Things can only get better, right?

I mumbled my way through the ‘language lab’, me and a bunch of Americans chanting “Tous...tu...du...doux” in unison in what must look like a religious cult. I couldn’t get home soon enough. By the time I went into the club I was feeling quite positive – things couldn’t get worse, that sort of thing. Though given I was going to do a kicking session, there was soething at the back of mind which said, yes, things can get worse. But I nailed everything, reinforcing the power that kicking a ball off a tee through a set of posts can have on my mood. We headed up to Colombes for our usual Friday night training session.

It was light and focussed. The forwards had been worked into their usual Friday night psychotic state. These guys get psyched up for set-piece practice, and seeing as all they seem to do is set-piece practice, they’re a special bunch. The rain made our team run slightly different, though I enjoyed it and felt it was one of the most successful team runs of the season. I told this to several forwards but they hadn’t rejoined the real world yet and only grunted back and slapped me on the back or tousled me hair as if I was one of their play things.

When I got back to the changing room it was all kicking off. The place looked like a bordel (brothel/pig sty). Everyone was checking pockets. Sure enough, all the euros in my wallet and my watch had been taken. This was theft on a grand scale, 2 changing rooms rifled through. Thankfully they had left my wallet and cards etc and hadn’t found the pocket where I keep my phone and keys. But it was still a sickening feeling. We were assured that the changing rooms were locked but that didn’t really wash with those who now had no phone, no boots, no money and in one case, no belt... Who knows how this story will finish.

Anyway, huge local derby on Sunday against Massy. Their ground is so close to the flat that I will walk to the game tomorrow morning. They are the third Parisian club after us and Stade and understandably hate our guts. They are a club renowned for producing excellent young players and much like West Ham or Hibs, inevitably see them leave, often to RM92 or Stade (unlike West Ham or Hibs). If we win we qualify for the knock-out rounds, guaranteeing us rugby until May 8^th. Our ambitions are far greater than that, however, so this is really just another stepping stone on the road to the Championnat. I’m thoroughly looking forward to it, whatever the weather. Friday may not have gone to plan but a good win on Sunday would leave it all in the past.