"Have you got the alarm set?" That question was no doubt being repeated around the Keynsham area on the Friday evening, followed by "yes I think so but you'd better check".

In any event 'Bob the Driver' 'welcomed' the eighteen of us onto the bus well before the 7.30am deadline. I say welcomed  with my cheek protruding ever so slightly as the welcome was in the manner of a sergeant major welcoming a new batch of squadies who have just turned up with long hair and multiple piercings! "Gentleman when I get on the motorway there must be no standing up on the coach - it's against the law (hmm not sure on that one) and let me tell you I've been driving thirty years and I don't want to lose my license".  

We set off in the palatial comfort and warmth of the 51 seater coach on time and in good spirit. Somewhat ironically it has to be said ,having seen a member of the U9's party who was to be spotted later arriving at the training ground some twenty minutes after us and with a bill for £96 in his pocket for a damaged tyre!

The journey just seemed to fly by as gossip was exchanged and the odd skirmish  witnessed in the back seat by no doubt excited lads. The floodlights came in to view as we exited junction 1 of the M5 at around 9.15

We parked up at the Tom Silk Building while Jim checked with the officials what the plans were and waited for the others to turn up. 

The training ground was several miles away and with some confusion amongst the U9's party as to how they were to get to the ground (hey boys we got us a convoy!) without becoming split up and lost, we let them use our coach. 

The weather was to this point okay. Grey sky with no wind to talk of and dry. But that was to change. The training started and then shortly after so did the rain- well more of a persistent drizzle really.

All the boys participated fully and the hour and half flashed by for some. 

As for the dads, the eaves of a recently constructed building provided some shelter and for some (who shall remain nameless!) the carer of a group of mentally handicapped children,  who happened to be blonde and female proved to be a distraction as she ran around on the grass!

Back to the facilities to change and a shower (or not as the case may be!). Hey we are all the same really.

Lunch and refreshments were taken in the warmth of the lounge with the chance taken to partake in some liquid refreshment for those that wanted one (or two! - again no names). Time for team photo's and back to the coach.

A leisurely drive with Sgt Major Bob, in part along what can be one of the busiest sections of motorway in the country, the M6 to the north of Birmingham , back to the ground.

We parked up on the far side of the ground at about 1.20 leaving Bob to guard our kit, and the U9's went off to find their cars.

Almost the first in the ground we had plenty of time to compare the facilities and it is fair to say that overall we were impressed. The only real problem was that some of the seats had disappeared due to installation of a 'big TV screen' and the alternatives did not have an uninterrupted view of the ground. 

             Programs read, police sorted (can you not stand in front of the boys please!) the stadium began to fill and with it the atmosphere built.

A couple of strange mascots came out to entertain the younger members of crowd and provide the butt of a few quips from the older ones!

     The crowd in place ,the tribal chanting at full volume the inspirational music at full blast the teams having been out for their warm up, back in and out again the battle commenced. Full match reports can be found by visiting the WBA website and Times links.

There was some local interest with Jason Roberts, ex  Bristol Rovers prominent up front for the Baggies but as a neutral suffice to say the Baggies deserved to win through their endeavour and the tremendous vocal support of the crowd. This vocal support consisted of in the main good humoured chanting back and forth with the 'Boro away supporters.

 The best example of this terrace humour was when the tannoy announcer advised the Away Supporters that no alcohol was being served in the stand where they were located. " We apologise for the inconvenience" Apologise! Inconvenience! He was 'having a laugh' surely. The home support chanted "You're not drinking, You're not drinking, anymore! To which the repost was "You're not smoking, You're not smoking, You're not smoking, anymore" by way of comment on the Baggies commendable policy of making the Stadium a non-smoking area. I reckon one of the Albions more famous supporters, Frank Skinner would have appreciated that one!

I started the day a neutral but ended it an honoury 'baggie'. I'll be watching their results in future. 

One nasty incident during the game was the accidental clash of heads late on which as well as resulting in 6 minutes of added time saw one of the casualties spending the night in hospital.

The final score 1-0 to the Baggies. Back to the warmth and comfort of the coach again with Bob the Driver joining the queue for the M5 at about 5.15pm

Although it took half an hour to travel no more than half a mile we were back in Keynsham just after 7.30pm.

For some the journey home seemed to be just a bit too much!

and not just the adults!

Sweet dreams lads!

We'll have to do it again sometime. St Marys is a nice ground.............