Skipper Stirling has called for a 8:00am training session followed by a pool recovery session which causes some consternation when it is revealed that the breakfast room doesn't open until 8:00am on weekends.   I've handled the training a little better today as I think the flu is slowly improving although it is quite hot and humid this morning. Its just after 10:00 when we get out of the pool and down to the breakfast room - fortunately its open until 10:30.

After our late meal some of the group are heading off for a canal boat ride while others are going to the local cultural festival .   Chappy, Cooky and myself are picking up Ross Chapman from Heathrow later in the day so we head off on our own.

We had planned to have a look through Reading but getting a park was impossible so we continued onwards to Henley-on-Thames. Crossing the famous five-arched bridge we spot The Little Angel with its beer garden overlooking the Henley Cricket Club ground. Its so close to the ground (and the ground so small) that they have had to erect a gigantic net to protect the patrons from stray cricket balls. A couple of pints are consumed as we while away an hour or so watching the local side take on Basingstoke.

This followed by a very pleasant stroll along the river front, checking out the various boats moored alongside. At 3:30 we head off to Heathrow and pick up Ross. A wrong turn on the way out means I need to do an extra lap of the car-park but eventually we are away and back at Thatcham just after 6:00pm.

Tonight is our first official team dinner and everybody heads off to The Swan in the village. Apparently surf-and-turf has been ordered for the Qld guys since we weren't around during the day when pre-orders were placed at the pub.   Oh well, could be worse. The skipper makes ANOTHER speech and the team for tomorrow's tour-opener against Hambledon is announced. I'm named in the side and will be the only Qld-er playing as the other three guys are being rested for this game.

 Back to the hotel by 10:30 and after watching The Netherlands beat Brazil for third spot in the World Cup is off to bed.   A big day awaits tomorrow.