A new BWPL season, a new-look Watford squad and a long trip north to Manchester. There were five first-team debutants, including four U18s. The fifth was a rather different debutant; James Lamb returned to Watford following his time studying in Newcastle, and wasted little time in reacquainting himself with the first team by making his BWPL debut.
It was a new-look team, but one that quickly showed it had no intention of spending the weekend quietly finding its feet.
And then there was the food.
It was my introduction to the highly scientific nutritional programme followed by Adam Heywood. Apparently, every BWPL weekend requires a different tiramisu, followed by a video review. Quite how this fits into elite athlete preparation remains unclear, but nobody could argue that the preparation lacked commitment.
The opening game against Scottish club Portobello was always going to be a test. Watford established an early lead and, for much of the game, managed to keep the Scots at arm's length. It was never comfortable, though. The margin remained stubbornly small, with Portobello continually threatening to turn the game around.
And then, midway through the final quarter, they did. The lead disappeared. The scores were level. Then Portobello edged ahead 12–11 with less than four minutes remaining.
What happened next was perhaps the most encouraging part of the whole weekend. Rather than panic, Watford found the composure that had served them so well earlier in the game.
And, naturally, it was Adam “Tiramisu” Heywood who restored parity.
With the game finely balanced, Edi called a timeout and calmly briefed the team for the final two minutes. There was no sign of panic, no desperate change of plan and certainly no suggestion that anyone had travelled all that way to settle for a draw.
Watford went again. The next goal arrived. Then came 90 seconds of determined defending, with every player doing their bit to keep Portobello out.
When the final whistle eventually arrived, Watford had secured a 13–12 victory.
Saturday afternoon was then spent at Manchester Printworks, where the team turned its attention to the prestigious Lancashire Shuttleboard Championships.
There were some impressive performances, but none more so than 'No Look' Baker, who demonstrated all the hallmarks of a misspent youth with what was undoubtedly the shot of the day.
Sunday brought a slight complication. The rescheduled game against Sedgefield had been moved to later in the day, meaning no Edi. Fortunately, the later start did provide the opportunity for some important additional preparation; a substantial breakfast before heading to the pool.
Once there, Watford wasted little time in getting down to business, taking the game against Sedgefield by the scruff of the neck and leading 7-1 at half time.
Sedgefield mounted a charge in the third quarter and, as Watford's sharpness inevitably ebbed slightly, the game became a little more competitive. But the outcome was never really in doubt.
The goals kept flowing, Watford kept their composure and, by the time the final whistle arrived, the new-look squad had secured a 19–9 victory and, with it, a perfect two-from-two start to the new BWPL season.
Two wins secured. Five debuts. Four U18s introduced to 1st team BWPL life. One missing coach.
And, somewhere along the M6, the entire weekend's success was reduced to one final question: What would Adam Heywood make of the Sainsbury's tiramisu?
Dates for the diary
London League 1st & 15th October then back for more BWPL action with 3 matches at Habs 24 & 25th October and then final regular season the big Gloucester weekend 21st & 22nd November with both Div 2 and Div 3 in attendance invites went out to the Watford alumni now based at Otter, Cheltenham and Sheffield for the big reunion. John & Jack are already onboard.