Fatbastarding: NTA log
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Its the Kiwi influence I think - those boys don't like losing <img src='http://www.daimenhutchison.com/invision/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.png' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':lol:' /> So they make sure their calls and execution are spot on, especially at lineout time.<br />
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[edit] Got home from work last night and decided to test myself out on pullups (my left elbow copped a nerve stinger on the weekend but has come good). I managed to get out a full pullup! First one I've done since I don't know when. Second rep didn't quite make it but I'll keep at it and develop the lat strength to do more. Yay me. -
good work fat boy <img src='http://www.daimenhutchison.com/invision/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/wink.png' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':lol:' /> the set of ten pullups start with a single rep, or something!!<br />
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On that second one, hold at the top as long as you can! -
When I get to the top on the second one, I'll do that <img src='http://www.daimenhutchison.com/invision/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/wink.png' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':lol:' /> Nah I usually know when I'm going to drop so I hang at 90 as long as I can and essentially make it a reverse from there.<br />
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Training tonight - got there late so missed the touch game warmup. We did some warmup sprints and stuff and I became acutely aware of how weak my left ankle is without enough strength to push off - the acute angle between shin and top of foot is becoming a bit painful. Will need strapping this weekend even after I see the chiro Saturday morning I think...<br />
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Anyways, we did some set piece work with just the forwards - had about 13 guys there so not quite enough for opposed training. Both our first grade locks are out (knee ligament and broken ribs respectively) but fortunately our flankers are easy to get in the air so they're our targets. I rotated in and out with the First Grade guys standing at prop essentially (both sides). No chance of me playing 1st grade of course, but you've got to show you're willing, right? <img src='http://www.daimenhutchison.com/invision/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.png' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':lol:' /> A couple of new guys turned up - one a prop which is good because our starting 2nd grade THP is nursing a bit of a sore shoulder. So it'll be between me and the new bloke for starting spot, and just looking at him, he's quite welcome to it - big lump of a lad slightly taller than me and gave the First Grade maul a good shoving... speaking of which - us 5 2nd grade forwards managed to halt the First grade pack in its tracks before driving it back
Coach advised us to back it off a bit, and I scowled and felt like saying "its not tuddlywunks bro!" <img src='http://www.daimenhutchison.com/invision/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.png' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=';)' /><br />
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Then the backs joined in and I was rotated in and out of the main lineup to give blokes a rest. Set moves, kickoffs (including a beautiful restart from yours truly <img src='http://www.daimenhutchison.com/invision/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/wink.png' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':)' />) and a bit of dropped ball. <br />
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Got home, some pullups and dips, and now bed! -
Saw the chiro this morning who has begun the process of unlocking my dura. Man she's cute. So she cracked my neck a couple of times and things feel a little better though the ankle will take time.<br />
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Played today against Lane Cove. Ref was late, so it was 25 minute halves and consequently I played the whole game. They didn't have a fully qualified front row, and decided after the first two scrums not to challenge us any more. Combined weight of our starting front row was probably 360kg on account of our new 140kg prop. He can push too <img src='http://www.daimenhutchison.com/invision/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.png' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':lol:' /> They called for uncontested scrums from about minute 10 onwards.<br />
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I played 2nd row again and had a pretty good game I thought. A few tackles, lot of ruck and maul work, even won a lineout! Hooker overthrew it and I got there first, set off upfield about 2 metres before getting tagged, and stayed on my feet while the cavalry arrived. Hit the deck like a good boy, got the ball back etc et. We won 24-7 I think - was at least 4 tries to 1 anyway. So we're back on a winning streak: 1 in a row <img src='http://www.daimenhutchison.com/invision/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.png' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':)' /><br />
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First Grade got a bit of a workout in the scrum but with lightweight flanks were giving away about 80kg on total pack weight. They ran out winners 72-0!<br />
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I'm stuffed. Radox bath and a nip of rum before early bed.... -
This is a shot from a while back - the water I soaked my headgear in after playing on a local ground. On a perfectly dry day with no rain that week...<br />
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The dust makes a nice cushion, believe it or not <img src='http://www.daimenhutchison.com/invision/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.png' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':lol:' /> -
Light training tonight - they've decided to get everyone to Thursday training in order to get the most out of an hour and a half per week. So only 3 other blokes showed up. We had a game of 2 on 2 - me and our 2nd grade fullback versus a First Grade flanker and a second grade flanker, both Fijians.<br />
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It was about even at the end, thanks to one of them being a smoker and me being an outrageous cheat <img src='http://www.daimenhutchison.com/invision/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.png' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':lol:' /> Got home, some pullups and dips just to loosen things, but I feel a sore throat coming on and had enough night air at that point. -
Full training tonight. Some drills, Lineout practice (lifting at 1), then full team practice. Swapped in and out of Firsts lineup because of some missing front rowers. Our starting THP is down again with injury, and our starting LHP is going to be there only for the 2nd half. so I'll probably start on the TH side with our new behemoth LHP showing some form. There is another second rower who can also play THP but he might prefer second row. We'll see.<br />
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Playing against the Colleagues Convicts - Sydney's gay rugby side - and their 2nds gave table leaders Bankstown a workout last weekend. Gonna be tough. -
[quote name='NTA']<br />
Full training tonight. Some drills, Lineout practice (lifting at 1), then full team practice. Swapped in and out of Firsts lineup because of some missing front rowers. Our starting THP is down again with injury, and our starting LHP is going to be there only for the 2nd half. so I'll probably start on the TH side with our new behemoth LHP showing some form. There is another second rower who can also play THP but he might prefer second row. We'll see.<br />
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Playing against the Colleagues Convicts - Sydney's gay rugby side - and their 2nds gave table leaders Bankstown a workout last weekend. Gonna be tough.<br />
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You breaking into the firsts? that is good news. -
I think a sacrificial lamb, breaking into the firsts when you are playing a gay team, any of your front rowers homophobes by any chance <img src='http://www.daimenhutchison.com/invision/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/wink.png' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':lol:' />
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[quote name='Fullermorg']<br />
You breaking into the firsts? that is good news.<br />
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<img src='http://www.daimenhutchison.com/invision/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/laugh.png' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':lol:' /> Don't break out the bubbly just yet. Strictly for training purposes at this stage. They were missing the Firsts' hooker and THP at training is all so I was a lineout mule <img src='http://www.daimenhutchison.com/invision/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/wink.png' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':)' /> We have some very talented chaps in the First XV, and I only just played my first full game last weekend!<br />
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Still, anything is possible with the injuries we're getting lately. If I get a go at THP for 2nds I might prove a point (or I might get snapped - been a while). Second row isn't much fun - you're just a prop who has to push and not think... -
First: visit to the chiro this morning. Ankle is showing signs of life again which is good. I've been able to support my weight on it, but not lift my weight from the floor as yet. Its a start.<br />
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OK, today we played Colleagues Convicts - some explanation here: The Convicts (who form the "2nd Grade" team in the club) are Sydney's gay rugby side. They've teamed up with Woollahra Colleagues' leftovers (basically their 6th Grade) to compete in the two-team 5th Division. No idea why because the two teams have fuck all to do with each other. When Colleagues' (the "First Grade" side) had a prop injured, the Convicts wouldn't lend them anyone. Its basically a joke and the ref wanted us to put in a complaint because of it. None of our business. <br />
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Being a numpty, I forgot to wash my shoulder pads, shorts and socks this week. So I taped my head up and grabbed some old shorts from the cupboard. Wallaby socks to finish the ensemble <img src='http://www.daimenhutchison.com/invision/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.png' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':)' /><br />
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I played 2nd row (loose head) again for 2nd Grade the first half. And by fuck we scrummed them into the deck - turning them several times and disrupting every other ball they had. They were pretty well drilled in contact (no gay jokes please <img src='http://www.daimenhutchison.com/invision/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.png' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':lol:' />), often holding us up for the maul turnover. Our lineout just didn't function that well, and our shitty option taking in the backs and lack of focus were apparent in the first half. After conceding an early penalty we put a try in, which we failed to convert. They returned the favour and it was 8-5 before they pounced on a couple of idiot mistakes and went up 15-5. Then we hit back, but they did too - 20-10 as their conversion from RIGHT IN FRONT hits the post and bounces back. <img src='http://www.daimenhutchison.com/invision/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/laugh.png' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':lol:' /><br />
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We're still looking fucked with about 10 minutes to go as the passes just aren't happening for us. Then we score. No conversion. Fuck. Then with 5 to go, our reserve flanker breaks them wide open and crosses the line wide out, making sure he goes around to the posts for the easy conversion. 22-20 bitchez! A few minutes to go. I'm chilling on the sideline with the coach when our hooker (nearly 50 mind you) goes down after a pretty good game. I'm ordered back on. Quick search for the mouthguard and ditching my sunnies and hat <img src='http://www.daimenhutchison.com/invision/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.png' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=';)' /><br />
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Back on and straight away get stepped by this big lad. One of our wingers grabs this massive bloke and wraps his arms around the ball for grim death - it was an amazing effort for a bloke 75kg dripping wet up against a guy heavier than me! I joined in and helped him and rip it clear, then gave it off to another forward who runs it upfield. After a couple of phases the final whistle goes thank fuck! Thought we'd lost that one...<br />
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The best thing about winning over the top of that was the fact they were the biggest whiners I've ever played any sport against. I've got nothing against homosexuals, but these blokes would give anyone a reason to start. At one of our rucks their guy was off his feet with his hands all over it, so we rucked shit out of him - just his hands mind. One of their tough guys thought he'd try to smash us off it, but all he did was give away a penalty - fortunately the bloke on our side who got cleaned out right next to me (and is a bit firey) didn't punch him in the head.<br />
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Weird game for me - lots of involvement at scrum (obviously) and ruck time, but I don't think a single lineout got called to our pod, and I only ran with the ball a couple of times, getting turned in the maul at halftime when my support didn't arrive. No harm done there but I've got to work on protecting it better. Like I said above, their tactic was to wrap the ball up and keep it off the deck, and they were very good at it. We keep relying on individuals to get us out of the shit which is part of the issue when you're not fielding a regular lineup I suppose. That's 2nd grade for you... At the end the coach was discussing who to give the points to for best on field and mentioned I wasn't far off. I said "Yeah only played the first half - I reckon I'm in the top 20!" which got a bit of a laugh <img src='http://www.daimenhutchison.com/invision/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.png' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':)' /><br />
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No game this week for 2nd grade as the other club (Rockdale) withdrew their side due to numbers. Good - my next visit to the chiro is coming up and she assures me it'll be thorough. :twisted:<br />
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First Grade got to 74-7 before the opposing skipper allowed the ref to invoke the mercy rule. They wanted to stop at halftime when it was about 50-nil <img src='http://www.daimenhutchison.com/invision/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.png' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':)' /> -
Love reading the game descriptions, Nick, although I hope none of your backs are on the fern, you give 'em heaps, but then again, you're a bloody forward!! Yes, I am an evil glory boy, do-nothing, stay-clean back...but the hair does not stay parted, 'cos aint got none! Anyway, always being told when I played to get the fuck out of the rucks and mauls, guess that's why I picked up a few scars on the head, now exposed. It always seemed like fun in there!<br />
Interesting point about them being whiney. I would say this is more a product of watching more top level rugby - with all the directional mikes etc at games, how much whinging do you hear in S14 and tests? Heaps. "ref, he's on the wrong side!"Â "not releasing ref"Â etc.... But well done anyway. I wish my 40 (nearly) year old bones and time would allow me to play a bit. Always my biggest regret, not playing more rugby through my uni and early working days. -
[quote name='cyclopath']<br />
Love reading the game descriptions, Nick, although I hope none of your backs are on the fern, you give 'em heaps, but then again, you're a bloody forward!! <br />
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Yeah I suppose, but our strength is in the forwards. With simple rugby played up front we could beat every other side in the comp - even those 2nd grade teams who are stacking their sides now that Bankstown and our lot are over 20 points clear at the top of the table! We make mistakes in the forwards too (our lineout for example) but I reckon we just give the ball away too easily rather than trucking it up first. We've got a few set plays from tap kicks and whatnot but the flyhalf (who is bloody good) calls the moves onto himself and inevitably the guys outside him aren't quite as hot as he is. I know the backs want to score tries, but the fact is if we get a lead up through some pick n go, with the odd break from our better forwards, then the other side starts to drop off. Then we can start putting on backline moves to score the flashy tries. Without blowing the trumpet too much, we've got enough forward talent (even with my handicapping the team <img src='http://www.daimenhutchison.com/invision/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/wink.png' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':lol:' />) to lay on 4 tries in the first half while starving the oppo of possesion, then let the backs hammer in the final nails in the second half.<br />
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Most teams attack us through the backs because our forward defence is pretty good. Its much easier to attack through the backs if you've got one or two talented blokes. Our defensive structure out wide isn't great because we don't often run the 2nds backline together too. Hard to get 30 blokes to training in their right positions...<br />
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[quote]Always my biggest regret, not playing more rugby through my uni and early working days.[/quote]<br />
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Me too mate <img src='http://www.daimenhutchison.com/invision/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.png' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':)' /> But I figure if I had done more of that and less of chasing burds the quality of Mrs the Aussie, I might not be where I am now :nta All things happen for a reason... except penalties against you when the bloke was clearly off his feet :whistle:<br />
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In other news - my left shoulder was a bit sore last night, but today its really handing out the grief. I can do dips or pushups (just) but not a chinup - someone's whacked me on top of the AC joint I reckon and without shoulder pads its just that little bit more harsh than usual. -
[quote name='cyclopath']<br />
Interesting point about them being whiney. I would say this is more a product of watching more top level rugby - with all the directional mikes etc at games, how much whinging do you hear in S14 and tests? Heaps. "ref, he's on the wrong side!"Â "not releasing ref"Â etc.... <br />
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True that. I am doing a bit of refereeing for NSWRU (subbies and club- not you Nick yet thank christ), and the amount of banter you get from players is stupid. In my expereince from playing and reffing the team that puts its head down and just plays footy will always beat the team that whinges about the refs calls.<br />
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Low level subbies is the best to ref though, because you tend to get more jokes than complaints, which is what playing footy is all about. -
The ref penalised Convicts mid-phase for backchat. <img src='http://www.daimenhutchison.com/invision/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/blink.png' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':lol:' /> I've NEVER seen a ref actually stop a game for backchat - usually its after a penalty is given when someone drops a clanger.<br />
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Its no surprise that I mouth off a little - it comes from knowing the rules and being a short-tempered prick <img src='http://www.daimenhutchison.com/invision/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/wink.png' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':)' /> I try to make it short and to the point, and generally phrase it as a question: "Not straight sir?" "Offside sir?" "Sorry was that a maul sir?" I especially don't do it to the ref's face - that's one advantage of the second row when something is up at scrum time <img src='http://www.daimenhutchison.com/invision/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.png' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=';)' /> I always refer to the ref as "sir" and make it as respectful as possible, but I bet its still annoying.<br />
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One of our flankers - normally a level-headed bloke - had enough of one ref (who was bad) and said to no-one in particular "Watch the fucking GAME!"<br />
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barbarian - I hope you don't get Oakhill or Convicts. Lane Cove, Killara West Pymble, and Norwest are good blokes I've found for 2nd grade at least. Colleagues (the first grade team for Convicts) are also good fun. Even Bankstown are pretty cool compared to Oakhill and Convicts. Rockdale I haven't played but they're all cuzzy bros so must be alright <img src='http://www.daimenhutchison.com/invision/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/wink.png' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':lol:' /><br />
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Tried the shoulder again for some dips and chins. Managed a pullup and some dips but it was an effort. Rest time for that arm I think... -
We can basically kiss the champions shield goodbye as Bankstown just won both grades yesterday against Oakhill. That keeps them 4 points ahead of us overall, and they've only got Rockdale next week (which their 2nd Grade automatically win and First Grade will pulverise) and a home game against Norwest, who will have trouble getting close in either grade.<br />
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That being the case, we can at least concentrate on securing our top 2 spots and get ready for the finals. This weekend is Oakhill and I want some revenge on those blokes.<br />
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After last night's fundraiser and only about 4 hours sleep I'm still under the effects of XX rum and cokes. The charity auction resulted in me buying a club jersey signed by all the boys for a not inconsiderable sum of money, but it all goes back to the club and the Kids Hospital so what the hey. Mrs TA regretted her pregnancy somewhat as she needed a strong drink. Especially when the bidding got close to 4 figures....<br />
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So, given the dehydrating effect of the hangover and after a pretty solid GB this morning I'm a couple of kilos lighter :shifty:Â I've been doing some dips, pushups, crunches and chins just to blow out the booze.<br />
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Been a while since I did my measurements - last lot:<br />
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[quote name='NTA']<br />
Chest 125cm<br />
Gut 113cm<br />
Butt 120cm<br />
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Chest 126cm<br />
Gut 113cm<br />
Butt 120cm<br />
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:nta Yeah not much changed there. -
[quote name='NTA']<br />
We can basically kiss the champions shield goodbye as Bankstown just won both grades yesterday against Oakhill. That keeps them 4 points ahead of us overall, and they've only got Rockdale next week (which their 2nd Grade automatically win and First Grade will pulverise) and a home game against Norwest, who will have trouble getting close in either grade.<br />
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That being the case, we can at least concentrate on securing our top 2 spots and get ready for the finals. This weekend is Oakhill and I want some revenge on those blokes.<br />
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After last night's fundraiser and only about 4 hours sleep I'm still under the effects of XX rum and cokes. The charity auction resulted in me buying a club jersey signed by all the boys for a not inconsiderable sum of money, but it all goes back to the club and the Kids Hospital so what the hey. Mrs TA regretted her pregnancy somewhat as she needed a strong drink. Especially when the bidding got close to 4 figures....<br />
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So, given the dehydrating effect of the hangover and after a pretty solid GB this morning I'm a couple of kilos lighter :shifty:Â I've been doing some dips, pushups, crunches and chins just to blow out the booze.<br />
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Been a while since I did my measurements - last lot:<br />
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[quote name='NTA']<br />
Chest 125cm<br />
Gut 113cm<br />
Butt 120cm<br />
[/quote]<br />
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Chest 126cm<br />
Gut 113cm<br />
Butt 120cm<br />
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:nta Yeah not much changed there.<br />
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Looks like someone got some breast implants.. -
[quote name='NTA']<br />
Somebody ban him :knubble:<br />
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[/quote]<br />
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Ban me!<br />
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I think im up for Post of the year! -
Training tonight - was a bloody good one too. Ground was wet and with little grass cover soon mucky as. We did handling, contact drills, but mostly fitness work. It was a nice change from the usual stuff as we had a different trainer. Last thing we did was 5 of these: Start on your chest, then up, run 5 metres, down-and-up then back to the start line. Then do it to the 10 metre line, then do a 50 metre sprint after that and jog back. Shit I'm unfit, but I didn't come last by too much <img src='http://www.daimenhutchison.com/invision/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.png' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=';)' /> I think its time I started taking the runners to work and do some stuff at lunch time to prep for the finals.<br />
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We'll have set piece and field drills on Thursday<br />
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In ankle news - the hot chiropractor is doing some nice work. My boots are the problem I reckon - not enough arch support. I haven't been strapping either which might help. Bottom line is I'm rolling inwards and getting shin splits on both legs, which isn't helping the ankle problem itself.
