It was just a few weeks into the Rugby season when I went with Carl to a game at his old club. We were stood with the coach and reserves during the game and some of the things I said were not very complimentary. They were not playing well and by half time were down by twelve points. As they walked off the pitch I even offered to play for them in the second half, shouting something cruel about not being afraid to catch the ball.
It was all meant in fun but when I offered to sign up with the coach, he used it in his half time talk. When they came out afterwards they were really fired up. "So are you going to join us, or what?" one guy asked.
"Let's see if you can do any better," I screamed back at him.
I have to admit they played totally different during the second half and deserved a thrilling victory of 30-26. I was still laughing about winding them up when the players came into the bar some time later. They had only been expected to get a draw at best and the victory was a good result. I was having a drink with Carl when they all seemed to target me. I continued teasing them about their performance and described the victory as 'lucky'.
I knew nothing about the game and I'm not that clever now, although I had a new found interest in the game. The players all have a few drinks before they go through to have a meal with the ref and the opposition. It was hilarious and I was quite cruel with some of my remarks. Carl was pouring oil on the fire as he knew a lot of them having been a player in the past. Eventually they all went for lunch and I remained with Carl.
We had a few drinks and joked with other fans and club members. I had suggested leaving a few times before they finished their meal and rejoined us and continued with our dispute. Apparently they had been discussing my opinions during the meal, to everyone's amusement.
It was all a lot of fun, teasing the guys and joking around. Carl was having a lot of fun winding things up and encouraging the dispute. Carl was getting mischievous as he continued to egg things along.
One guy asked if I would do him a favour and not attend their next match. I giggled and replied I didn't think it would be much fun to watch being as they would probably lose anyway. There was a loud moan of disagreement and Carl confided that they had little chance of winning many of their games. Carl suggested we should make a wager and I laughed saying I wasn't betting on just one game.
"Look if you win the next two, making three in a row then I'll have a bet with you," I had to shout the last bit due to their laughing.
"You want a bet that we can't win the next two games?"
"Yes, go on then, I'll bet you can't win three in a row," I yelled.
There was more mumbling as they considered the offer until Carl piped up, "What are you willing to bet Rian?"
"I don't know, it's not me that's going to be paying up," I squealed cheekily.
Carl was grinning away and chatting quietly to a few guys around him. They didn't seem able to agree on what to bet or even if they should. Carl turned and put an arm around me. "Ok, so if they win the next two games, you join them for a team bath, after the game," Carl whispered.
I raised my eyebrows. "And if they lose?" I prompted.
"Ok, if they lose, then they lose."
"To hell with that, if they lose I want payment," I shrieked.
"Like what?" asked one player.
"One lap of the pitch, naked," I replied quietly.
"Who?"
"All of you," I squeaked.
There was quite a lot of laughter before they began to agree and eventually one of the players confirmed the bet. The others gradually expressed their agreement as they fell around laughing. We had a few more drinks together but as the players began to leave, so did we. Carl was laughing about the bet and didn't think his old team mates had much chance of winning.
I giggled to myself every time I thought about the bet over the following week. Carl asked if I wanted to go watch the game which was an away match. I declined because I had plans with Alan.
The day of the game we were having a coffee when I got a text from Carl; 7-22 you lose. I was a little shocked that they had won. Carl had been so positive they would lose. I giggled though, it was exciting that they needed to win one more, better than losing straight away and being over.
I told Alan and we called in to the rugby club for a drink with Carl on our way home. I received quite a reception from the players that were there. Alan kept a low profile while I stood with Carl joking with the players. They were on a high having won a game they should have lost. They were also taking the opportunity to tease me, suggesting I bring soap to the next game. I promised I would turn up the following week, just to watch them lose and we headed home.
The week dragged and I had a few moments when I felt quite nervous. Alan and Carl showed me the team results and it seemed clear they had little chance of winning. Alan said my only problem was that they were now motivated.
I was actually really nervous when Carl picked me up to take me to the match. I new they should lose but things were not going my way. The team they were playing had been in the league above the previous year and were intending to return. As the players ran out onto the pitch they all waved to me and smiled, even the coach looked happy to see me.
It was a really hard game and they were getting pushed back constantly. By half time our lads were down, 6-10. They looked shattered and a bit dejected as they returned to the changing rooms. I felt sorry for them, I didn't want them to lose but I didn't want to lose the bet either.
"I hope they play better next half," I told Carl.
"Why? Do you fancy taking a bath with them?" he chuckled.
"No, not really maybe they can get a draw," I said hopefully.
Carl laughed and we had a drink while we waited for the second half. Out they ran and looked a lot more determined but it didn't seem to help. They were down 6-17 in the first five minutes. Carl was screaming encouragement to the guys and I didn't feel like teasing them anymore.
As one of our players made a run down the pitch I was screaming at the top of my lungs for him to score. He was brought to the ground with an almighty thud a few feet further on. Some of the other players heard me though and gave me huge smiles as they ran forward in support.