Unconvincing, Dave.  Admit it: I've got you banged to rights and it's a fair cop, guvnor, cor blimey, strike a light, Evenin' All me old cobba (sorry, men in white coats just arrived at front door......)

Wino, you really need to lay off the absinthe.

I think I should stop watching the Sweeney and Professionals repeats on ITV4 too!  

wino, it might be unconvincing, but it is the best I can do in the circumstances.

Just back from Blaydon. I gave Tynedale a wave as we went past. Caldy beat Blaydon 26-22, which surprised us all a bit. Unless Blaydon were significantly under strength, I can't see them being a match for Bay. Mind, rugby is a funny game. Or is that football?

Great result for Caldy.  Good luck to them this season and I hope you've softened Blaydon a bit for our visit.  I think we're going to need all the help we can get.

It is always hard to know in these games how the teams rate. we probably had six missing from the first choice line-up (though you would not know it from the way the team performed). It seems Blaydon had a similar number missing. The Blaydon player who caught the eye was the left wing - like sh1t off a shovel.

Of course it might be that Blaydon were missing their six 'stand-out' players. They have it seems picked up several from Darlington Mowden Park. I believe they have to wait a while to see who (if any) will come their way from the Falcons. It could be they will be considerably stronger once the season is under way. On the other hand they might not be.

Our DOR, before the game, thought we would be lucky to keep the score down, so when we won he was grinning like a Cheshire Cat. Which is strange as he is from Lancashire.

Having just suffered through the weather forecast a few moments ago, I'm off to purchase a sou'wester and some fishing waders. I do hope the game isn't rained off, wouldn't that be a laff riot?

Sou'westers will do you no good up up there. What you need is the laevorotatory nor'easter.

Best wishes to all the BP members travelling tomorrow.Have a pint or three for me.Let their supporters know the BARDY ARMY are in town.

I would like to add my best wishes to the intrepid travellers. I hope you have a better journey than the poor players. I must admit that the thought of a 500 mile coach trip is about as appealing as a wet weekend in Swindon. And the journey back seems even worse.

You will be sure of a warm welcome, especially if you are as outgoing as you seem.

Thanks, QM.  Looking forward to meeting you.

I just hope we can cope with rainy weather up there - it's such a rarity down here this summer.

Shy, retiring introverts to a man, we are
Thanks for your good wishes, homesick - I'll be sure to drain a glass on your behalf. DaveH, that'll be enough of your laevotorial humour, thank you!

Only a Glass bOP are you losing your touch or should I say legendary thirst?

This is the glass I had in mind, David...

Sh1t, thats a bloody bath  

As long as the game isn't a blood bath. A mud bath looks to be on the cards though.

Mr Responsible (That's Me!) is off to get some kip since I'm driving on the morrow.  Anyone who 'phones me now is asking for a personalised blood bath.  See you in the morning, you krazy kids.