Month: May 2021
Historic Outcome
Brentford make it to the Premier League and the first time in the top flight since 1947.
Rugby Debut
After showing no interest in rugby when growing up in New Zealand, the land of rugby obsession, IQ had developed his career in east London. He has been learning the skills and playing with the renowned club King Cross Steelers.
After a training/ learning schedule disrupted by the pandemic he had his end of training showpiece game. M&D were in attendance to watch him run round for about 50 minutes out of 80.
There was some fine line-out lifting, big tackles and carries, all done at pace while at times needing a little rest to ‘suck in a few big ones’.
All he needs now is to buy some boots that fit.
Next up the touch rugby season before the winter season starts again?
Lovely afternoon sitting on the bank, in the sun, watching a good standard for players who have been learning and listening to the banter.
Who would want to watch a football match?
Wembley
So Brentford have another go at reaching the rarified zones of football- the Premier League – today.
So according to the BBC the game is worth £160 million- significant then from that point of view, but also would be the first time since 1947 that Brentford played in the top flight. A lifetime or more.
It also seems that the Bees are favourites.
In the end I had access to a ticket for the game but had affirmed with Isaac that I would go to watch his rugby match – after all his training. So Percy is now going in my place.
I will be watching Isaac and then trying to find a pub showing the game in east London. Hopefully not a problem.
COYB.
Ham
A visit to a new garden yesterday. As with these things I have known of its existence for many years but never took the time, effort or cost to go and see.
So a trip with Shaz, cheaper because of RHS membership, to sunny Surrey on the 65 bus.
Beautiful, interesting and very relaxing with a pleasant walk along the Thames to Richmond high street at the end.
Back home
Joe is now doing his enforced quarantine in Auckland having left the UK on Thursday. Two weeks of limited movement in Ellerslie Novotel.
He left from Heathrow on Thursday with tears all around.
So back to Kiwiness for the more Kiwi Quirke and a new adventure with Victoria University and more familiar features of Wellington life.
Go well.
Wembley is next
After a tense early afternoon on Saturday, with much excitement and shouting the Bees managed to win the semi-final play-off match and tie, after a disastrous start, with the winner with 10 minutes to go.
What it took was victory in one of the most chaotic, glorious games of the season as they overturned a two-goal deficit to defeat Bournemouth in a contest that included calamitous defending, a penalty, a red card, countless fouls and a ballistic atmosphere. It was ultimately decided by substitute Marcus Forss’s winner in the 81st minute.
My voice was harsh at the end with the shouting and frustration.
Unfortunately there is not ticket for me as things stand for the final against Swansea. There were 4,300 at new GP but the club has access to less than 4,000 for the final even though 10,000 are allowed to watch. Not enough fan points on my behalf. Oh well, Isaac’s rugby followed by watching in a pub in east London? Interesting.
Family walk
On Friday we were all together as Joe is soon off, to celebrate birthdays and as it was the first time for many months EQ was allowed out of Scotland.
A walk through parts of west London, including a view of the Almond Ave.
That was followed by Gunnersbury park and saying hello to grandmother and grandfather, plus a clean up of the grave.
Next stop were the gardens of Chiswick House before the lunch stop at Kew.
Nice.
Play-off joy?
SAT 22 May 2021Championship – Play-offs – 2nd LegBrentford12:30AFC Bournemouth(Agg 0-1)Venue: Brentford Community Stadium
Brentford v Bournemouth (0-1 agg): Thomas Frank wants Bees to draw on experience
21 May 202121 May 2021.From the section Championship
| Championship play-off semi-final second leg: Brentford v Bournemouth (0-1 agg) |
|---|
| Venue: Brentford Community Stadium Date: Saturday, 22 May Kick-off: 12:30 BST |
| Coverage: Commentary on BBC Radio London Digital and BBC Radio Solent, plus live text coverage on BBC Sport website |
Off to the new stadium today for the second time with Anthony by my side. Clearly a big game for the Bees and with some fans in the stadium, maybe it will feel like a normal match. Long time no attendance .
Am I confident? Not overly, but a win is possible.
Time to enjoy however.
Momento
