Woz On: weather woes, sponsor shout-outs and vandalism vexation

Big day today; the long awaited 'sausage trifle' has been signed off (aka 'Brexit' for those of you who haven't been reading my drivel closely).

So, we're off in a direction, which I think we all agree is a good thing, as it's stopped the old stalemate situation.

However, I can't help thinking we are a long way off enjoying the 'er trifle because we are still pondering the ingredients and where we get them from etc and then, how do we actually eat the blinkin' thing! Hey ho.

At the Ton we were a bit makeshift for our catch up game against Teignmouth last weekend and we got a bit of a kicking.

However, in parts, once again, we played well. It was great to see some of our youngsters getting some proper first team action and they all acquitted themselves well.

Reality is though, we are at the bottom of the pile now, with it all to do.

Still, life goes on and I must say we had a good crowd at the Ton. Thanks to Ally, Nuttal and Bugg*roff for serving up the lovely grub for Jonathan and his clan who are, when all said and done, loyal sponsors.

They were fed and watered and spent a bob or two. So unashamedly we need to give Blamphayne Saw Mills a good old plug. Hurrah to them I say!

Also, thanks to our bar crews, especially to Mark, Julia and our new recruit Jane who was in the mix for the first time. For those who don't know, er's the 'trouble and strife' of marketing guru Chris; think she quite enjoyed the hustle and bustle of it all.

Sunday games were on against Sidmouth, but down came the rain so whilst the boy's games went ahead, t'was very wet and muddy.

I saw the report from the 11's game and they just lost to the Muff but as mentioned, the main feature of the report was the conditions.

Helen ran the bar at Tonville and she doesn't know it yet but she's the new 'Junior bar co-ordinator'.

All said and done, it was great to see it open on Sunday and if we can continue with it each week, this now means our volunteers are insuring Mums and Dads who might have had a stressful morning can have a beer after their games to calm nerves.

Now I mention the weather and this winter has been a 'disaster darling'.

I can't help thinking that for the juniors all over the land, that the powers that be should consider a structured break in the season, where Jan and Feb are months off and the season resumes in March and just goes on a bit longer.

Mind, having said that, if you recall, it started raining at the back end of October and hasn't really stopped since. Still, just a thought!

At the Ton we had a bit of a meeting on Monday and I was introduced to some of my new chums who are coming on board to help run the junior section.

This was great and as I mentioned several times before; "we are here for the community and we can only keep the thing going if we have volunteers helping out".

It was very constructive and I hope we didn't put any of them off! They all seemed keen. Still have a few others I need to contact to see what they can help with, but all positive!

Back to being a 'mood hoover' (what's that you ask? well, this is one of our new work phrases aimed at someone who keeps moaning - me? Never!)

I went up to sort out the top changing rooms for the weekend and once again the Town's Oiks have decided to kick the doors in again.

They all got fixed and painted back in October and since then this is the second time they've been vandalised. It's just so mindless and all you're left doing is shaking your head and wondering why? My chums at the council are at a loss as to what to do as well!

Training on the pitches was off this week in an attempt to get the games on for the weekend.

EmmaLuke have had lots of problems re the junior fixtures for this Sunday and they bumped into a rather chaotic character who had double-booked games and frankly didn't seem to know what was going on.

Anyway, not great news and the upshot is we now only have two games going ahead.

The 13's are now at home and the 11's are away at Paignton. All we have to worry about now at both clubs, is the blinkin' weather.

We'll pitch inspect on Saturday early evening, so as not to leave everyone on tender hooks for the morning.

On Saturday let the battle commence! As you know we're up against it and this week it's the visit of another top side in Bideford.

They spanked us at their place early in the season, which means we owe them but we all know it will be no mean task to get a result.

We hope to have a full house which will be helped by the fact another of our long suffering sponsors 'Ultim8 Construction' are coming down for a lunch as well.

My chum Paul Coates and his guests will hopefully be fed and well-oiled so as to make them fit to cheer the boys on in a vociferous way (like the big word?).

Whenever I played, I liked nothing better than being the underdog so come on the boys! Heads up and let's fire into them!

Also at home are the Otters and they play Bideford as well. Their no-show record at the Ton isn't good but as both teams are coming, we are hopeful and maybe they will bring a big bus and stay and spend a bob or two.

Of course, I say all this about this weekend knowing that the weather ain't looking great but no 'mood hoovering' from me! Looking forward to it already.