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He's On The Beach
Aug. 27th, 2017 10:04 pmDespite mega delays on Southern Railways, I made it to Lewes' Dripping Pan ground just after doors opened at 12.30. I went through an open entrance gate and told the lady who was just leaving the turnstile man, having helped him set up, that I was Jane's guest. The lady turned out to be Issi, who I'd exchanged the odd Facebook comment with over the time since the Euros ended. She seemed excited to meet me. She showed me up to the beach huts, which sat atop a high bank overlooking the pitch. We talked about the women's game for a little while then she went to go about her business.
My hut was decorated with plenty of Lewes FC memorabilia and included a table laid out with some Subbuteo players and a couple of goals. There was a lemon drizzle cake, apparently something legendary to the club regulars - normally two ladies called Sue and Lynda make the cakes, but Issi said Jane had made this one specially - a kettle with tea and coffee to make, and a fridge with milk, water bottles, soft drinks and a Titan (Aldi's fun size Mars bar equivalent). I'd also been given a goodie bag containing a programme from the pre-season friendly with Chelsea Development Squad, some of Lewes FC's famous match posters, a key ring and a Curly Wurly.
Jane popped in for a quick chat, as did Jacquie, the club's Head of Women's Football, who was giving someone a tour of the ground. In the quiet spell before the build-up began I nipped down to the Rook Inn and ended my two weeks on the wagon, buying a 'Kiss' beer - brewed by Lewes' famous Harvey's brewery of course - which I was allowed to have in a plastic glass to take back up to the hut.
With kick-off approaching, Jane read out the teams over the PA and said "Up in the beach hut today is my good friend [eiffel71] in the nice orange T-shirt" - I was wearing the orange Euro 2017 one I'd bought in Holland - and urged me "Give us a wave." I did.
Lisa arrived in my hut just before kick off. We managed to nearly finish the lemon drizzle cake over the course of the afternoon. After a goalless first half, Basildon dominated the early stages of the second, and took the lead. Lewes went straight into fightback, and after having a couple of good looking penalty shouts denied, got the equaliser they deserved when Amy Taylor scored with a rocket shot from outside the box. From my view on high it looked magnificent.
The game ended 1-1. Lisa and I cleared up our wrappers and empties, and Lisa packed the last piece of lemon drizzle in serviettes and a paper plate for me to take home. I went to pitchside and congratulated Katie McIntyre, who was standing with her Player of the Match champagne, on her award. Jane joined us in the Rook Inn for a jar. I went for a small bottle of Harvey's Old Ale then Lisa got a round in so I went for a Harvey's Lewes Castle - and soon had to neck it with my train time approaching. Told Jane I'd be back next week as we said goodbye; Lisa said she'd come too.
On my way out, for the first time I noticed the tea hut's sign. Among the delights on offer was a jumbo frankfurter with onions. A return visit is a must just for that.
My hut was decorated with plenty of Lewes FC memorabilia and included a table laid out with some Subbuteo players and a couple of goals. There was a lemon drizzle cake, apparently something legendary to the club regulars - normally two ladies called Sue and Lynda make the cakes, but Issi said Jane had made this one specially - a kettle with tea and coffee to make, and a fridge with milk, water bottles, soft drinks and a Titan (Aldi's fun size Mars bar equivalent). I'd also been given a goodie bag containing a programme from the pre-season friendly with Chelsea Development Squad, some of Lewes FC's famous match posters, a key ring and a Curly Wurly.
Jane popped in for a quick chat, as did Jacquie, the club's Head of Women's Football, who was giving someone a tour of the ground. In the quiet spell before the build-up began I nipped down to the Rook Inn and ended my two weeks on the wagon, buying a 'Kiss' beer - brewed by Lewes' famous Harvey's brewery of course - which I was allowed to have in a plastic glass to take back up to the hut.
With kick-off approaching, Jane read out the teams over the PA and said "Up in the beach hut today is my good friend [eiffel71] in the nice orange T-shirt" - I was wearing the orange Euro 2017 one I'd bought in Holland - and urged me "Give us a wave." I did.
Lisa arrived in my hut just before kick off. We managed to nearly finish the lemon drizzle cake over the course of the afternoon. After a goalless first half, Basildon dominated the early stages of the second, and took the lead. Lewes went straight into fightback, and after having a couple of good looking penalty shouts denied, got the equaliser they deserved when Amy Taylor scored with a rocket shot from outside the box. From my view on high it looked magnificent.
The game ended 1-1. Lisa and I cleared up our wrappers and empties, and Lisa packed the last piece of lemon drizzle in serviettes and a paper plate for me to take home. I went to pitchside and congratulated Katie McIntyre, who was standing with her Player of the Match champagne, on her award. Jane joined us in the Rook Inn for a jar. I went for a small bottle of Harvey's Old Ale then Lisa got a round in so I went for a Harvey's Lewes Castle - and soon had to neck it with my train time approaching. Told Jane I'd be back next week as we said goodbye; Lisa said she'd come too.
On my way out, for the first time I noticed the tea hut's sign. Among the delights on offer was a jumbo frankfurter with onions. A return visit is a must just for that.
