August 2025.
How to follow an annus mirabilis? For some of the Dads the answer lies in renewed dedication to physical fitness. Jim Fussell has sworn off the booze. Adam “Gilet” Martin has been spotted on ever-increasing cycle loops of Allerton Moor. Fitz “Paul” Fitzgerald has been high-altitude training at West Stoughton. The Brig, as always leading by example, has had cyborg therapy and is now set to throw flopper after flopper as JTS-1000.
For others, the coming season offers a natural opportunity to enjoy the relaxing comforts not only of champions’ laurels, but also of new home venue The Lamb. Superbly renovated by Sir Norman Foster, ‘Dad’s Barracks’ now features an all-weather astroalley and touchscreen scoreboards, while the refreshed match-day menu includes venison carpaccio and lobster bisque. Crisps are being offered on a shared ownership model, with affordable rents for first-time buyers.
As ever, time will tell and all bets are safest off. A warm-up fixture on 27 August may offer some early clues as to form, although discussions in the WhatsApp group seem largely focused on catering. But with summer now definitely outstaying its welcome and prompting inquiries into its original planning permission, one thing is certain: the new skittling season cannot start soon enough.