..KICKING IT WITH THE WOMBATS – PART THREE…………………

By Charles Richardson in Singapore – April 30^th 2006

My friend Chi Chi (and current Magpies player) came for a visit to the isle of Singapore a few weeks ago. He and I drank our way through multiple countries and had a great time.

On Saturday I managed to convince him to shake off the hang over and go practice with the Wombats. A scrimmage was scheduled with the Australian Navy but apparently they had a bit too much fun the night before as only two of the swabbies showed up. Regardless, we had 24 guys ready to scrimmage on an extremely sloppy field. I started on the ball and Chi was in the front pocket. Unfortunately, we were on the same team. I had looked forward to smacking him around a bit but I guess it wasn't to be.

Once again, I started with the first goal and then was shut out the rest of the game. Not sure what my problem is with the fast start/slow finish, I'll have to work with Coach Stu and his extensive knowledge to correct my game. Chi was caught in gigantic puddles for the majority of the game and spent a lot time sliding around fighting for the ball on the ground. He was credited with the "Shepard of the Game" when he threw an NFL style block on the back pocket who was closing on one of his teammates. We played four 15-minute quarters. After half time, the game got extremely sloppy as the field was torn up, the ball was wet, and all of us were soaked. Splash, who you've heard me mention in previous emails, got a few solid sticks in on me. I fully intend to repay the favor next week at practice. I'll be damned if some bald Aussie is going to smack me around (you listening coach Stuey?).

Keeping with tradition, beer was broken out after the game. The rookies were lined up and told to prepare to shotgun a beer. I stood on the sidelines laughing at Chi when I was told that I had to join as well. My previous shot gunning apparently had been disregarded. The guys like to tell me on a fairly regular basis that I'm being fined for this or that and I think they used this to justify my return to the shotgun line-up. A list of some of the things I've been "fined" for:

1. Being American (x3)

2. Going home at 4:00 AM

3. Wearing shorts that were too short

4. Wearing shorts that were too long

5. Using my sweaty jumper to keep a guys seats from getting wet

6. Not drinking enough

Chi and I handled our beer and spent a bit more time with the team and then headed home. I think Chi enjoyed his time with the team although I think he would have been a bit happier had the field been drier or if he'd had a set of spikes.

I return to Singapore this Sunday and will rejoin the team in early May for a few cup games in Singapore. I'll keep all of you posted.