The Leg-ends – Downsey’s ramblings on a night at the Stoop
By Downsey
June 28 2010
What an opportunity – doing my bit for Hambo et al and seeing some of the recent greats of the game wobbling around a slightly muddy Stoop or Stooping around a slightly muddy wobble. They clearly didn’t know I was coming as the gates weren’t open when I arrived. That was soon rectified and as the chippy near the railway station had disappeared we headed for the first burger bar we saw.
By Downsey
June 28 2010
What an opportunity – doing my bit for Hambo et al and seeing some of the recent greats of the game wobbling around a slightly muddy Stoop or Stooping around a slightly muddy wobble. They clearly didn’t know I was coming as the gates weren’t open when I arrived. That was soon rectified and as the chippy near the railway station had disappeared we headed for the first burger bar we saw.
It was edible but after paying £5.50 for it I was disappointed that they didn’t come out after I’d finished it to wipe the tomato sauce stains off my Tigers shirt. (And yes Rich it was on the white bit!)
Headed for the bar next – loads of staff most of who didn’t seem to have served beer before. My “server” pulled the pump and nothing happened – “keep pulling ‘till something comes out” was the useful advice from his colleague. (That phrase sounds familiar but that might be another story)
Some tigers in the bar – spoke to a couple of them – maybe they’re on this board? For the record I was with a Scot who thankfully had no idea of what was to happen in Italy the next day, otherwise I would never have got him to go to the bar and break into a £20 note (his first offence though) and I’ve just remembered he borrowed it from me.
Had a quick word with Cozza before the game and mentioned his game plan – Give it to Robbo – and he said he’d have to as Robbo was the only decent player we had! Bit unfair on Jason Leonard I thought. Got close to Robbo as well – I’d forgotten how short he is!
So to the game – uncontested scrums were disappointing but obviously not surprising. England started with Stimmo on the wing and Dan Luger at centre – not quite what we expected. Evidence of some twinkle toes from Justin Bishop to set the tone for the game – a couple of fast backs and some plodders in the midfield! Similar repost from Billy Whizz kept England in the game with both kickers electing, unsuccessfully, to drop the conversion attempts. There was a bit of fun in the corner when dear old Spreaders got a bit too close to the action and may even have scored a try, although he had the decency to not give it. Robbo nearly crippled himself with a long sprint in an attempt to stop a try under the posts. Almost made it too and Spreaders, when he finally arrived, called for the TMO – Oh how we laughed.
My lack of in depth knowledge when analysing rugby was not helped by me sitting in what was apparently the busiest row in the stand – I was up and down all bloody game letting people in and out. It was also not helped by the fact that about 90% of the play way as far away as far away from my seat as it was possible to get. And I was on the half way line!
Hard yards were being put in by the forwards. Cozza was everywhere and Shane Byrne often arrived on the scene at the same time as his well preserved mullet. Jason Leonard did his fair share, although most of his yards did seem to be backwards and forwards between the pitch and the bar.
The game so far has certainly given new meaning to the phrase “rolling substitutions” and at one point the crowd were offered the chance to play.
We had a trainee comic on the microphone as well – sometimes amusing, mainly at the expense of Spreaders but a bit patronising with Hambo at the end I thought (just my opinion)
So half time came and I can’t remember what the score was. I can however remember that the queue for the bar was apparently too long and my friend from North of The Border came back sans beer. A biggish cheer came with the announcement of the half time score from Cardiff. I didn’t join in though as I love the Welsh and all they stand for.
More of the same in the second half – a bit of handbags in a ruck seemed to be led by some chap called Richard Cockerill – so out of character. Stimmo decided to see if his kicking game still worked and it certainly did – I think the ball in hand idea was abandoned because they were too knackered by then
So it finished 17 -15 to the Irish. A draw would have been fairer but the Irish cheated with their last conversion attempt – they kicked it properly.
A good night and for some good causes – I hear that something approaching £200.000 was raised (mainly on burger sales I think). Maybe it’ll become an annual event and if it does I’d recommend it to everyone.
And for those interested – I did get my £20 back!
And finally my tribute to the likes of Hambo and the Late Stuart Mangan: These guys put it all in perspective. If my only problem in life is to complain about the price of a burger then I am one very fortunate bloke. I am not ashamed to admit that I shed a few tears watching the TV documentary about Stuart and we should never forget (and I know we won’t) the risks these guys take to give us our fix. I salute them all.
Headed for the bar next – loads of staff most of who didn’t seem to have served beer before. My “server” pulled the pump and nothing happened – “keep pulling ‘till something comes out” was the useful advice from his colleague. (That phrase sounds familiar but that might be another story)
Some tigers in the bar – spoke to a couple of them – maybe they’re on this board? For the record I was with a Scot who thankfully had no idea of what was to happen in Italy the next day, otherwise I would never have got him to go to the bar and break into a £20 note (his first offence though) and I’ve just remembered he borrowed it from me.
Had a quick word with Cozza before the game and mentioned his game plan – Give it to Robbo – and he said he’d have to as Robbo was the only decent player we had! Bit unfair on Jason Leonard I thought. Got close to Robbo as well – I’d forgotten how short he is!
So to the game – uncontested scrums were disappointing but obviously not surprising. England started with Stimmo on the wing and Dan Luger at centre – not quite what we expected. Evidence of some twinkle toes from Justin Bishop to set the tone for the game – a couple of fast backs and some plodders in the midfield! Similar repost from Billy Whizz kept England in the game with both kickers electing, unsuccessfully, to drop the conversion attempts. There was a bit of fun in the corner when dear old Spreaders got a bit too close to the action and may even have scored a try, although he had the decency to not give it. Robbo nearly crippled himself with a long sprint in an attempt to stop a try under the posts. Almost made it too and Spreaders, when he finally arrived, called for the TMO – Oh how we laughed.
My lack of in depth knowledge when analysing rugby was not helped by me sitting in what was apparently the busiest row in the stand – I was up and down all bloody game letting people in and out. It was also not helped by the fact that about 90% of the play way as far away as far away from my seat as it was possible to get. And I was on the half way line!
Hard yards were being put in by the forwards. Cozza was everywhere and Shane Byrne often arrived on the scene at the same time as his well preserved mullet. Jason Leonard did his fair share, although most of his yards did seem to be backwards and forwards between the pitch and the bar.
The game so far has certainly given new meaning to the phrase “rolling substitutions” and at one point the crowd were offered the chance to play.
We had a trainee comic on the microphone as well – sometimes amusing, mainly at the expense of Spreaders but a bit patronising with Hambo at the end I thought (just my opinion)
So half time came and I can’t remember what the score was. I can however remember that the queue for the bar was apparently too long and my friend from North of The Border came back sans beer. A biggish cheer came with the announcement of the half time score from Cardiff. I didn’t join in though as I love the Welsh and all they stand for.
More of the same in the second half – a bit of handbags in a ruck seemed to be led by some chap called Richard Cockerill – so out of character. Stimmo decided to see if his kicking game still worked and it certainly did – I think the ball in hand idea was abandoned because they were too knackered by then
So it finished 17 -15 to the Irish. A draw would have been fairer but the Irish cheated with their last conversion attempt – they kicked it properly.
A good night and for some good causes – I hear that something approaching £200.000 was raised (mainly on burger sales I think). Maybe it’ll become an annual event and if it does I’d recommend it to everyone.
And for those interested – I did get my £20 back!
And finally my tribute to the likes of Hambo and the Late Stuart Mangan: These guys put it all in perspective. If my only problem in life is to complain about the price of a burger then I am one very fortunate bloke. I am not ashamed to admit that I shed a few tears watching the TV documentary about Stuart and we should never forget (and I know we won’t) the risks these guys take to give us our fix. I salute them all.
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The Leg-ends – Downsey’s ramblings on a night at the Stoop
Posted by: TheLeicesterTigers.co.uk (IP Logged)
Date: 28/06/2010 09:48
What do you think? You can have your say by posting below.
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Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2010:06:28:12:10:11 by TigerChick.
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Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2010:06:28:12:10:11 by TigerChick.
Re: The Leg-ends – Downsey’s ramblings on a night at the Stoop
Posted by: TigerChick (IP Logged)
Date: 28/06/2010 09:50
Apologies to Downsey for taking quite so long posting this up!
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Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2010:06:28:12:10:34 by TigerChick.
Will update the site with news stories and reports. Supporting the Tigers fans community
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Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2010:06:28:12:10:34 by TigerChick.
Re: The Leg-ends – Downey’s ramblings on a night at the Stoop
Posted by: Rich W (IP Logged)
Date: 28/06/2010 11:09
And for mis-spelling his name?
..........................................................................
For the avoidance of all doubt please note that the views expressed above are the opinions of the author. I do not make any claim as to their veracity beyond that I believe them to be true. I do not believe that they take precedence over anyone else’s but I maintain my right to question and to refute any opinion expressed on here which runs contrary to mine. Please note that I expect nothing else in return. Please do not, however, be offended should I express doubt as to the accuracy or value of any contribution made by another poster.
Oh let the sun beat down upon my face, stars to fill my dream
..........................................................................
For the avoidance of all doubt please note that the views expressed above are the opinions of the author. I do not make any claim as to their veracity beyond that I believe them to be true. I do not believe that they take precedence over anyone else’s but I maintain my right to question and to refute any opinion expressed on here which runs contrary to mine. Please note that I expect nothing else in return. Please do not, however, be offended should I express doubt as to the accuracy or value of any contribution made by another poster.
Oh let the sun beat down upon my face, stars to fill my dream
Re: The Leg-ends – Downey’s ramblings on a night at the Stoop
Posted by: Rich W (IP Logged)
Date: 28/06/2010 11:24
Nice work Paul and thanks.
Echo the sentiments!
..........................................................................
For the avoidance of all doubt please note that the views expressed above are the opinions of the author. I do not make any claim as to their veracity beyond that I believe them to be true. I do not believe that they take precedence over anyone else’s but I maintain my right to question and to refute any opinion expressed on here which runs contrary to mine. Please note that I expect nothing else in return. Please do not, however, be offended should I express doubt as to the accuracy or value of any contribution made by another poster.
Oh let the sun beat down upon my face, stars to fill my dream
Echo the sentiments!
..........................................................................
For the avoidance of all doubt please note that the views expressed above are the opinions of the author. I do not make any claim as to their veracity beyond that I believe them to be true. I do not believe that they take precedence over anyone else’s but I maintain my right to question and to refute any opinion expressed on here which runs contrary to mine. Please note that I expect nothing else in return. Please do not, however, be offended should I express doubt as to the accuracy or value of any contribution made by another poster.
Oh let the sun beat down upon my face, stars to fill my dream
Re: The Leg-ends – Downey’s ramblings on a night at the Stoop
Posted by: Tiggs (IP Logged)
Date: 28/06/2010 11:35
Super read thanks !!
Re: The Leg-ends – Downey’s ramblings on a night at the Stoop
Posted by: Stopsy (IP Logged)
Date: 28/06/2010 11:54
Great stuff Downsey & thanks
Re: The Leg-ends – Downsey’s ramblings on a night at the Stoop
Posted by: TigerChick (IP Logged)
Date: 28/06/2010 12:11
I only copy and paste Rich - I did alter the article title when I spotted the typo, and have now changed the thread title!!
Will update the site with news stories and reports. Supporting the Tigers fans community
Email me via tigerchick "at" ymail "dot" com (No spam!)
Will update the site with news stories and reports. Supporting the Tigers fans community
Email me via tigerchick "at" ymail "dot" com (No spam!)
Re: The Leg-ends – Downsey’s ramblings on a night at the Stoop
Posted by: Tiggs (IP Logged)
Date: 28/06/2010 12:16
That will explain it then !
Re: The Leg-ends – Downsey’s ramblings on a night at the Stoop
Posted by: Rich W (IP Logged)
Date: 28/06/2010 12:51
No worries Jen.
..........................................................................
For the avoidance of all doubt please note that the views expressed above are the opinions of the author. I do not make any claim as to their veracity beyond that I believe them to be true. I do not believe that they take precedence over anyone else’s but I maintain my right to question and to refute any opinion expressed on here which runs contrary to mine. Please note that I expect nothing else in return. Please do not, however, be offended should I express doubt as to the accuracy or value of any contribution made by another poster.
Oh let the sun beat down upon my face, stars to fill my dream
..........................................................................
For the avoidance of all doubt please note that the views expressed above are the opinions of the author. I do not make any claim as to their veracity beyond that I believe them to be true. I do not believe that they take precedence over anyone else’s but I maintain my right to question and to refute any opinion expressed on here which runs contrary to mine. Please note that I expect nothing else in return. Please do not, however, be offended should I express doubt as to the accuracy or value of any contribution made by another poster.
Oh let the sun beat down upon my face, stars to fill my dream
Re: The Leg-ends – Downsey’s ramblings on a night at the Stoop
Posted by: Downsey (IP Logged)
Date: 28/06/2010 15:58
Seems to be a bit of a repeat paragraph as well - I suppose that was my fault!
-----------------------------------
Lest we forget
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Lest we forget
Re: The Leg-ends – Downsey’s ramblings on a night at the Stoop
Posted by: Tiggs (IP Logged)
Date: 28/06/2010 16:47
If you say so ?
Re: The Leg-ends – Downsey’s ramblings on a night at the Stoop
Posted by: Rich W (IP Logged)
Date: 29/06/2010 06:42
Most things are Paul. We've been through this...
..........................................................................
For the avoidance of all doubt please note that the views expressed above are the opinions of the author. I do not make any claim as to their veracity beyond that I believe them to be true. I do not believe that they take precedence over anyone else’s but I maintain my right to question and to refute any opinion expressed on here which runs contrary to mine. Please note that I expect nothing else in return. Please do not, however, be offended should I express doubt as to the accuracy or value of any contribution made by another poster.
Oh let the sun beat down upon my face, stars to fill my dream
..........................................................................
For the avoidance of all doubt please note that the views expressed above are the opinions of the author. I do not make any claim as to their veracity beyond that I believe them to be true. I do not believe that they take precedence over anyone else’s but I maintain my right to question and to refute any opinion expressed on here which runs contrary to mine. Please note that I expect nothing else in return. Please do not, however, be offended should I express doubt as to the accuracy or value of any contribution made by another poster.
Oh let the sun beat down upon my face, stars to fill my dream
Re: The Leg-ends – Downsey’s ramblings on a night at the Stoop
Posted by: TigerChick (IP Logged)
Date: 29/06/2010 09:23
Nah, that'll be me! I'll pop in and fix it. Sorry chaps!
Will update the site with news stories and reports. Supporting the Tigers fans community
Email me via tigerchick "at" ymail "dot" com (No spam!)
Will update the site with news stories and reports. Supporting the Tigers fans community
Email me via tigerchick "at" ymail "dot" com (No spam!)
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