NORMAL SERVICE HAS RESUMED

After the League Leaders Corinthians 4ths were beaten by the League Leaders Dublin North Firsts last week the reds this week found themselves in a relegation battle with Portrane 3rds.

Victor O'Shea took last week's defeat so badly that he decided to work on his guns in a gym in Germany, so he missed today's game. Geyser was also missing and didn't even set his pitchero status. Rumour has it he is banged up in a cell on Roben Island with no access to a mobile phone.

As the terds match was called up the 4ths assembled a firsts-like squad of 16. But when it came to match day, this had frittered away to 14 with Billy not able to play and Pat Boylan on the white telephone. Hairdryer Rath back from the front put the squad through their paces.

The visitors Portrane were not able to assemble the same squad and all that turned up were the Magnificent Seven. The Reds skipper arrived sheepishly after missing last week's match and being late for this match. Portrane gave us the points and we had a friendly, with the captain of CHC being dispatched to be the Yul Brynner of Portrane. Another club added to his list he has played with. He was joined by Townley Filgate and David McGrane. Townley didn't play much last year due to his horseplay.

As you know markets are volatile and when this is the case people usually buy gold. But unusually this commodity has been usurped by the Corinthian Hockey shirt which now retails at €60. €60 for a bleedin shirt Janey Mack. That oul polyester made of oil bring back the big, long-sleeved tents. David McGrane invested in such a garment and was looking forward to taking it off when he scored but had to keep it all covered up because he was playing for Portane.

CHC 4s played some lovely hockey and were 3 nil up after the first quarter. At half time it was 5-0. Frankie goes to parties before a match Fennell took a rain check and headed for the hills. The reds had an injection of some new young players that look promising. They also welcomed back Tom Darwin Nunez McNulty aka Nutts Minor.

In the third quarter umpire DS Neil Dallaglio Townsend sent The Hugo Bossman Brendan O'Sullivan for a little rest. But he snook back on when there was a short corner. Third quarter Corinthian 7-0 up. Assists are a big part of stats these days and Le Chien topped them assisting CHC to 5 goals while playing for the oppo. Hopefully the cobwebs will be swept away for the next game. Jack Younge has to buy everyone on the team pints as he kept the match ball with a brace from Ben Phelan and Brendan O'Sullivan.

In the end it finished 7-0 to Corinthian. It is hard to change a winning team.

Next up YMCA with Homer to lead the warmup.

And finally, I was very impressed with the Dermot Bannonesque makeover of the Corinthian Clubhouse with signature big windows (all the better to see ye with my dear) and green doors new fold up chairs etc.

Tallyho