London calling

London was calling and we were on our way.

A late checkout was greeted with great smiles as stories of Ireland’s hospitality greeted us Saturday morning.

There were other things on our minds now as we moved to the last leg of the trip and headed for Dublin airport.

Talk turned to home, to important things, events that would shape our lives. Of course, here we were talking rugby.

The Bulls loss to the Chiefs the day  before had given our driver Kiwi Mark some bragging rights to chirp us with, but the bigger game was waiting.

Stormers v Sharks, and with a fair bunch of support for both we headed to London.

Timekeeping was a major factor today, especially as we had a kickoff to make. As we made Heathrow, we found no customs waiting – a bonus as our time was limited and headed straight to our hotel.

We were spoilt tonight, the Hilton waited for us in Kensington – not too shabby Nige!

But rugby and beer was more on our menu than appreciating hotel groups and we were quickly off to Shepherds Bush to the Antipodean bar The Walkabout.

The rules were easy. If the Sharks score, the Stormers drink, and visa versa. With the Sharks getting ahead early there were a few grumbles from Stormers, but their revenge would come with two late tries for the Stormers.

The bar was the perfect setting, and before we headed for the big night, we had one last fines meeting. A big one. A rough one, but one to settle all outstanding debts.

The night ambled on and the beer flowed, as laughter once again accompanied us.

As things got blurry, we had the sad realization that this was the last night for us and tomorrow we would be heading home…a very sad thought indeed.

Later though – very later – some of those who ambled into the hotel in the early hours decided the fun wasn’t over. Armed with room keys for some key people – including Smeegle and Ramon – they set about rushing into rooms to startle them awake.

It was a strange sight for those awakened, and loads of laughter to be had afterwards.