CAISTER 2003

Weekend Report

After the disappointing turnout of Caister 2002, Cheam vowed to attend with an increased squad and fourteen braved the M11 to make 2003 the best attendance year for the Chargers yet.

The Friday night festivities were underway swiftly with the smart Chargers squad shirts and inspired drinking bringing us quickly to the notice of the DJ and other revellers.  Cheam partied hearty and drank the whip dry with Turbo Shandies and Nitro Shandies.   Tour name drinking soon proved to be a popular decision and excitement ran late into the night, with us stumbling behind trying to keep up.

Saturday morning brought the usual pain and tears but all managed to assemble at 10am for our first game against Speedy St Mont Guilbert.  Opposition players were surprised by our swift incisive attacking and swarming defence - but not as much as we were.  Half time after superb attacking play from Action Man, Sobbing Norm, The Liability and Pork Pie amongst others saw Cheam leading.  Fortunately for the opposition Hangovers and Beer then made their presence felt and Speedy ran out eventual winners after an easier second half for them.   Special mentions for the ref who hated us for having fun, and for The Liability and Pork Pie who got our Technical Foul count off to a healthy start.  Fry-ups were then the order of the day followed by a few restorative beverages and it was back on court at 2pm for our game against Woodley Horse Whisperers.  A tight game throughout, Cheam were again leading at half time but in the end suffered from the club policy of trying to get Jackie Chan to score running out second best by three points.  Special mention goes to Action Man for earning the 3 squad number with his sniper shooting from outside the arc and for his "Hello Sailor" lay-up - the best move of the day.  The final game against Great Barr Lasers saw Cheam absolutely knackered and after contesting for most of the match with Dr Rohipnol becoming a welcome addition to the squad notching up some quick points.  However the tiredness told and Lasers ran out winners meaning that Cheam kept it's 100% loss record at Caister.  Special mention goes to the opposition for trying as hard as we did to get Jackie Chan on the score sheet!  Also great thanks to B L S O P and 'Orrible for their unswavering support (although a better team shot would have been useful!).

Saturday night saw a return to the partying where we were warmly greeted by the DJ and all present.  Special night mentions go to Action Man's 'needle on the record' dancing, Homer's Jungle grooves and Pork Pie's 'let's get badgered' rallying call.

Sunday saw the return trip home, and the promise to return next year and maybe win a game.   The Jets (winners) might just be holding their breath.

(but I doubt it).