Let the games begin

18th December

A great host had assembled at the arena- to take part in the 9th annual games. Two dusty tracks, side by side, next to the Archery field.
I’m not describing the Circus Maximus, but the entertainment area at the Torviscus Playa, Costa Adeje.
I thought about leaving, but the entertainer guy recognised me and drew me in.
The Germans had been practicing all day, but were beaten by Pat and her husband Derek.
Apparently the German pairing, lodged a formal protest about Pats underarm throw but failed to overturn the verdict.
‘It’s ’cause I’ve got arthritis,’ said Pat.
She was wearing those panda goggles you get from wearing sunglasses and getting too much sun- the rest of her was brown as a nut.
Amply proportioned, and bingo-winged, she was well complemented by Derek, who was deep Chestnut and wore a canary yellow shirt. They had been here nearly three weeks, Pat informed me.
I was paired with another Derek, who was about 45 and here with his mum. She’s just had her hip done so can’t play boules, bowls, or with balls of any description.
At least I thought I heard the announcer read out his name with mine as ‘Derek’.
“Hello Derek,” I said giving him a firm handshake and looking into his eyes with a friendly smile.
I proceeded to ‘Derek’ this and ‘Derek’ that.
Eventually my wife came over and asked if I wanted a drink. I said, “yes please and can you get Derek one too?”
Derek, suddenly plucked up some courage and said “it’s Peter not Derek, but I’d like a coke please”
Fearing the ground would swallow me up- I decided to put my hands up straight away.
“Derek I’m so sorry….I mean Peter- I heard the entertainment guy and thought it was Derek- sorry.”
Thankfully he saw the funny side. He campared my faux pas to that of Trigger, in the great British sitcom, ‘Only Fools and Horses’…
Rodney: Why do you call me Dave, Trig’? My name’s not Dave, Its Rodney.
Trigger: Are you sure?
Rodney: Yes, I’ve checked it on my birth certificate and everything, it’s definitely Rodney.
Trigger: So what’s Dave, a nickname, like?
Rodney: No – you’re the only person who calls me Dave, everybody else calls me Rodney – and the reason they call me Rodney, is because Rodney is my name.
Trigger: Well, I shall have to get used to calling you Rodney from now on.
Rodney: Thank you.
Trigger: How long are you going to be, Baz? Me and Dave haven’t got all day.

Derek- I mean Paul, is from Newcastle and supports the the team of the same name. They had beaten Burton Albion yesterday – there was today’s link- it was Burton Albion where they had successfully tested some of the the crowd for Prostate cancer. It was on the TV. A good thing that- and might stop someone getting a diagnosis like mine.

We talked football. West Ham had won yesterday too. In fact the last time I saw Newcastle play us, they won and nearly out-sang our home fans.
We talked about our mutual admiration for Alan Shearer; not only was he the best goal-scorer, he got an OBE for his work with charity in the hard, gritty and poor Northeast.
We both admired him most for sticking with his hometown club- shunning offers elsewhere of bigger money, success and silverware. But he stuck to his principles, his passion and people and stayed with the Toon.

Surely in this day and age, that is something anyone can admire?
Loyalty or steadfastness, is often more difficult than it seems. But all the more rewarding if you can stick it out.
I bet he wouldn’t have the respect he has now- had he made a different choice.
As for my team- we have Mark Noble.
Come on you Irons!

Footnote
What’s in a name eh? I’m terrible with names!
I’m glad I made the effort to speak to Paul. We made a connection- merged those bubbles I mentioned before.
He’s shocking at boules though, we got knocked out in the semi- final. Think I’ll go with Pat tomorrow.

No doubt I will see a triumphant, speedo- wearing Swede or Dutchman strutting around the poolside in a minute, displaying his fake gold medal!?