Tonight, had a mutually congratulatory pint (or few - and not of horlicks Charles) with Paul from East Hull. We wore our rival colours but back-slapped one another. He drinks in The Egerton as he works at Manchester Owens and, back in the days of The Centurions, accompanied Bongser to LSV on a number of occasions, willing on Leigh.

He and the rest of the lads in there has/have us down as strong faves.

Your correspondent has suggested that, in front of all and sundry (should Bongser be able to acquire a suitable ball) we should have a warm-up game of "Matchbox Rugby" - only five minutes each way - the old kicking finger isn't what it used to be, alas!

SkY are interested!!