New leaf

I'm feeling rather over weight
Time to turn new leaf
Now it seems the perfect date
And the start is self belief

Get out my tired plimsolls
To blow cobwebs away
Best get some new insoles
And start regime today

To rid me of this weight gain
Which I don't recall amassing
They've said that I'll require pain
Who hired silent assassin?

It's time to start, renew, refesh
Break away from clasping couch
Get off my big behind's my wish
Jump up! To action! Ouch!

They said no pain no gain
Stalled, fallen at the first
Ligament or bad strain
Done something getting worse

Like presents its thought that counts
I tried regime of fitness
I gave it full attention
Thanks for being my witness!

England Cricket 2015 Ashes in a poem

From elation down in Cardiff
What a lead we had earned
Our upper lips with pride now stiff
Could we win back precious Urn?

On towards the home of cricket
To the chastening of Lords
The lip now bruised and bloodied
When we were put to sword

But at Edgbaston resurgence
Bells begin to chime once more
Root's continued emergence
The heart of England's core

Finn reborn on English turf
Anderson well tried
To taunt the Aussies in their surf
And of course there is Broadside

So now onto Trent Bridge
Watch series ebb and flow
Nerves all on a knife edge
How will installment go?

Captain Cook asks for focus
Barks for great Endeavour
Tells the team it's about us
Ashes thoughts forever!

A Phoenix from the ashes
Last series such disdain
"A victory!" Cook despatches
The Ashes be regained!

An opening day all will remember
100 balls is all it takes
Aussie attack dismembered
By Broad who figures eight

The catches stick the bowling quick
Is all what it seams?
The swinging ball the Ashes nicked
This is the day of dreams!

Captain Cook now plays his part
Oh yes it comes to those
Root and Bairstow show their heart
How proud to wear Wh'trose!

Day two it needs another
The Aussies attack be choked
Not famous A N other
But none other than Ben Stokes

A patient day all play their tune
Will those wickets fall?
Catches slip they will come soon
And of course there's those no balls!

He's one hand on the Ashes
The lips to kiss and earn
Respect from all Cook bashes
Oh how the tables turn!

Captain Cook asks for focus
Barks for great Endeavour
Tells the team it's about us
Ashes thoughts forever!

A Phoenix from the ashes
Last series such disdain
"A victory!" Cook despatches
The Ashes be regained!

The Changing Room

A bit of motivation

As you sit upon the changing, bench gathering your thoughts,
Staring at the concrete floor, focusing on nought.
This is just another game, but on a bigger stage,
Take your chance to write  your name on this historic page.
Prepared for peak performance,
Mentally you bet
Ready for the challenge, crouch mind set!

Your feet are gently tapping, no nerves would be untrue,
But the sound of studs on concrete floor what does it mean to you?
Everything and everyone, in that sound it's found
Nerves transformed and channelled to that haunting tapping sound 
Of studded boots on hallowed ground that echoes all around.
Calm yourself, control your thoughts, you mustn't peak too early.
There's experience in this changing room, deep breaths will now help surely.

You are only as good as this next game,
To the grind stone once again
But remember your magnificence of all past games and then,
Your skill and dedication will certainly bring more.
Bottle all those positives your greatest still in store,
This is your time get ready, you'll play your best game yet;
Come on England's finest crouch bind set!

The drip of perspiration that collects on furrowed brow;
We know this salt like teardrop but keep controlled for now.
Your passion what it means to you, soon we'll see it flow
When the anthems start, your toughened shell, emotion now on show.

Tight bonding in the changing room, just one last final squeeze
As you step out of the changing room to Twickenham's sweetest breeze.
That sound of studs now echoes as you walk out one by one 
But you know you are together as you stride in union
To the chants and cheers of Twickenham; the roaring has begun.
Remember, we are with you, you live our dreams and hopes
The whole squad and you lucky ones, you 15 Glorious blokes
You know you're not alone as you wear our English Rose
Come on England's finest let's #carrythemhome