A Rapid Rugby Return

Saturday 14th June and it's a case of World Cup Warwickshire as 'Nick Turpin' and I took care of some unfinished beer bandit business around Rugby and Stockton...

- Thornfield Indoor Bowls -

Despite us having been in town only last week, there were still many Rugby riches requiring our attention, none more so than the local beer festival. We sacrifice the Stagecoach to begin with in favour of train travel, Nick using all of his legendary cunning to sidestep possible ticketing tribulations. Ale awaits at the Thornbridge Indoor Bowls Club so we blaze a trail down Bruce Williams Way and secure our entry. Once inside we are treated to some live bowls action to accompany our beer, although Mr Turpin's cover is nearly blown by a photographer from the Rugby Advertiser. In between times I did battle with a Rusty Boiler and survived a Rolling Maul whereas Nick breakfasted on Stout and had a close encounter with Plinny the Elderflower.

- The Crown -

As delightful as it was watching the bowls matches from the gallery, we were not to be distracted from our double festival duty. Our faithful 63 Stagecoach was saddled up once more as we rode onwards to Stockton, a pretty little village where the local pubs and club had combined to host our second ale extravaganza of the day. The bus drops us off just perfectly for the Crown, a homely inn with barrels in the barn and cabinets of Guinness and Grand National memorabilia. Bumble Beer and Dark Age are sampled in the homely surroundings within.

- Stockton Church -

Striding forth, there is time to admire the village school and the picturesque parish church before we see what treasures are on offer at the Barley Mow and the Nelson Club. World Cup fever is definitely in the air ahead of England's opening match against Italy, so it seems only right that we get into the spirit of things with a quick Piddle in the Goal before grappling with a full-bodied Brazilian. Nick informs me that Stockton is known for its fossils which surely explains why he feels so much at home here!

- Daylight Darts Robbery -
We summon up another Stagecoach to propel us back to Rugby where we round off our revelry in the Squirrel and the Half Moon. Despite my better judgement and a string of recent darting disasters I can't resist stepping up to the oche for further punishment. Misfortune and misery predictably came my way as Nick Turpin lived up to his name by stealing victory - I still don't know how he did it! With that we stable the Stagecoach and avail ourselves of the train back to Birmingham, bracing ourselves for World Cup woe with England later that evening. Isn't sport cruel sometimes?!