I don’t  intend to spend too much time reflecting on England’s splendid victory over Australia in the Rugby World Cup, but I derive a great deal of pleasure looking at the scoreline. According to most pundits, and certainly all Australians, we were supposed to get hammered. Whilst the game wasn’t exactly free flowing, and it was a result England ground out with the forwards, it was nice to see England beat Australia for the third time in a row in World Cup competitions. Good luck to Scotland tonight.

I spent much of last week working in Hull, not getting back till Friday evening. Tricia had a quiet week. With Robbie away in Germany, Nikki at uni and me in Hull, it was just Tricia and Ellie in the house. Tricia remarked that it was highly unusual, in that once she had tidied the house at the start of the week, it pretty much stayed that way all week! Robbie is now back, and really enjoyed his German trip. He is sporting a new t-shirt that says ‘Survived – Oktoberfest 2007’, the family he stayed with took him.

Friday evening I went to rehearsal for Allo Allo, and I have to say, spent most of the evening laughing. Nikki was coming home Friday evening after finishing her shift at Homebase. (20:16 update. Argentina 0 Scotland 3). She only just got home, with problems with her car overheating. So, Saturday morning, when I should have been decorating, I took Nikki to Bicester where she was playing hockey. Her team beat Milton Keynes 8-0, and played really well. Nikki was given ‘player of the match’ by her team. She played well, her stick skills, dribbling, and pace and movement were all good, and had a hand in most of the goals scored, without getting a goal herself. She just lacked luck in front of goal, she hit one particular shot from the edge of the ‘D’ that absolutely fizzed and hit the post. Tricia and I played hockey for Bicester for many years, I played for them from ’88 to 2002, so it is good to see one of the family still playing. (20:24 Arg 3 Scotland 3). She is training with the Uni hockey team as well.

Saturday evening we all went to Market Harborough to attend a ‘race night’ (video taped horse races – which you can bet on). This was to help raise money for out godson, Matt, who is off to Vietnam next year as part of a trek. We had great fun. Ellie was thrilled to win a lamp in a raffle, which will go into her new bedroom (Nikki’s old room).  (20:30 Arg 6 Scotland 3)

Today, Tricia’s parents came over for lunch. It was Tricia’s Mums 65th birthday, so best wishes to her.

I also learnt over the weekend, that it is 50 years since my Mum and Dad first went on a date. Congratulations to them! October 2nd 1957.

Half time, Argentina 13 Scotland 6. I’m off to watch the second half. The Scots conceeded a sloppy try, but they are not out of it yet.