October 2007 - Medical Examination

Finally the medical test day comes round. My two hour drive ahead of me I leave off early just incase there may be traffic or I get lost.

However, it turns out not to be early enough. I get stuck in traffic, apparently the whole road has been closed off both ways because of a fire and possible risk of a gas explosion! I am only 20 miles away from my destination. I move around 8 miles in 1hr 20mins. My 2 hour journey takes 4 hours!!! Luckily I have the doctors telephone number and have called to tell them I am going to be late, they are very understanding and tell me to get there by 3pm as the 'water' samples have to be collected by then.

An hour later I emerge from the doctors feeling thoroughly checked over. Hearing test, eye sight test, height and weight measured, lung capacity, drugs screening and urine sample taken. Oh and not forgetting being poked and prodded by the doctor to see if I had something else wrong with me. All Clear!! Now I guess I just have to WAIT to hear from the police again.

Well what a day of waiting my patients has been tested to its limits, I am now stuck in returning traffic because of the road closure. I pull over and try to read a map of the back roads which I skilful get lost on and then find my way again. All in all 7 hours driving in one day. Most moving at 2 miles an hour behind cars full of screaming children or business men talking on their mobiles (without hands free, tut tut). All I want by the time I get to my Mums is a home cooked meal and a bed!!!

Medical examiniation now over with and a good nights sleep had, I wake up o my mobile phone rining. 'Hi mate, anychance you can play rugby tomorrow, we are really short and really really need you?' Great, I cannot help but say yes, I might as well. I haven't played all season with fear of getting injured before my fitness or medical test. I could be waiting ages to hear anything more from the police and all the tests are now over with. So I squeeze onto the mini bus the next day with 16 of my team mates (yes only 16, and the sub is a back). That means I have to play a full game!

We lost, lots to nothing, not great! I got kicked in the face and have a lovely black eye, my shoulders hurt from scrumaging But at least England beat Australia in the World Cup, shame we don't have a female Jonny on our team!