'We're in great spirits after beating Leicester' (From Bucks Free Press)

'We're in great spirits after beating Leicester'

9:46am Monday 29th September 2008

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By Joe Ward »

Well its been a hell of a few weeks at wasps HQ.

After being frustrated at not getting a win in the first couple of games, the boys are in great spirits after the fantastic win against Leicester on Friday night.

There were a few tense moments and it looked like the iron shackles and straight jacket would have to be brought out for Shaun Edwards on the sideline, but alas whatever he said at half time fired the boys up and we managed to pull it off.

Obviously we have come in for a fair amount of criticism over the last couple of weeks, mainly from people who, like us, have felt genuine frustration and bewilderment at how we’ve been playing .

These people want to see Wasps do well. However on the other side of the coin, like a gaggle of circling city traders trying to short sell a bank, is the crowd eager to see the boys fail miserably.

When responding to this kind of criticism from certain quarters i am reminded of an old tribal quote – “Never insult an alligator until after you have crossed the river “.

The crossing of that particular river will be in a couple of month’s time when we will have firmly put our season back on track.

I foresee a few of the more famous pundits and critics with fairly large Alligator bite marks on their asses’ in respect to their early season analysis of us.

Comings and Goings Continuing on to the team, we made some great pre season signings and said farewell to some great lads as well.

Gone are Nick Adams, who has left to play for Montabaun in France, and to also pursue his film career as stunt double to Azamat in the next instalment of the the Borat movie.

Obviously Dalliglio finally retired, albeit briefly, when he rocked up to a second team game a few weeks back with his boots in his bag and jaw protruding.

Next to go and currently sitting at 138th in line to the British throne – Lord Fraser Waters also left to play elsewhere.

He is now plying his trade in Italy, and Ihear he’s been mowing down long haired Italians with ease (Probably with the same ease as he has had mowing down bottles of vintage 1924 Chianti each week).

Pint sized Simon Amor left to join the circus and Mark McMillan’s mum told him to come home, so he is now back in Scotland.

Players joining us this year are a mixture of youth, experience and extreme old age.

Mark ‘lock up your daughters’ Robinson joins us from Northampton where he was extremely successful on and off the field. We both played together in New Zealand at North Harbour and i know he is a great player and a terrific team man.

He is also the only rugby player I have heard of, that has attended 3 out of the 5 days of a Fashion Week. Coming in also is the legendary French openside, Serge Betsen.

The boys have ribbed him for his age, but he is still in great form and being the top bloke he is, has fitted in superbly.

Then, just when it started to look like a retirement home, Wasps bought in fresh young talent in the form of Australian hearthrob Lachie Mitchell.

Lachie too has brought an energy and excitement to the club, and like the rest of the new boys has easily slotted into the Wasps culture. I imagine the young Ocker will soon be following in Mark Robinsons footsteps down the fashion runway route.

I tried to get him to follow me and Rob Webber down the route of the Redback Pub, sawdust on the floor and 30p snake bites, but he’s yet to take us up on it. Shame really.

On a personal note, its also been a horror start to the season.

After being injured all of the pre season with a hamstring (which is ironic, because I move at the speed of smell...), my first game back last weekend ended with my tendons and muscles detaching themselves from the humourous bone late in the first half.

The worst thing about it, is that i cant use my arm for the next week, so am unable to cook. This means that my wife now has to cook for me.

This may sound pleasant and even luxurious, to most people but when she cooks she has a ensemble of 3 magical dishes - 2 minute noodles (burnt), salmonella flavoured chicken (also burnt) and pizza.

God loves a tryer though, so i soldier on eating whilst muffling my gags and holding in the oncoming stomach contractions so as not to offend her.

Sorry to “out” you so publicly love, but people could get hurt and our kitchen may well get closed down by the Food and Safety commission. Please don’t beat me when i get home.

Till next time Joe ward