Don't think I am making light of our defeat last Sunday at York, but our day didn't end at the hooter.

I was obviously disappointed and informed the players that the bus would be leaving at 5.45 promptly!

I took myself off and sat sulking on the bus. By 5.50 there was no sign of the lads and I was about to tell the driver to set off when Rushy informed me that Simeon Hoyle and Gareth Hewitt had to give urine samples as part of the RL drug testing programme.

Because of the extreme heat the lads were severely dehydrated and could not 'fill the bottle.' We waited until 6.45, and they drank several pints of water, before the dynamic duo could do the business.

I definitely knew it wasn't my day when they finally arrived - and the bus wouldn't start.

By this time my sulk was at its peak and I got off the bus very harassed and announced I was going to the nearest pub for a cool drink. Our kitman David 'Farmer' Marshall informed me the nearest hostelry was 'just around the corner.' What he didn't say was which corner!

After all the times 'Farmer' has marked out the pitch you'd think he'd know the difference between metres and miles!

I have to admit I would have bet against me smiling on Sunday evening, but after a two mile hike in the sweltering sun, a cool pint of amber nectar did the trick!

Attending the funeral of my father-in-law last Monday once again brought things back into perspective.

Losing a game is obviously disappointing but there is always another chance to put things right.

Unfortunately those who suffer from serious illness sometimes don't get that luxury - as was the case with Barry - cheers mate.

Ashy still hasn't had a spin in Paul Royston's Porche sports car. The lads keep urging him to bring the flash motor down to training but so far he's resisted and they are beginning to doubt that it exists.

I can assure them it does, because I've been in it -- and I was terrified.

I felt as if I'd been sent down the road by a rocket launcher, a change of clothes was essential after he dropped me off at home. Keep trying Ashy - but you've been warned!