Thomas Esamie, Steve Bradbury..
It was brilliant to meet the listees old and new. Finally caught up with the unknown soldier (who has packed an awful lot into his 23 years) and Bonnie (unexpected and a great surprise).
Yes, I know I had provisionally arranged to meet some of you in Sydney this week. I come from Melbourne. I was staying in Randwick. Coogee Beach is 20 minutes walk, Bondi 40. The weather was good (for a change). My hit rate is better in Sydney (I have no idea why, all correspondance appreciated). My beer budget was unlimited.
Do you know what I'm saying?
I was there in the beginning and I'll be there in the end (touch wood). See you in Melbourne in November.