Featuring: Ant Watkinson, Rhys Watkinson, Paul Cooke, Mark Craven, Simon Revelle, Kieran Brown, Jack Nylan, Luke Burton, Ant Brown, Gregg Wharton, Dan Storer...

Friday- The day had arrived...
Friday 13th June had finally arrived and whilst most people were to head off to Bristol early, 3 had to wait for Mr Watkinson to finish his school duties before they were picked up and the weekend could begin. Leaving at 4pm the journey was a long and tedious one. Just Two motorways and 130+ miles to travel. This was too much for both Gregg and Ant Brown who took this journey time to get some sleep in.

By 6:30pm everyone was together at the hotel after the boys who had arrived early, returned from a days worth of drinking to meet up with the late arrivals. The Clifton was the hotel name and for all intents and purposes it was a great hotel complete with a bar and restaurant in a very up market area of Bristol.

After showering and changing the plan was simply to head out and enter any facility that housed alcohol. After entering one place that looked open but turned out to be closed, we hit a very big and prominent bar called 'Browns'. The building was a majestic sight and the prices inside were equally skyhigh.

Once beers were brought the lads started chatting to the local 'folk' and in the Bristol accent (perfectly mastered now thanks to the experience of Jamie Comley in the changing rooms last season, who was from Bristol), conversation flowed but the banter to Luke burton was rife with 'Burt' being a common phrase shouted out by most in that 'farmer style accent' as it was all Jamie ever said on a pitch.

As we passed bar by bar it was clear that the alcohol intake was having effect. Rhys and brother Ant had a spat which saw Rhys go back to the hotel threatening to leave on a train (We knew he wouldnt however) but this didnt deter the night that was to be had and Jack Nylan certainly made the most of it.

Despite trying to get itno one bar where we were told we wouldnt get in anywhere due to the group size, jack found one place and before you could say 'boo' he was hammered. dancing, hugging and in some cases biting Mark for no reason what so ever, it became apparent Jacks next stop would be bed.

Thankfully Ant Brown took responsibility of Jack and lead him home although it wasnt without controversy of which talking to Ant alone would you get the full picture.

The rest of the lads continued with the night with drinks aplenty, 'Titty bar' requested by some and then the 'religious' takeaway to end the 1st night. Ant was adament he caught one eaterie dealing dodgy money whilst the actual pizzas were amazing.

Apparently everyone got a taxi home although some couldnt remember.

All in all a typical lads night on a new town.

Saturday- England Matchday...
After waking up with sore heads and trying to piece together a night of drama around the buffet breakfast which again was top notch from the Clifton Hotel and Racks Bar, those up early enough headed to play Golf whilst the others went around town shopping and drinking.

As for the Golf experience it was the best decision some of us will probably ever make. The fresh air, walking and laughter made the hangover seem none existant however the actual performance in a golfing sense was less than great. Luke Burton was showing his 12 years experience on a golf course was no fluke and Ant Watkinson was struggling to keep the balls on the fairway (Losing plenty in the process).

With the weather and views equally as impressive came the sunburn from the days golfing which again provided much entertainment and banter but all focus was now on the big match to kick off at 11pm. upon returning from Golf we were told that Ant Brown had booked a table across the road from the hotel at a place called 'Bundys'. At the time it seemed a great idea and we were promised it would be full of people with doors being locked at 10pm - excitement was building.

Before the fun and games of the night ahead, the boys headed out for food as a group and of course opted for good old Wetherspoons pub 'VW Grace' its name and when you get a pint + Steak and chips for £7.05 you are not going to complain.

After filling up we headed back to our reserved table expecting the atmosphere to be building and everyone eager for England to open the world cup campaign in glory.

How that went wrong...

'Bundys' was near on empty, the TV and projector screen kept crashing throughout the game and then England lost. On the positive side the beers flowed regardless and I dont quite think anyone will celebrate a goal that never was as much as the 'Raheem Sterling Strike'.

as the game finished the decision came of 'do we head out on the town or go to bed'? bearing in mind it was 1am by this time, many places wouldnt let people in but most of us headed out in hope.

After walking for long periods without success we realised we had reached an area familiar to that seen the night before, the same pizza place at the bottom of the biggest hill. The obvious thought of 'damn, weve gotta go back up to get back' came across our minds with some deciding a taxi was best option but not Ant, Simon, Mark, Dan and Burt who all walked it and beasted it with ease, capturing some timely photos on the way.

To be fair there was more walking than anything else on this day. never a good sign. Thankfully though there was no drama and everyone headed to bed happy.

Sunday - time to leave...
With the breakfast again set out as the day before and papers read with views on Englands 2-1 loss to Italy, the days plans were discussed.

The idea of a 'Bristol Zoo' trip was on the cards and whilst 3 or 4 were not fussed about it and instead headed out into town, the others went for it.

After checking out the hotel and the saviour of google maps, we arrived at the Zoo and £15.95 later probably wished we didnt.

However, it was actually quite good with the seals providing close up entertainment and other animals doing what animals do... sleep?

Eventually we called it time and headed back to grab the vehicles and head back home to good old Nottingham - A repeat of the boring long journey but time to reflect on another great and drunken weekend away.

You would have to speak to the individuals to get a full flavour of the weekend from each persons perspective but from what can be remembered by myself (Ant) writing this, it was a top notch weekend.

Thanks Boys
As we look back it was again a great weekend with the boys and members of E&K FC. Its always ashame we can never get the whole squad along but at the end of the day its never going to happen. Those that were there however made it worthwhile and with this review and the pictures provided on facebook, this weekend will live long in the memory. heres to next years trip. cheers