Twas the Night Before Albion...
Sandy Park
By Sponge62
December 21 2007
Sponge 62 waxes lyrical on the eve of the eagerly awaited Devon Derby between Exeter Chiefs and Plymouth Albion. He had modestly posted this on the message board but I (Moorsman) thought it deserved a larger audience. Now I just need to get him doing a regular preview or match report?
Twas The Night Before Albion....
by Sponge62
Twas the night before Albion, when all through the park
Not a creature was stirring, everything was dark.
The kit was hung in the dressing rooms with care, In hopes that Rich and the lads soon would be there.
The children were nestled all snug in their beds, While visions of bonus points danced in their heads.
And mamma in her chief scarf, and I in my cap, Had a few pints of Brains then took a long nap.
When out on the pitch there arose such a clatter, I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash, Tore open the shutters and took a quick slash.
The floodlights that shone on the green grass below Allowed me to witness a wondrous show.
Eight giant forwards and 7 skilful backs Were planning defence and practising attacks.
With a little bald driver, so quick on his feet, I knew in a moment it must be Coach Pete.
More rapid than eagles his flying backs came, And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name!
"Now Joshy! Now, Luffy! Now, Danny and Clive! On, Sean! On the Fats! Go eat them alive!
To the top of the perch! To the top of the table! Now give them a thrashing I know that your able!"
As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly, The ball zips to the wings where they race in for a try.
Whilst up front the forwards crouch, pause and engage Then charge way up field, their power uncaged.
On the sidelines P-Diddy surveyed all around. And smiled at the talent, at what he had found,
His eyes-how they twinkled! his dimples how merry! His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!
His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow, And the top of his head in the floodlights did glow.
The end of his whistle held tight in his teeth, One long blast and all went still beneath A wink of his eye and a twist of his head, “You’re ready my Chiefs” to the players he said.
They spoke not a word, but they all seemed to know, That on the next day they’d put on a great show.
As the floodlights went out and the quiet returned, I went back to my bed and I secretly yearned.
For a fifty point victory with plenty of tries, And a pre game treat of cider and mince pies!
And Pete Drewett looked up from the small coaches room, His contented smile brightening up the deep gloom.
His tactics were finished, his selection just right. He knew he would sleep like a baby that night.
He sprang to his feet, and I heard him exclaim, “Dawseys teams always play the bleddy same,
We’ll beat them up front and our backs will run riot, Their team will be beaten, the supporters all quiet”,
Then after the Albion are beat out of sight, Hell say to the Chiefs fans "Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night!"