June

June was very busy. Every weekend was supposed to be a game of Aussie Rules. One of those got cancelled so that allowed us 1 weekend of not travelling. I injured my shoulder in May, so I was gutted about that, but luckily the shoulder got better soon enough to play a part in the games.

Other then that, there were quite a few games. We're 4-4 at this stage of the season, although I've only kicked 5 goals I think that is pretty good for a ruckman who only plays half a game. Apart from one half where I got destroyed by the other ruckman I've been able to hold my own.

Sat 6th was Nottingham, so that was an early drive down, play 2 games (1 win an 1 loss) and then drive back and have some drinks. I was injured, so couldn't play. Losing to Nottingham is always devastating, but my consolation is that I wasn't playing. We have 1 more game against them this year...hopefully this will be it.

Sat 13th was London, which was when we were staying over. They have huge pitches down there, on the full size cricket pitch. We played 18-a-side with the help of lots of mates from London. Once again it was 1-1, as we won the first game and then lost the 2nd. Being the only ruckman on such a large ground was a bit of a shock, but I managed ok. The heat made it a bit of struggle.... for the english players. Personally I had no problems, it was the knee in the kidneys that made it more difficult.

Due to the heat and tiredness, it wasn't a huge night out. It was a good short night, but a struggle to keep going. Shepherds Bush is very Aussie, and it was a bit of a turn off. Apart from the fact we got cherry ripes and a real pie I don't think I could live there. The next day was a nice lie down in the park, another Jumbuck pie (fantastic!) and a bit of a wander around Soho. Good way to end the weekend.

Next weekend was the weekend off, which was great to just sleep in. We were meant to be playing in Nottingham, but the London teams forfeited. So we just bummed around, ate food and did very little.

The next weekend was our home game. Due to problems getting the changing rooms opened, we relocated to Broughton Park Rugby Club, which made for a very short game. A rugby pitch isn't designed for Aussie Rules.... but it did suit the teams as we didn't have that many players. My shoulder was back to normal, but man is that ground hard. I still have grazes from that day. Once again, we won the first but lost the second. Reading were defeated in the first game, and then Wandsworth were too strong. Their ruckman was just too good for me (it pains me to admit that).

That night I managed to get kicked out of a club for the first time. Some of the guys were doing lineouts (not a good idea in a pub) and I ended up in the middle of them at some point...so up I went. Bouncer came over and kicked me out, which is fair enough.

Cara has been working in Derby 4 days a week, so she comes back on Thursdays. Of all the games of Aussie Rules we played this month, she managed to not see any of them. Which takes some doing, but she managed it. Maybe the next few.

Alright, that's June up to date. July coming soon, along with photos from Dublin and the lake district.