Shock to the system

This is going to be a bit of a before and after post.

So tonight hails the start of the 'Summer of Touch' at Worcester Warriors. £25 for 6 weeks and a t-shirt. Not too sure whether there are any prizes or not, but it promises to be a laugh all the same.
However, the competitive streak in me doesn't see it as a bit of fun and I'm a little out of touch, excuse the pun, when it comes to handling a rugby ball. Even my fitness is extremely shocking. I haven't played a competitive game of rugby for two years, so it should be very interesting.
I know what you are all thinking, it is just touch, well you are wrong lol It is still a place to impress with pace and handling skills aplenty. I am not exactly known for my skilfull touch but I can guarantee I shall be playing my own style of 'Fiji' rugby.
As all of you out there who play will know, there is no such thing as a friendly and I will be playing until I will inevitably throw up! Update to follow on tonight.

Well it's a couple of hours after the last game. There were four games of 7min halves with 14mins inbetween matches. This doesn't sound a lot but the pitch width was the actual width of a full size pitch and 50m long. Teams of 6 made for some running rugby and also shown up my lack of fitness. I found myself a few times hanging out on the wing to try and catch my breath! Being a flanker, I am mainly there for defence, but luckily I found a couple of turns of speed and scored a few tries. It was actually quite hard, especially since we didn't have any rolling subs like the other teams! It was just a warm up, but the guys I played with were a great bunch and I think we have a good shout at winning! Over extended my knee and it is extremely painful, but other than that it was a great night!

Return to rugby

Two years ago I had a shoulder operation, a distal clavicle excision. It still isn't right. I have had constant tendonitis since the op and my shoulder is extremely unstable.
HOWEVER, I am nearly 26 and I have not played a rugby match for 3 years. Having played to quite a good standard, no doubt losing ability in the 3 years out, my strength is also extremely shocking. Like many, I regularly go to the gym for around a month and then just stop going for a couple of months!
My shoulder is painful on a daily basis and the lumps of osteoarthritis I had removed and cleaned up are certainly back on my ac joint.
I am aiming to get my strength back up with a programme I have found from BokSmart. This offers a lot to the rugby player and the range of exercises are just what I need. I have started the hypertrophy programme at the moment and all is going well so far. It is hard work going to the gym, as I walk around 8-12 miles per day with around an extra stone and half of equipment around my waist. As you can imagine, legs would be the last thing I would want to do! I can feel myself getting stronger and my body shape is definitely changing, but the actual shoulder joint isnt getting any stronger or more stable!
Nevertheless, I shall definitely be starting rugby again in the Autumn, hopefully going to preseason. Every two weeks my job requires me to work lates for two weeks and a Saturday so commitment is not something I can guarantee, so maybe playing for a seconds team would be preferable.
I shall keep the blog updated with my progress. Be sure to check out the programme, you won't be disappointed with it. For now here is a picture of my lovely scar. Bear in mind they told me it would be keyhole surgery. Imagine my surprise when the bandage came off!

Horse Racing Tips 13/05/2013

Well this past weekend was a good one for my tips at Punchestown. Asitsohappens was well beaten in second, but at 14/1 it was a good price at each way. Too strong was unfortunately 7th. Best race of the afternoon was the 16.55 with Stonemaster coming in second, so another place. Leading pretty much all the way until one out where he kept the same pace and couldn't find any extra. Definitely one to bet on in the future.

Now for Monday 13/05/2013

No flat racing tips again I'm afraid!

17.25 Towcester Prince Pippin is a good choice here. Although not the best form on the card, he took a step down in class on his last run out and won, again running in a class 5, looks to be the classier horse in this race.

19.00 Towcester Castlemorris King has arrived here in good form and the ground looks to suit. Stepping up in class today, this race will decide whether he can last the pace.

17.40 Killarney The seven year old Kadinski has great recent form and this maiden hurdle could suit him. Excelling on the soft ground and going into this race the favourite, everything seems to be in this horses favour.

The last Championship playoff semi-final is also tonight. Why anyone would bet against Brighton remains to be seen. A strong finish to the season and with Crystal Palace just about hanging in there with a disastrous end to the season, Brighton have it all to play for. Going into this on a ten match unbeaten run, Brighton are the complete opposite to Palace, who have only won one in eleven previous matches. Palace have yet to find a goal against Brighton in three previous meetings, with Brighton beating them at home 3-0 in March. At the moment 5/6 looks to be a pretty short price for Brighton. I would maybe wait until half time and have a bet in-play, if they are all square. One thing is for sure, both teams will be going hard at it, a complete contrast to the previous game.

Weekend betting 11/05/2013-12/05/2013

Well after my disastrous tips for 10/05/2013, I will do the whole weekend at once today. Quick recap on the horses, takaatuf was in the running until 2 out where it faded quickly. Heronry was always weakening and fate was sealed at the last when stumbling over the fallen horse bobowen at the last, unseating his rider.
Crystal Palace v Brighton was a shocking let down. The match was nowhere near the thrilling football that we are used to from Brighton. There is a lot at stake, but someone has to win it. Defensive football will not win the promotion!

On to the weekend, being a fan of jump racing, I will focus on Punchestown for now.
14.00 Asitsohappens is my pick for this race. With good form coming into this race, I would put an each way bet on this horse (as I would do with every horse). Although 9 and 18 lengths behind the winner in his last two races, early indications place him around 7/1, looks to be an easy choice for each way, with 3 places paying out.

15.45 Toostrong looks to have the edge here, although most of his previous results have ended in not finishing the race. I predict that the step down in trip will yield the same result as his last outing, with a decent win!

16.55 Only a length behind on his last outing, Stonemaster could go one better at Punchestown, providing he can replicate the same form. With Ruby Walsh in the saddle, you can expect only good things from this horse. Another great horse from the Gigginstown House Stud, their horses always a firm favourite with me.

FA cup day as well, not much point in dwelling on this one, Man City obviously have the edge in this one, although their disappointing game earlier on in the week could suggest they are struggling for form. Definitely one to put down on an accumulator this weekend.
This weekend I would put on a 6 fold consisting of Man City, Chelsea, Tottenham, West Brom, Southampton and Man Utd.
If you are feeling particularly lucky, maybe a treble consisting of West Ham, Newcastle, Liverpool

Bet responsibly, only gamble what you can afford to lose. I will not be held responsible for any losses based on this blog

Top Bets Friday 10/05/2013

So after my previous predictions, I had 3 one place outside of being placed and one non runner, so I think that is not too bad!

First prediction would be for Takaatuf in the 13.55 at Market Rasen. Proving he can stay the trip and win, the ground will also suit him. Last trip out he beat Scriptwriter on good-firm, the same ground as tomorrow. Full speed is hard to ignore. With 3 wins out of the last four, money would be best placed on full speed, but I am going with Takaatuf as a solid each way bet.

Sticking with Market Rasen, Heronry gets the nod over the rest of the field. Only two runs this year, but 2 wins from them both. Although the favourite on his last two outings, he doesn't look like disappointing under his favourite tag this time out either.

Football next, Crystal Palace v Brighton.
Recent form suggests that Brighton would walk this fixture, with Crystal Palace only winning one in their last 10 games. However, scoring 52 goals at home this season suggests that they will be playing with a very aggressive and attacking first leg. Brighton have conceded nearly as many goals as they have scored away this season. Crystal Palace have had a disastrous tail end of the season and Brighton are hitting the ground running in this fixture. I predict that it will be 3-2 to Brighton.

Disclaimer- These predictions are merely that and should not be taken as fact. Bet responsibly.

A look ahead to the racing 07/05/2013

Firsty I would like to say this is my first go at this.....and if anyone takes any notice of this, I will not be held responsible for any monies lost through gambling. Bet responsibly! I always bet each way, these views are my own and should not be taken as a certainty for a bet.

First race I am leaning towards is the 14.40 at Kempton. Knights Parade looks the best of that bunch, although I do not usually bet on flat races because I feel they are more unpredictable than hurdles (absurd claim I know, but still!). This gelding's recent form has proved that it is knocking on the door of a win. It's most recent outing at Goodwood found him 1 1/4 lengths behind Jan De Heem. Although the beaten favourite, Jan De Heem was in the more than capable hands of Jim Crowley, so I think Knights Parade could go one better this time.

Runner up in her last race at Kempton, High Time Too looks a good each way bet on the 16.10. Although only 1/2 length behind, probably should have won here last time and at 13/2, should be well backed at each way.

Yarmouth 14.50 looks to be a nicely contested race, with my vote going to the favourite Speedyfix. Second in his last race, but only 3/4 length behind and still plenty left in the tank, looks to be the one to beat in this race.

19.40 at Catterick, I am tempted by and leaning towards Goldan Jess. Arriving here off the back of a win, Goldan Jess looks to be in top form. Stepping down in trip, the gelding looks to have the edge over the rest of the field.

These are the races I have highlighted for 07/05/2013, Once again I will not be held responsible if any of these horses do not come in! Hopefully this will become more of a regular thing, I was hoping to include football, but obviously the football season is over now!

Last weekend in January

So it was the 5th anniversary for me and my girlfriend last week and we decided to go away somewhere neither of us had been before. For some reason we had decided on Derby. 'Why?' I hear you say, exactly the same reaction I got off people when I told them. Apparently it's a rough place with nothing going for it.
So off we set on Friday afternoon, expectations low. Stopped off at some Welcome Break for the obligatory coffee, Starbucks this time. Derby is only about an hour and a half away, but I get a coffee on the way to Birmingham! Got to our hotel of choice after getting lost, the Jury's Inn on King Street. At only £46 a night, I wasn't expecting much. To our surprise there was parking available at only £6 for 24 hours, but if you arrive after 5 or 6 in the evening, it is only £3 until 12pm the next day. If you are only staying the night on business or a night out, this is exceptional! We checked in and got to our room on the sixth floor. The room overlooked the city, cathedral and river, a really nice view, worth far more than the paltry price paid! After a quick change it was out to have a quick look around and grab a bite to eat. The Westfield shopping centre was only a hop, skip and a jump away. Ended up in Zara with my girlfriend, over an hour later came out carrying her bags! Burger King was very well received and then it was back to the hotel to spend the evening watching tv with half a kilo of pic'n'mix, my favourite crisps (Tesco finest lamb shank and red wine) and a bag of black country pork scratchings! Then came the snow. It started at around 7pm and didn't stop until the next morning. Around 8pm, I decided I would continue the unhealthy trend and popped out in the snow to get a McDonalds!
With the snow putting our plans of exploring the Peak District to the sword, so it was another day in Derby. Shock, horror my girlfriend wanted to go shopping again. Whilst walking to the high street, we deviated off the main track and into an area which I believe was called Little Chester. Whether or not it was named after the actual Chester remains to be seen, but it was rather historical with lovely Tudor and Elizabethan houses, gateways and alleyways, coupled with cafes and boutiques which made for a pleasant deviation, before getting back to the mainstream. Went for lunch at the food quarter in the Westfield again, a lovely fish and chip counter. A slab of battered haddock and chips for a fiver, can't go wrong. Trawled the shops once again, but it was getting on in the day, we didn't get up too early, so made our way back to the hotel. Along the way we popped into the fish, poultry and game market, accessed through the guildhall. I'm sure it would have been good, but they were all packing up at four. Down Iron Gate, there was an absolutely amazing little men's boutique called George Brigdens. Gant, Ralph Lauren and Hackett aplenty. Almost bought a gant wallet, but it was only the display model left, so I went without. Kind of regret it though, I haven't been able to locate it on the internet! There was another great little shop next door called Bennetts. Tweed and waxed jackets adorning the walls, Le Creuset cookware in the middle. After a quick change it was out to Nandos about 8pm. My girlfriend has coeliac disease, so nice food and gluten-free rarely go hand in hand. I, on the other hand, am not a great fan of Nandos. Last time I had one I ended up in hospital having my appendix removed, so I have always associated them. But I'm not going to have appendicitis again so I went. Now I have to say I think it is rather expensive for what it is. Apart from seating you, bringing your food and clearing the plates, there is no service. Essentially I had a little bit of chicken and a lot of chips. Not the best meal I have ever had.
Sunday was check-out day. Sleep deprived from some idiots in the next room keeping me up, we drove out of Derby, northwards. Driving along the A6, we came to Belper. The scenery on the way was beautiful and I could easily see myself living somewhere like that. However, nothing was open because it was a Sunday! So we drove on through Ripley and down to Nottingham. We had stumbled upon a lovely little pub call The Nuthall in Cinderhill. I had a Sunday roast and it was gorgeous. The gravy was flavoursome, meat cooked perfectly and vegetables al dente, just how I like it. If you are ever in the area, you have to go there. Rustic charm and and modern decor clash in the lounge area, making for a relaxed atmosphere. Very well priced and also extremely accommodating to my girlfriend and her gluten-free diet. Then it was back to Worcester to pick up the guinea pig!
That concludes my rather long winded weekend if you have stayed with me thus far, so thank you!