Launceston Bound on the HuRTS Tour Bus

And so it begins. The office sweepstakes have been organized (I’ve drawn Columbia), the wall charts are up, the sticker albums are almost complete (see Taffy James) and a solid month of football lies ahead, and closer to home the HurTS tour bus part 2 heads out of town to Tasmania for the weekend to partake in a small 10k race and beers aplenty.

Despite the fact the games world governing body, FIFA has about as much creditability as the elections in Syria (or once again closer to home – Enda Stankard), that didn’t matter this morning when hosts Brazil kicked off the World Cup with a 3-1 win against Croatia.

After the rip roaring success of the first HuRTS tour back in September / October last year we are hitting the road yet again, probably NOT on the same magnitude as Berlin and Munich still….. Encouraged to see some of the NEW guard on tour that includes Quinton, Tommy H, Paulie Birch (with new nickname Dick Turpin) as well as girls Lady Laura, Corky O’Conner and young Elle should not only promise some fast and competitive times but also a lively post race function on the Sunday evening?

Looking forward to the race even if my confidence did take a little dent after Striders North Head last Saturday, It’s a flat fast course I’ve heard so hopefully I can get my times down to where I’m hoping …………….If at the very least stay 1 minute 45 ahead of ‘Dick Birchy Turpin’.

Race time doesn’t’ get under way till 10am on the Sunday, which means we can get up and have breaky and sit and watch England’s first up match against the Eyties (till half time anyway)

I love the World Cup as its one of those rare events – a sporting occasion which brings nations together , united in hope for an improbable DREAM. It doesn’t matter if you support Stoke, Crystal Palace, Aston Villa , Yeovil or even Newcastle Utd  the multimillion superstars (well maybe not Crystal Palace) are now OUR’S to support over the 4 weeks as one.

 As I’ve predicted yesterday I think we can get to the quarter finals at this campaign, I’m not expecting miracles, or even expecting beautiful footy at times …BUT PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE I do expect the National Anthem to be sung with gusto and the ALL the players representing our country to give their all. To show some passion.

Come on England. Do us Proud (you know it will make Enda happy in doing so)

Have a great weekend

Train well. Stay safe

Cheers

At least this way James 'Taffy Lad' Matthews gets an interest in this years World Cup, a typical day whilst on his recent trip home back to Wales - Very Sad. :)