Trev's Reports

Trev's Weekly 'Competition Update' Reports

Week 33

It was another appalling week for results. In fact very, very dismal all round, as the following will stand testament to.

26 of us either recorded no wins (13) or only 1 win (13). It was that bad I feel it only right to mention the 4 (Chris, Pam, Brian & Sara,) who at least managed 2 winners. Only Mike achieved 3 wins coupled with a loss (Everton).

If any of you have been doing your maths, this is where it gets down right disheartening for 31 of us.

The only person to go one better was Tim, who now benefits to the tune of Ł224 and taking his season winnings to an amazing Ł352 in to the bargain! Not only that, he extolled the virtues of 'playing away'. All his teams won on their travels and to make it even more ironic, all wins were by the odd goal.

I knew I was tempting fate by suggesting we might have a good old end of season beer up. Well we still can, possibly with Ł64 or what the heck, failing that with our own money, especially the 17 of you who are yet to see a return on your investment. Any excuse.

There will be Ł32 up for grabs this weekend. Unfortunately for those including Man City (Bernie, Tony, Paul & David) or Aston Villa (Brian & Sara) in your selections, you will be abstaining due to the FA Cup semi finals.

Gary, can I call on you to pass Mr Grassie his riches?

Did I hear him say, "Trev, have a beer on me in the RAOB club, this lunchtime".

Well there is no point in just going for the one, so at Ł1.90 a pint plus a pack of peanuts, I'll hand over just the Ł214. (More maths required?)

Regards,
Trev.

Week 32

At the wrong end of the required results, it was another poor performance. 75% of us achieved one winner (15) or less (9).

At the end of Saturday's fixtures, 5 of you had achieved 3 winners apiece with the draws of Everton, Brentford & Northampton (who were 2-0 up and only conceded all 3 points to a 90th minute Rochdale penalty!!) denting the hopes of Mike, Nigel & Tim respectively.

This left Chris (no doubt indebted to Gary for paying his dues) & Pam waiting to see how Middlesborough faired at home to Newcastle yesterday. If you are unaware of the result you would be forgiven for thinking that they are now each Ł96 richer when reading the next sentence.

George Boateng, Middlesborough's midfield force scored 2 goals to the one in reply by Newcastle's Shola Ameobi. However, as one of Boateng's goals was in his own net, Newcastle ran out 2-1 winners and the pot rolls on to Ł224 this coming weekend.

I certainly don't want to tempt fate but with only 3 weeks of the competition remaining, I feel someone is going to strike it rich or we are going to have one heck of an evening out sometime in May/June!!!!!!!!

Regards,
Trev.

Week 31

A short update this week.

Even though four (Michael, Mick, Chris & Pam) out of seven of you choosing Middlesborough were able to record 3 wins, that is as good as it got.

There were no winners, so providing Chris (or Gary on his behalf) pays his dues by Friday, there will be Ł192 up for grabs this coming weekend. This is a season record and means there is all to play for.

Regards,
Trev.

Week 30

There is only one result that deserves any mention this week and it isn't the draw of Leeds, that denied Gary winning the comp.

Although Gary's failure did have a bearing, THE RESULT, albeit inconsequential to the competition, was Reading's draw at Leicester.

Which means: THE ROYALS ARE UP

Only one other of you can match Gary and that is Tim if Spurs, as is likely, overcome West Brom this evening.

Apart from that it was a pretty sorry state for the rest of us. In fact those achieving (or potentially achieving) 1 winner only is the same as last week = 16 and those who/may stumble to 2 wins is the same again = 11.

On the assumption that Bernie & Nigel pay their respective dues by the end of the week, there will be a season equalling record pot of Ł160 up for grabs this coming weekend.

The answers to last weeks questions are as follows. The English racecourse ending in the letter W is Ludlow, Chepstow is in Wales.

I would like to thank all those of you who were kind enough to assist with the cryptic quiz. Just for completeness I list below the answers. Coupled with the 20 odd Katie & I had already got, before frustration and impatience set in, I'm pretty certain she has submitted a 100% correct entry.

1) All that glistens - All Gold
2) Clever Clogs - Smarties
3) Wobbly Youngsters - Jelly Babies
4) Evil Spell - Black Magic
5) Ladies love these - Milk Tray
6) Nine onwards - After Eights
7) Small brave people - Miniature Heroes
8) Grandad's sweets - Werthers Originals
9) Only the best live here - Quality Street
10) Bertie's Specials - Liquorice Allsorts
11) Repeat the letter - M & Ms
12) Alfresco dining - Picnic
13) Nine Pins - Skittles
14) Party time? - Celebrations
15) Subject of a conversation -Topic
16) Super Nova - Starburst
17) Birds are good at this - Flyte
18) Not quite fruit! - Chocolate Orange
19) Dating Agency? - Matchmakers
20) Our Universe - Milky Way
21) Swiss peaks - Toblerone

Just to keep the quiz theme going, please identify the competition member who the following relates to.

Didn't go to bed at all on Saturday night and only managed about 3 hours on the sofa yesterday. Most of yesterday I watched Sky Sports News or read congratulations from other teams fans on the internet.

Feeling totally drained and my boss has told me to go home early today - which I will.

Think I am gonna book a day off for Tue 2nd May because it is going to be a long party on 30th Apr and 1st May.

I'm sure you will have no trouble with this one, but in case there is any doubt I will reveal the identity next week.

On the back of Reading's success Dave Leary has mentioned that he, Tony H & Paul G will be taking in a celebratory beer or two at lunchtime (12.00ish?) in BOB's and all are welcome to join them.

Regards,
Trev.

Week 29

There were no winners this week. Clive W was the closest and the only one to achieve 3 winners, being let down by Ipswich's draw at Palace.

In view of the fact 20 of you only achieved 1 win or less (4 didn't even get a win) there is little else to say.

As it is payday this week the following dues are required. If everyone pays then there will be Ł128 up for grabs this coming weekend.

Ł5 owed by The Denney clan, Dave, Fintan, Ian, Jason, Michael & Sara. Ł4 owed by Bernie, Mike & Nigel. Ł3 owed by Albert, Carole & Chris.

If you were to add an extra Ł1.00, then this will pay you up to the end of the comp.

I am afraid it is highly unlikely that the payment service will be operating this month. However, watch this space if the situation should take a pleasant upturn.

The answer to last weeks trivia question was quite rightly answered by a number of you. Good Friday was in fact a horse which failed to jump a fence in one of the traditional Xmas race meetings therefore, falling on Boxing Day. At the opposite end of Cheltenham Festival week, another racing one to have a thought over.

Name a English racecourse whose name ends in W?

Plus a little bit of complete trivia.

You have to eat 400 banknotes to make yourself ill. This fact was given by the European Central Bank in reply to allegations of toxicity in the ink.

The world record for eating pickled beef tongue is three pounds and three ounces in 12 minutes.

Regards,
Trev.

Week 28

It was possible for Michael & John to share the spoils this week, going into yesterday's games. It was outcome of the Charlton V Middlesborough match that everything hinged on.

As I listened to the egg chasing debacle over in Paris, whilst preparing the Smith family meal (Roast Chicken with all the trimmings, if you were interested!), there were regular updates from The Premiership. Charlton eventually took the lead in the 73rd minute only for Boro to equalise on 81. Could this have been the spark of a comeback that Michael & John were hoping for. Just five minutes later the commentator in France said, there has been a further goal at The Valley!

Unfortunately for the above mentioned it proved to be the winner for Charlton, so there will Ł96 up for grabs this coming weekend.

There were 4 others of you who matched the above record, namely Mike, Steve, Paul & Albert, being let down by the respective losses of Sheff Utd (ho ho), Spurs, Man City & Bournemouth. Carole & Dave went one better and were only let down by the draws of Lincoln (only achieved in the last minute against bottom of the table Rushden) & Leeds (lucky last minute equaliser!)

There is little else to comment on apart from letting you have the following poser to consider.

Back in the 1890's why did Good Friday fall on Boxing Day?

Please let me have your considered thoughts, but please don't use the reply to all facility.

Regards,
Trev.

Week 27

It will probably come as no surprise, although more quirky things have no doubt happened, to learn by the end of this mail that there were no winners this week.

In view of the number of postponements due to the icy weather only four of you were actually competing. With Crewe's brilliant battling draw at Sheff Utd on Friday evening, it meant at the start of Saturday's fixtures the Ł32 could only go to the maximum of two people. Paul only recorded one win and Nick went only one better, therefore there will be Ł64 up for grabs this coming weekend.

James, Tina, Jason, Viv, Fintan & Clive W monopolised the postponement side of things, in the fact they only had their Premiership selections playing!

In answer to my question last week the names you were looking for were Dave Watson, Ray Wilkins, Mark Wright & Billy Wright.

I have decided to abandon the quiz questions for the time being in view of the number of correct replies and comments like "far too easy".

However, it leads itself on to some trivia and also hopefully something to make you smile.

In line with World Book Day having been recognised last week, did you know that the Bar codes for books always begin with 978. Also if you take the ISBN of any book and multiply the first digit by 10 the second digit by 9, the third by 8 and so on, adding all the answers together the total is always divisible by 11. If I recall somewhere in the dim distant past of the last 29+ years somebody mentioning that there is something similar with Pru payroll numbers. Any takers to qualify this and explain it. I would consider contacting ASK HR but if there normal service is maintained I would still be none the wiser.

How many of you have/will reach for a book to qualify the above facts?

I can't take credit for the following and also apologise that one of you has already read it previously but a thank you to Joy Wellstead for allowing this topical joke to make an appearance in this weeks update.

A bear a lion and a chicken are all talking about who is the hardest, the bear says" when I roar the whole forest shakes" the lion says "when I roar the whole jungle shakes"

the chicken says "that's nothing all I have to do is cough and the whole world sh##s itself!!"

Regards,
Trev.

Week 26

In the normal course of events if one person had secured victories (coincidentally all by a 1 goal margin) with Birmingham, Leeds, Oldham & Northampton then I would be saying that they were Ł64 richer. It is probably though more correct to say that I have actually reduced my debt to the competition by that amount.

In going one better than last week, I had secured the required results after Saturday and nervously listened to the second half of the Liverpool V Man City game yesterday, as an away victory would have seen me sharing the spoils with Bernie.

As it turned out Bernie joined five others (James, Tina, Carole, Tom and Dave) in recording 3 wins and a loss. In an uncanny twist it was all five's League one teams that were there downfall.

I don't really like to do this, but unfortunately Viv achieved the exact opposite of the required outcome with her 4 teams.

If Chris pays his dues, by the end of the week, there will be Ł32 up for grabs this coming weekend.

As I set the trivia ball rolling again a couple of weeks back, here is another one to put you to the test.

Which four players whose surnames begin with 'W' have captained England in football internationals in post-war years? I'll bring you the answer next week, if I remember.

Regards,
Trev.

Week 25

There were no winners this week. Of the 21 of us competing, yours truly was the closest and the only one to achieve 3 wins. I suppose for Leeds to be the team to deny me with a draw at lowly Leicester is some comfort, as it made the disappointment of Friday less of a problem in real terms.

In an unremarkable week for results there is nothing further to add.

As it is pay day this week the following dues are owed. Although I'm in work on Wed's, I will be away from my desk for the majority of the day, so I would suggest choosing a different day to make your payments. I'm afraid, due to child-care responsibilities earlier in the month and mother-care esponsibilities (no not moonlighting at the shop) last week, the payment service will not be operating this month, as my flex debit is in freefall!

Ł4 owed by the Denney clan, Dave, Fintan, Gary, Jason & Mike.
Ł3 owed by Chris & Sara.
Ł2 owed by Albert & Ian.
An additional Ł6 each would pay you to the end of the competition, if you so wished.

On the assumption everyone pays there will be Ł64 available this coming weekend.

I had an excellent response to last weeks little poser, although it is fair to say that the actual answer given is somewhat confused by the likes of Fabien Barthez.

However the one thing that goalkeepers can be booked for that outfield players can't is 'Rolling their sleeves up' The reason given was that it wouldn't then distinguish them from the outfield players. However with the Barthez style of wearing a short sleeved shirt this is somewhat of a contradiction. However I suppose if a keeper chooses to wear a long sleeved shirt he is thus prevented from rolling the sleeves up.

Regards,
Trev.

Week 24

How a week can make such a difference. Middlesborough's change in fortunes has benefitted Tina to the tune of Ł32. By a similarity with last week however this could so easily have been halved. If you recall Sara was robbed by a late late goal, this week, read Nigel. He was on to share the pot when up popped Sunderland to equalise against Spurs with 2 minutes to go.

Tina's other teams are Ipswich, Brentford & Lincoln. I'll pop the money down on my way to or from lunch.

There will be Ł32 up for grabs this coming weekend.

As there is little else to comment on a little poser for you to consider. I can't claim credit for the following question which I heard on 5 Live over the weekend:

What is the thing that a goalkeeper can be booked for, that an outfield player can't?

I have copied in that well known local referee Mr Bellman in to this weeks update, in order to obtain an extra considered response. If you do either know or have a stab at replying, PLEASE DO NOT USE REPLY TO ALL as it will keep the remainder of you thinking, if you so wish. If I remember I will provide the answer with next weeks update or earlier.

Regards,
Trev.

Week 23

This weekend's competition is one of the rare occasions that it stretches over the whole four days, with Sheff Utd's result at home to Watford tonight eagerly awaited, for more than just the reason of completing the competition records.

The outcome of the competition has already been decided. However if, but hopefully not (a draw would do), Sheff Utd do win, then Tim will join the nearly people this week with 3 wins and a loss (Bristol City). The others of you with the same record are James, Tina & John (Middlesborough), Nigel (Rushden) & Brian (Bradford). If the above are classed as nearly people then I believe Sara can carry the title of a very, very, very, nearly lady. Her selections were involved in plenty of drama in their collective fixtures. Aston Villa completing a 4-0 demolition at Middlesborough, thus impacting on 3 of you above. Barnet recording a 1-0 victory an hour and a half later than they should have done, due to the kick off being delayed till 4.30 due to a power failure. Ipswich securing a 2-1 victory away to Norwich with a dubious winner with only 2 minutes of normal time remaining. However, it was a goal even later than this that denied Sara her first riches of the season. All was looking good for Blackpool to record their sixth home win of the season, only for 10 man Nottingham Forest to pop up and score a 'undeserved, sliced from 12 yards' late late equaliser in the 90th minute. So near but so far.

Just to compound any frustrations, Mary went one result better and is now Ł64 richer with the victories of Everton, Leeds, Brentford & Northampton (Nigel, they beat Rushden, but saying that who doesn't!) to thank. In fact it was an emphatic victory as the aggregate scores amounted to 10-0! I'll pop round with Ł60, the balance being retained to complete your payments to the end of the season.

On the basis that Gary pays his and those of Chris (recurring theme?) by the end of the week, there will be Ł32 up for grabs this coming weekend.

Regards,
Trev.

Week 22

My earlier suspicions were confirmed with only 8 of you competing this weekend. Although the outcome still went down to the wire, with a Wolves victory at home to Man Utd yesterday, would have seen the money being won.

Carole's fate was as good as decided around 4.06pm, as Man Utd opened their account and went on to be convincing 3-0 winners.

Four of you [Tim (2), Tony (3), Sara (2) & Gary (2)] did manage a 100% win rate, from the teams you had playing but as the figures in brackets show you were either 25 or 50% short of a complete set of fixtures.

On the basis that those who owe, Ian, Jason and potentially Gary & Chris pay up, there will be Ł64 up for grabs this coming weekend. The reason that the latter 2 are only potentials is that Gary broke the rule of paying me 'some' money when I was attired in a football shirt and within a 100 yards of a football ground.

In closing, I bring you a quote from The Independent, courtesy of the aforementioned Mr P.

Surely such statements of strength in depth are the preserve of Chelsea?
But, the Premiership beware, Reading are going to be formidable,
cleverly-assembled and highly-motivated additions. No one should tip
them for immediate relegation and they comfortably held their own
against a first-choice Birmingham who are in danger, of course, of
swapping divisions with their Cup opponents next season.

Regards,
Trev.

Week 21

The competition has been won this week, a fact I was aware of upon driving Katie home, circa 5.00pm Saturday, from an ice skating party at Bracknell. Although I didn't want to dampen her obvious enthusiasm and relaying of party events, I was already knew that Birmingham, Leeds and Northampton had already secured victories with a stunning 13 goals for to none against. As I drove up the A329(M) slip road, I requested a few seconds silence in which I learnt, Oldham had made the aggregate 15-0.

Excellent, that was my debt to the competition reduced. Due to 'developments' later that evening it wasn't until approximately 10.30am yesterday, sat in the refreshment area of the You Can Make-it Craft Supplies Show at Thorpe Park, that I actually realised by how much.

Yes, it was that time of year (in fact a month earlier this time around) when I get a caffeine and HRT patch overdose, due to my required chauffeuring service to "the largest Craft Supplies Consumer show in the South of England", really!

On setting up camp in the less than comfortable plastic garden style furniture that formed part of said refreshment area, I was to learn the true extent of my winnings. They are reduced by a third, as Sharon (Everton, Leeds, Doncaster & Boston) and Mary (Everton, Leeds, Brentford & Northampton) also secured the requisite 4 wins. Mike was a draw (Bristol City) away from reducing it further. Sharon, I'll pop your Ł10.67 round sometime later today, more than likely on my way to the canteen. Mary, you owe from this coming weekend. Do you want me to retain all, some or none of your Ł10.67? If all retained, a payment from you of Ł3.33 would pay you to the end of the season. Please let me know.

As it is payday this week the following dues are required. Please note for anyone wishing to pay any additional amounts, there are currently 14 weeks to the end of the competition.

Ł4.00 owed by The Denney clan, CAROLE, Chris, Dave, Fintan, Gary, Jason, Mary? depending on response to above, Sara & Viv.
Ł3.00 owed by Albert & Ian.
Ł1.00 owed by Tony.

Although I am in work on Wed's, I will be away from my desk for the vast majority of the day. I further regret to announce, due to my SCRUDDY duties, from a couple of weeks ago, it is highly unlikely and personally disappointing that the payment service will not be operating this month. (By way of any explanation the acronym stands for SChoolRUnDadDY, which has nowhere near the same ring to it, as any of you SCRUMMY's out there.)

If all dues are paid there will Ł32 available this coming weekend, which sees the 4th round of the FA Cup. However, due to previous failings, I believe there will only be 8 of you competing.

Regards,
Trev.

Week 20

The Ł64 was split two ways this week with David (Man City, Derby, Bournemouth & Lincoln) and Clive M (Everton, Wolves, Bournemouth and an amazing come back from Bristol Rovers, who went 2-1 down, with 2 minutes to go, then scoring twice after to run out 3-2 victors. David, I've passed your winnings to Paul and Clive, as requested, the cheque (for Ł30, my e-mail of 29/7/05 refers) will be in the post.

The only others to get close, with 3 wins, were Tony (Ipswich draw) & Bernie (Oldham loss). As it would be unfair to inflict too much grief on a fellow competition organiser, I will leave you to decide the fate of John's four teams!!

On the basis that Gary pays his dues this week, there will be Ł32 up for grabs this coming weekend.

The competition kicks off with the palace V THE ROYALS game on Friday evening. If any of you are not going due to the extortionate demand of Ł30 a ticket or having had to payout Ł64 near the end of an almost '6 week month', then I bring you the opportunity of the next best thing.

I have negotiated for uninterrupted coverage to be provided, just down the road, in the one and only RAOB club. I feel that this is a slightly cheaper option than that chosen by the erstwhile former organiser of this competition and current overseer of correctness. A 14 or so hour journey, via Schiphol airport, to spend a week on the Caribbean island of Curacao. (The largest of the Netherlands Antilles and is part of the Dutch Leeward Islands) is somewhat pushing the excuses for not visiting his least favourite ground.

If any of you care to join us (guest list currently stands at Mike, Tom, Tina +2?) you are more than welcome.

Regards,
Trev.

Week 19

There were no winners this week and only one person came close, in fact as you will see below, very.

My quick check last week suggesting that 10 of you were excluded actually increased to 13. 12 due to previous FA Cup failings and Clive W who was playing himself, in the Ipswich V Portsmouth match.

Only one person achieved 3 winners and in fact with 90 minutes on the clock this stood at 4 winning scorelines. A 92nd minute equaliser for Wrexham at home to Lincoln denied CAROLE the chance to double her only ever winnings thus far.

There will be Ł64 up for grabs, providing Chris, Jason, Michael & Tina pay their dues. By way of reminder Bernie, Gary & Nigel owe again from the weekend after next.

Regards,
Trev

Week 18

Viv wins Ł64 with Everton, Preston, Tranmere & Macclesfield all recording victories for her. (Viv, on the basis I will be deducting the next 3 months contributions from your winnings, do you want me to deduct an extra Ł1 thus paying you to the end of the season and giving you a round Ł50? Please let me know and I will pop round).

5 others of you were nearly there James (Middlesborough draw) & Steve (Wolves draw) were closest, hotly pursued by Fintan, Clive W & Gary with the losses of Birmingham, Bournemouth & Doncaster respectively.

Mike, by a quirk of the fixture scheduling you may be forgiven for thinking that I have erroneously excluded you from the 3 win brigade. However with the erudite assistance of Michael (please don't quote copyright, as people in glass houses etc.) you only achieved 2 wins, a draw and a loss. The reason for this being a rule change a few seasons ago:

Rule 5
Only fixtures played over the 'extended weekend for TV coverage' shall be eligible. 'Extended weekend for TV coverage' is defined as Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday, and shall encompass all fixtures of relevant eligible competitions actually played on those days, irrespective of the originally scheduled date of fixture.

Therefore Orient's loss away to Wycombe on Thurs evening counted ahead of their home win on Saturday. (PS, Mike can you confirm it was Ł10 you gave me at the Leicester game).

There will be Ł32 up for grabs this coming weekend, which I believe sees 10 of you already excluded, some unfortunately doubly so, due to previous FA Cup failings.

A quick reminder that everyone is paid up to and including this weekend. However, Chris, Jason, Michael & Tina owe after this and Bernie, Gary & Nigel owe again for the weekend of 21/1.

Regards,
Trev.

Week 17

There is little to report from this weeks competition, therefore the update will be as brief as, hopefully, my appearance in the office today and Friday of this week.

There were no winners, although there were 5 of us, with 1 being a bit of a surprise (see later, could be a change in fortunes?), who achieved 3 wins, all of which were coupled with losses. Therefore there will be Ł64 up for grabs over the New Years weekend fixtures. Amazingly I have been sanctioned a day off next Tuesday (damn well should have been due to the scrooge type allowance referred to in the first paragraph, I wouldn't have minded as much but my co-new businesser is in all week anyway!!!!) so any update and subsequent pay out will be delayed to Wed's.

Joining me (Birmingham) were Mary (Everton), Nigel (Rushden & Diamonds), Bernie (Man City) and last but certainly by no means least making, I believe, her first appearance of the season in such exalted company, Sara (Ipswich).

It just leaves me to wish you all a Happy New Year and all the best for 2006.

Regards,
Trev.

Week 16

At the conclusion of Saturday's games 6 of you had hit the 3 win mark of which 4 (Bernie, Oldham draw, Tony, Huddersfield draw, David. Derby draw & Albert, Rochdale loss) had fallen by the wayside. A bit like me I fear, following an 11 or so hour session, taking in the Milwall game. (I think it was partly due to Chris & Michael bequeathing me, for my bus journey home, their 66cl bottles of Cobra bought for us by one of my mates in the Bengal Reef who was hosting his Company's annual bash. Luckily I didn't have a repeat of the post Wolves play off match, when a Copper forced me to tip my opened bottle over/near his feet and it made the journey home far more enjoyable)

Anyway back to the competition, Sunday saw the other 2, as mentioned above, going head to head to see if they could get their hands on the winnings. Middlesborough (Tina) and Spurs (Nigel) came out in the early kick off to do battle. As the match finished in a 3-3 draw they went the same way as the other 4.

The above could be viewed as good news, but only really if your name is either CAROLE (Bolton, Wolves (that's enough winning for them for the next 8 days!, Brentford (who Carole's dad played for, allegedly & Lincoln) or Clive W (Portsmouth, Ipswich, Bournemouth and his adopted team Carlisle!) due to their winnings increasing from potentially Ł10.66 to Ł16. In fact Carole is slightly better off as postage and packing has been deducted from Clive's winnings, that are already in the post to him.

There will be Ł32 up for grabs for the fixtures being played on Boxing Day.

Just by way of reminder Ian owes from the New Years fixtures and the Denney clan from 7/1. Mick, I'm popping some stuff to Squelchy's during the day tomorrow and need to deliver your card as well. Are you around sometime in the morning as I could collect whilst delivering. Or I know much better, hold fire until the 4th or more preferable the 6th of Jan, then any resolutions remaining can be firmly chucked out of the window!!!!

It just leaves me to close by wishing you all a very enjoyable Christmas and, if 4 results go your way, a prosperous New Year.

Regards,
Trev.

Week 15

There are, currently, no winners of this weeks competition. Although this could all change come 9.50ish tonight.

If as is likely, according to the bookies, high flying Spurs overcome lowly Portsmouth then one of their fans will be doubly delighted. A Tottenham victory will see Tim scoop his second lot of Ł64 this season.

I hoped I have billed them up enough for a bit of a fall in order that we can hopefully be competing, if the below dues are paid, for Ł96 this coming weekend.

It was a pretty poor week otherwise for results, with only 3 of you recording 3 winners all coupled with a loss apiece. (Michael & Chris, Middlesborough, and Paul, Man City). If Spurs do pull off the expected win then a co-fan Nick will go closer than the above 3, with Wolves draw being his only blot.

The following of you owe for this coming weekend.
Mary & Mike. Ł3.00 will take you up to and including New Years Eve, Ł6 will take you to January payday.
Carole, Dave & Ian. You are paid up until the Boxing Day fixtures but owe again for New Years Eve, Ł4 will take you to payday.
The Denney clan owe again from the weekend of 7/1
and everyone else is paid beyond this to varying degrees.

Just to close, I am asking for some assistance to help a good family friend, who I visited yesterday, in recalling a Reading footballer from the early 50's!!!! This player was signed from Blyth Spartans and was likened to the Arsenal star of the Thirties, Cliff Baston. He played on the left wing was very skilful with a bigger than average build for a winger. My friend felt that he faded away after not that many games but certainly when he started lived up to his billing. Any ideas? before I get in touch with David Downs (for those who don't know he is the RFC historian).

Regards,
Trev.

Week 14

The second round of the FA Cup saw a significant number of you excluded due to first round failings. There were in fact 21 of you not competing, with 7 (James, Chris [I will need some money from you this week], Paul, Albert, Dave, Sara & Clive W) being doubly out in the cold.

At the conclusion of the Saturday matches of those of you competing, only one person had a 100% winning record. On the back of Ł160 last weekend, I was wondering if I would have to consider re-naming the comp to include Sharon Curtis somewhere in the title.

I had marked off wins again for Everton & Leeds on Sunday morning and came to record all the League 1 selected teams. On looking for Doncaster, I just glanced the fixtures and noticed they were due to play that afternoon, but didn't take any note of their opposition. I would normally have done this Saturday but the rare event, post 8.00pm, of having an evening at home to myself without the words "Didn't you have enough at football" (we have differing views on the definition of 'enough') & "I hate that stuff, I don't know how you can stomach it, especially those little bits raw" resounding, I decided to cook myself a liver stroganoff and have a very 'relaxing' time. Hence, in view of the need for the competition to be recorded accurately, I deferred to Sunday.

Moving on to the League 2 teams, I scoured the results to see how Boston had faired to no avail. My eyes were then drawn to the two Sunday fixtures and it will probably come as no surprise to learn, yes you've guessed it, they were drawn at home to Doncaster. On the basis it's never as much fun playing with yourself, the outcome of this weeks competition was thus decided. Just for the record, Doncaster's win left Sharon with 3 wins and a loss!

There will be Ł64 up for grabs this coming weekend, providing Chris & Michael pay their respective dues.

As it is getting near that time of year when goodwill is extended etc. etc. I thought I would join in and make the following offer available. Full or more complete details should be available next week for anyone interested, after the offer has been collected, hopefully Wed's.

For all those wet shavers, or partners there of, why not make use of a FREE stocking filler, in the form of some Nivea pre-shave gel. This forms the 50% of a competition prize, that I cannot make use of. The other 50%, moisturising lotion, remains mine especially in view of Harry Kewell's wife publicly stating men have to look after their skin and admitted she has given him a facial!!

I believe one other member of this competition and also a member of the ladies who enter competitions brigade, may also be only filling her stocking 50%, so there could well be 2 gels up for grabs, if it hasn't already been donated to a school fair or off loaded in some other way.

Please let me know if you will be gelling with this offer.

Regards,
Trev.

Week 13

There was me thinking, for all those of you who have Ipswich in your selections, that I could have been posing a question such as will an Ipswich away win at Cardiff tonight, bring dividends? However, that is now not a reality, as Reading made it 5 -0 on aggregate against them earlier in the week which I would suggest wouldn't bode well for the trip to Ninian Park, but more importantly because the winnings have already been paid out.

The question I will now ask is, Why did the Rules Committee exclude Newcastle, if they can't beat or at least even draw against opposition who have only previously recorded 3 Premiership victories, having only scored 4 goals in the process and still not scored more than 1 goal in any game played this season!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Although I do not know the answer to the above, it could be the subject of debate tomorrow night, as the aforementioned Rules Committee will be in residence at Highbury.

The one question I do know the answer to is copied below. On contacting a winner of the competition and asking; Had we not excluded Newcastle from the competition would you have chosen them instead of Everton?

"Me choose a team from the North over the South. They have funny accents." I could have retorted with "Cor blimey, have you heard yourself". I know this comment will be taken in the spirit it was intended. See next but one paragraph and I think spirit of a different nature would have been in evidence on Saturday, anyway.

Bearing in mind that the author of this reply totals some 721 miles aggregate distance from London in their selections, I'm not sure it actually holds much of a sway. Apparently Doncaster was chosen as it sounds like a Donkey and Boston because of memories of America. Leeds because Kevin told me to and I'm not sure what the persuasion with Everton was.

Put all this together and on the back of picking up just over Ł100 for a Ł5 bet at Newbury on Saturday, Sharon is now a further Ł160 richer. Then complained that she didn't win the bonus ball competition!!

Sharon also asked who she was sharing the winnings with, I suggested myself down the pub. I further suggested in view of Villa, Ipswich, Blackpool & Barnet's combined efforts that she also invite her "bestest friend in the Pru" as that is potentially as close as said friend is possibly going to get to any winnings!!!!

It leaves me to close in ruing Northampton taking 90 minutes to score their only goal at home to Lincoln, who unfortunately had scored themselves early in the first half. What is more galling is that this was a 1.00pm kick off to which I was oblivious of the result until I had recorded my other 3 victories, whilst noting them down from Sports Report at just turned 5.00 pm. Mary was simarlily let down by 'The Cobblers", which is probably a lot lesser word than I used on Saturday. Clive M was also only let down by another draw in an early kick off, this time Wolves and Nigel joined in with Rushden's 3.00pm draw.

I'm sure there is probably more info but it escapes me at the moment.

There will be Ł32 up for grabs this coming weekend.

Regards,
Trev.

Week 12

The outcome of this weeks competition is yet to be settled. Dave (L) will be paying particular attention to the Birmingham v Bolton encounter at St Andrew's this evening. If an away victory is recorded then Dave will pick up twice the amount of the highest outright win so far this season.

Anything other than a Bolton win will see Dave on the 3 win mark along with James, Bernie (Ipswich & Oldham's draws respectively), Pam, Viv & Gary (Bristol City, Everton & Charlton's losses respectively). Fintan & I will join them if Birmingham win, with Bernie's influence being my undoing and coincidentally James similarly impacting Fintan.

If Bolton do record a victory it will be scant reward for Tom that he only misses out a result of Swindon's draw. There will either be Ł160 or Ł32 up for grabs next weekend providing the following (Ł3.00) dues are paid.

As we are fast approaching the festive period, a further Ł3 added to your respective amounts will mean you won't need to pay again until the weekend of 7 Jan, which sees that ever enthralling time of the season, the FA Cup 3rd Round.

A further Ł3 on top of the below and the first additional Ł3 will take you to January payday. If all the maths has done you in as it has me, let me know and I can send you your own itemised bills.

Ł3 owed by Albert, The Denney clan, Carole, Chris, Ian, Mary, Sara, & Viv.
Ł1 owed by Fintan, Michael & Tony.
Mike, you will owe again from 17/12.
Dave, you may owe from 31/12, dependent on tonight's outcome.
Tina, from 14/1.
Bernie & Gary from 21/1.

In view of my increased need to cover school runs of recent, I'm not sure if the payment service will be operating this month. However, Friday could be a possibility if I were to receive any encouragement/demand for it, please, please!!!!

I think that is everything worthy or not of mention.

Regards,
Trev.

Week 11

In last weeks update I overlooked to mention that the pot of Ł96 was the largest of the season. Well good job I did, as it would now be a lie. As a result of the weekend's results Ł128 is up for grabs the weekend after next. (No comp this weekend due to World Cup play-offs).

After Saturday's games Steve & Nigel were still in with a shout, but both of them were only 50% there. However, due to the results of Tranmere (loss) & Rushden & Diamonds (draw) in their respective Cup games on Sunday, that is the way it stayed and was maintained by Spurs losing at Bolton last night.

I would now normally make mention of the 'nearly there's' but by a quirk, the mirror image of the results normally reported at this stage i.e. 3 losses and win or a draw, far outnumber the 3 win brigade. Eight of you (James, Michael, John, Chris, Pam, David, Sara & Clive W) recorded a Ł75% failure rate as opposed to 4 of you the opposite. Mary and Carole (reasonable effort in view of you "feeling lucky") being closest with the draws of Leeds & Lincoln respectively, letting them down. Clive M & Tony were next best with the losses of Bournemouth (to non-league opponents!!) and Man City respectively, being their downfall. All of the above though was surpassed by Paul, in recording a 100% failure rate.

I feel there is little else to comment on and look forward to the weekend of 19/11 to find out the destiny of the Ł128. Will I have to find it or will it grow to an ever increasing amount as Christmas approaches. Hopefully I have still got the receipts for the 'early' bought Christmas presents, just in case I have to announce the winning of Ł224 in Week 15's competition on the morning of 19/12. Failing that I'm happy for those who have not already done so, to pay a maximum of Ł24 each this coming payday and therefore pay yourselves up to the end of the season.

Regards,
Trev.

Week 10

The outcome of this weeks competition will be clear for all to work out based on the following fact. None of the 9 selected teams in the Championship managed to achieve a win between them.

There will be Ł96 up for grabs this coming weekend, providing Mary & Tony pay their respective dues by Friday.

James, Clive W (both Ipswich) and Viv (Preston) came the closest to scooping the pot, with 3 wins and the draws of the teams detailed halting their progress. If Man City beat Aston Villa tonight, David will join the 3 win crowd with Derby's loss being his downfall.

There is little else to report apart from a tenuous connection due to David having recently become a father for the second time and the following bit of non-competition news.

For those of you who know (Mad Irish) Jenny, she welcomed a new edition to her family the Saturday before last. Jenny's daughter Paula presented her with her first grandchild in the form of a baby boy, Karl. I understand mother and baby are doing fine.

Regards,
Trev.

Week 9

The outcome was in the balance until Sunday afternoon, with Michael needing Middlesborough to beat West Ham at Upton Park.

If you aren't aware 'Pardew's Boys' came out on top 2 - 1. Therefore if everyone, who owes, pays their dues, there will be Ł64 up for grabs this coming weekend.

The only other person to achieve 3 winners was Tom being let down by Swindon's draw. It could be said this was almost a moral 'win' as their current form probably meant even a draw seemed like a win to them.

I will provide details of who owes what tomorrow.

I'm not in the office on Thurs and due to having to severely restrict my lunchbreaks the payment service will not be operating this month. I trust this doesn't cause you the amount of annoyance it causes me!

I will do my best to do better next month. In fact I will consider opening for 2 days to make up for it. This will be on 23 & 24 Nov, mid to late morning, which providing the game lasts ties in with the 4th and 5th days closing play from the 2nd Test in Pakistan. How convenient! I will circulate/promote further details nearer the time and when I know exactly the hours of play.

Regards,
Trev.

Week 8

Another shortish update this week due in the main to me not completing the record sheet until this mornings journey to work and suffering from severe, self inflicted, fatigue and lassitude.

Tim wins the Ł64 recording victories with Spurs, Sheff Utd, Bristol City & Northampton. If one of either Hull or Wycombe had won instead of drawing Paul would have joined the other 3 members of his family in having attained 3 wins and a draw. Quite a feat for the most represented family in the comp. Bernie had Oldham's draw being the only blemish on his record. The 3 win brigade was completed by Sharon and Tony with Everton & Ipswich's losses respectively being their only blots. If Charlton gain a victory tonight against Fulham then Gary will join them. Fintan achieved the ignominy of recording 4 losses, never mind there is always next week.

There will be Ł32 up for grabs this coming weekend.

I have a feeling that one or 2 of you may owe for this coming weekend but you won't be surprised to learn that it was the last thing on my mind to dig the payment record out this morning. In fact negotiating the revolving door just about took all my concentration!! If I'm right, I'll contaact you individually and if I'm wrong then you won't hear from me.

Regards,
Trev.

Week 7

Quickest update ever due to the fact I have just realised I was supposed to bring something in for a 2.15 meeting today. Didn't so now need to get home and back again before said meeting. Doh!!!

No winners, Ł64 up for grabs the weekend after next. No comp this weekend due to World Cup qualifiers.

Regards,
Trev.

Week 6

The outcome of this week's competition is still undecided and will not be known until this evening.

Nick will have a far greater interest than normal, as not only will he be willing his favourites Spurs to win, if they do then he wins the competition outright.

His 3 successes thus far are Wolves, Yeovil & Wycombe. To think Nick was only bemoaning his fortune by including Spurs and Yeovil in his selections. Those matching Nick with 3 wins are Mike, Paul & Tom unfortunately for them they had the losses of Everton, Man City & Swindon (now their manager also!) respectively to go with them.

I can feel a bit of a Chris Tarrant Millionaire type moment coming on if Nick was to win. An envelope dropped through my door Saturday morning which was the postman delivering Nick's cheque for payment of the rest of the season.

I can feel myself saying "we don't want to give you that" ripping the cheque up and sending one in the opposite direction. This is quite ironic that I have waited paying another cheque into my account in anticipation of paying both in together!

On the subject of losses David managed 4 of them but I'm sure this is the furthest thing from his mind as he became the proud father to his second child at 5.10 this morning. Amber June Denney (6lb 6oz) along with mum are fine, according to the report from Grandad.

Dependent on the outcome of tonight's game there will be either Ł96 or Ł32 up for grabs this coming weekend.

It is now time to join in a new game. Spot the competition member, on the internet, who is partially obscured on the official Reading football club site (www.readingfc.co.uk). To give you a head (no pun intended) start, go to the news story 'Relive our great win over Norwich in pictures' Go to the very bottom picture, enlarge it and along the top about a third or so in from the left you may, I believe, recognise a quite familiar balding/close cropped pate.

That about concludes it for this week.

Regards,
Trev.

Week 5

At last the pot has rolled over but it was a close run thing. At the end of Saturday's games there were 3 of you, including last weeks winner Mr Denney Snr, who could take the spoils.

In order of falling by the wayside was firstly Tony who not only had Ipswich's loss deny him but Man City went on to compound it later on. Mick was felled by Wigan's lateish equaliser at home to Middlesborough and this just left Bernie who, as Tony, includes Man City in his selection.

The best of the rest was me with 3 wins and a draw. Sharon will join me if Everton, albeit unlikely turn Arsenal over at Highbury tonight. However, I'm sure Sharon's thoughts will be far from this as she downs fine fayre and consumes loads of booze on a girls Chinese night out, to extend another member of the competitions, birthday celebrations into their sixth day! I trust you enjoy yourselves.

As it is payday this week some of you owe some more dues which I detail below. There is no competition over the weekend of 8/10, due to the last but one round of World Cup qualifiers.

Ł4 owed by The Denney clan (incl James), Tina, Jason, Michael, Viv, Mike, Nick (via Ann?), Albert, CAROLE (JUST IN CASE YOU MISS YOUR NAME) , Dave, Sara (or should it be Derek, at least it was 2 draws this week! blimey that makes it Ł38 in total, does this definitely push the debt in Derek's direction?) & Fintan.
Ł2 owed by Ian.

I trust I have got my payment records back on track, (Bernie can you confirm how much you handed over at the start) but please let me know if any of you disagree.

On the basis that everyone pays there will be Ł64 up for grabs.

Regards,
Trev.

Week 4

There is very little to report this week, especially as I need to 'lunch' by just turned 11.00, in order to watch the latest developments in a certain cricket match.

Only John achieved 3 wins this week, let down by Hull's loss. Unfortunately for the rest of us it was worse news, apart from Mick, as he becomes the second member of the Denney clan to pick up Ł32.

His winning selections are Middlesborough, Sheff Utd, Huddersfield & Grimsby. There is some consolation for me, as hopefully some of this will be diverted, liquidly, my way, when I meet him ahead of the Palace game tomorrow night, if not sooner.

I probably shouldn't mention this, but the exact opposite of Mick's achievement will be achieved by Sara, if Aston Villa lose at West Ham tonight. (Who was responsible for the selections again, this season? Early days though)

There will be Ł32 up for grabs this coming weekend, when hopefully we will get to see the pot building rather than being paid out each week.

Regards,
Trev.

Week 3

3 weeks in and 3 payouts! As if Tony didn't take enough out of John's competition last season, he has won Ł31 (one person didn't pay) on his own this week. His winning selection is Man City, Ipswich, Huddersfield & Northampton.

Mick could have shared the money on Sunday but Middlesborough's demise at home to Charlton put paid to his chances.

Albert, Dave & I went one result better being let down by the draws of Wolves, Wycombe & Oldham respectively. The only other person to achieve 3 wins was Fintan (Macclesfield loss).

On the basis that all dues are paid there will be Ł32 up for grabs the weekend after next. No competition this coming weekend due to World Cup qualifiers.

As the update is a bit thin this week, a few bits of trivia to finish with.

There are as many molecules in a teaspoon of water as there are teaspoons of water in the Atlantic.
The seventh Underwater Egg Chasing (rugby) World Championship was held in Denmark in 2003 and won by Sweden.
A camel can drink 35 gallons of water in 10 minutes. (I must admit if you add hops and yeast, the past 2 to 3 weeks have seen me try and push that camel all the way! Never mind, all holiday excesses come to an end eventually).

Regards,
Trev.

Week 1 and 2

Having returned from 2 weeks off and encountered 186 e-mails, I thought I would have a break from reading and get my typing fingers on again.

Unfortunately there are 30 of us who will show some disappointment with the competition thus far, as I am already paying out 2 X Ł32. Week 1 winner Steve Hall (Spurs, Wolves, Tranmere & Mansfield) and Week 2 winner Paul Denney (Man City, Hull, Bristol City & Wycombe).

Time prevents me from giving too much additional information on the week 2 results. Apart from, 11 of you achieved 3 winners, 4 coupled with a draw and 7 with a loss. 1 result, per person, different would have had a serious impact on Paul's income.

There is a more unusual reason for not being able to elaborate on week 1. As week 1 coincided with the first day of my holiday all relevant information was safely packed in to the luggage. I completed the results record and left it alone for the rest of the week. On returning home it would appear that the records have been misplaced and more than likely are extending their stay somewhere on the Isle Of Wight. This in itself isn't a real problem as all your selections are safely stored at home. The one problem I do have is that on one of the bits of paper was the only record I had of how much you have all paid me!

I have a pretty reasonable idea how much everyone paid and it comes to within a few pounds of what I am holding at home. I haven't given up all hope as a phone call has gone into our 'home' for last week to see if it has possibly been left there.

If that fails I will contact you later in the week to confirm what I think you have all paid. I have absolutely no reason to doubt your honesty, but just to show this extends beyond yourselves, I will start the e-mail with a story from my hol's.

As it is payday this week, those of you who only paid Ł2 will need to pay some more by the close of play on Fri. Ł3 will see you through to Sept payday as there is no competition over the weekend of 3/9.

If everyone pays there will be Ł32 up for grabs this coming weekend.

It just leaves me to close in order that I can depart for my traditional and customary first day back lunchtime outing. This will also give me the opportunity of ensuring that everything is in place for the opening of the payment service, that just happens to coincide with the opening 2 days of the 4th Test!

Regards,
Trev.

Regards,
Trev.