PHILINFRANCE

My apologies, for I was probably partly responsible for some of this due to my mentioning the beer in Hofbrauhaus.

Galle is, indeed, a most beautiful cricket ground located in a wonderful historic, picturesque town with really friendly people and exquisite cuisine - fresh fish and just about every fruit and vegetable you can think of, which sort of sums up Sri Lanka in general. I have been fortunate to have visited the country, although, regrettably, not during the cricket season, and enjoyed a truly wonderful few days in what was then the New Oriental Hotel located within Galle Fort, which wasn't new at all but (Dutch) colonialism in all its splendour. Some may have forgotten, but Galle Stadium was severely damaged in the 2004 tsunami.

Wow! Sorry to quote myself, and many apologies, but I went off at a 'slight tangent' and, two pages later, we seem to have covered practically all the pubs and clubs of our debauched youth - which brings us back to the Rovers.

I'm going off at a complete tangent here, but does anybody remember the old Hofbrauhaus in Bristol back in the 1970s? The rumour was that, rather than being imported in barrels from Germany, their beer was made by adding sparkling water to a powder/starter to make the 'infamous' beer. Is there any truth to this or is it simply one of many apocryphallies from my youth?

If you are referring to Bobby Kellard, I used to know his daughter and told her the same thing.

As Aakash Chopra tweeted: Shoes can be used for many things. Removing an opponent’s batting guard mark too.... Not for taking sharp catches though.... #Smith #Pant #AusvInd

Johnny Quigley, Bobby Kellard and Gerry Gow; all great, tough midfielders from my youth and, sadly, all now departed. Whilst I never had the privilege of meeting the late Gerry Gow, I had the dubious pleasure of meeting Johnny Quigley and, indeed, played in the same team as him for one season - he would have been in his mid/late 40s at the time, and I can confirm he was an extremely hard b*stard, both on and off the pitch. Once (in drink) he threatened to punch me/knock me out when I had the temerity to suggest that, alongside Bobby Kellard and Gerry Gow, he was one of my favourite City midfielders - he dismissed Bobby Kellard as a fat Cockney b*stard and, whilst they were both Glaswegians, he dismissed Gerry Gow as not being as good or as hard as he thought he was and that he wouldn't have lasted two minutes against him were they ever to have played against each other. Bobby Kellard, in contrast, I found quite warm and softly spoken, though he certainly had a very strong 'cockney' accent. I had occasion to meet him on several occasions professionally when he became an antique dealer after retiring and he was always very welcoming and happy to chat about football and life in general. When last I heard,he was living contentedly in Canvey Island. R.I.P.

Avoid all unnecessary contact on matchday - especially between players and staff from different clubs. I hope you are reading this, whoever you are who organised/authorised the group photo at Luton! I am not convinced you really enhanced any anti-racism feelings with a demonstration in front of an empty stadium, but it would seem you may have increased COVID. Well Done.

Incredible shot - that must have hurt!

You weren't far off in the 2nd round....

He is good, and obviously a fan of Somerset, but, for me, nobody comes close to Paul Edwards. In typical cricket fashion, his flowery prose paints a picture of not only the cricket itself, but also the location and its history.

Indeed, and it will also be a shame to no longer read these sort of comments: And now suddenly it is over. No more railing about the Hundred (well, almost). I’ll be spared having to attend it which is just as well since I have to travel to another country to watch my local team. Like Brexit, the Hundred has been smouldering and mouldering for about four years; like Brexit most people recognise it’s a crap idea, but no one has the balls to stop it. I still think it’s a cynical gimmick that distorts the domestic schedule to such an extent that the next generation of bright cricketers will have little ambition or incentive to concentrate on the red-ball game.

Like many on here, I bristle at VK’s perceived arrogance, idem the Indian team under his captaincy, but can you just imagine the uproar in India following this debacle?

Not that I doubted you ?, but I had to look it up to check, as my wife has always been a big fan of GM's music - I had always assumed he was German, but I have now discovered he was Italian (born in that German speaking area of South Tyrol). Every day is a school day....

Correct. I only posted, as I recall asking the same question of some of my young nephews/nieces a few years ago, none of whom were able to identify the song or, perhaps more understandably, the group.

Regular readers of this forum may have noticed I have a frequent tendency to go off at a tangent: this post is no different ?.... We all know the tune to the Louie, Louie song you mention - we sang it recently for Tammy, Tammy Abraham; a few years ago for Winky, Winky Wanderers and even, for those cricket fans amongst us, for Linky, Linky Lancashire - but, without looking it up, can anybody remember the title of the original song? I actually bought the original record - a 45rpm disc - but does anybody know/recall the song title and the name of the group? No doubt our more senior fellow forum members such as @slartibartfast etc. will know, but I wonder whether the younger ones know - or even care ?. If anybody feels inclined to respond positively, please do so but try and refrain for the moment from revealing the answer, but I am intrigued.

Yes, I think that was probably his fine.

To be fair to Wael, he does seem a genuine fan and, judging by his latest letter, appears to have a sense of humour.... Prior to Paul’s appointment we were delighted that Tommy (100%) Widdrington agreed to take caretaker charge of the team. It was felt at the time that Tommy’s knowledge of the squad and experience was perfectly suited to take the reins until the right candidate was appointed. He leaves the management hot seat after the win over Chelsea (for which he has been fined!) and remains an integral part of the club. Tommy will assist Paul in his initial transition into the role and continue to oversee the football department at the club.

Is this what you were looking for?

Hmm, a pretty succinct reply - but you are probably correct....

It's perhaps only my opinion, but I think your comments about women's football demean you rather than the women you seem intent on trying to put down with your constant insults.

Despite the beautiful sun, I think Dickie Bird would have no hesitation in bringing them off for bad light.

Chisora looking shattered at the end of that round (7), but I still reckon he has got that one big punch left to pinch this.

The stream I mentioned earlier is working perfectly!