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STUDENT CUP QUALIFIERS - MEN
Where to start?? Cheered on by the news that Kostas would be playing, the men met at Cornwall House Friday afternoon for the drive to Leeds. 5 hours later, we were there. After terrible directions from myself we pulled over to ask some good looking locals the direction, and were soon on our way again - for 2 minutes before we were again lost. Whilst Nigel sprinted up and down the A660 the van became restless and prepared themselves for sleeping where they were. No need - we soon found the B&B
Once inside we all headed of to our rooms, and the fun started. The B&B people thought it might be amusing to put a large bed and a small bed in each of the rooms, and so fighting soon followed. Whilst Ben spread himself on the King-size bed, Christian sat down for a "chat". The situation was resolved by a game of stone/paper/scissors down the local pub. A thrilling encounter with Ben winning 3-2 with some excellent hand-work. It was soon WAY past our bed-time, so we headed off to set the alarms for 7:30am...Though in our room 5 different alarms went off, all at different times. Once Stefan had finished watching the cartoons we went for breakfast - step up Orso with his brilliant comment to the land-lady (see below).
Onto the matches.
Game 1 vs. Leeds Met: 2-0 loss. A close game in which we were just starting to settle down. We could have won it.
Game 2 vs. UMIST: 2-0 WIN. Our 1st win this year!! Woohoo! Excellent play from everyone involved
Game 3 vs. North London: 2-0 loss. This was the game we needed to win, and almost did. Leading at one point we let it slip towards the end, and we were out. Nevermind, we had a laff.
As we left the Sportshall rumour spread like wildfire that there was a stray volleyball floating in the fountain. In dived Christian to recover the volleyball punctured football. Good one Christian! After handing out the awards (see below) we started home, singing the final 40 miles of the journey. Thanks very much to Orso for supporting, and to Nigel for making the trip possible and almost steering us to victory
Dummy awards
Stupidest mistake: Christian's frolic with the fountain
Stupidest thing said:B&B man: "Would you like some food?" Orso: "I have to ask you for some food first" (was that right?)
Team motivation:Andy - just because
Classic moments:
1) Christian and Ben playing stone/paper/scissors in a pub for a bed
2) Ben's serve - it passed under the net on it's 10th bounce
3) Ben's volley - catching the ball, turning, and throwing it into the net
4) Orso's comment at breakfast
5) Kostas looking for a toilet in the service-station general office
6) Christian's fountain encounter
7) The men on the top floor watching children's programs at 7am
8) Ben being the line-judge and practically falling asleep. Us: "Ben, in or out?" Ben: "yes"
