Dry in Alex.

Finn got up at 6.45am, with the rain battering on the roof and so it fell, all the way to Alex. It eased a little after the Clyde Dam and had stopped before the 1st game. I did my usual talk around the sidelines without paying much attention to the game. Bought coffee for John's parents and I (John is running just at Finn's back), and then went to town and had another coffee and brought some back for the coaches. So it was with some surprise, when I watched the game that was played out between Finn's team and his other Upper Clutha team, that Finn was in the middle of every tackle, splayed out at my feet, throwing himself on the ball with gusto, grabbing it and running like the wind. He was clearly having a boost of confidence playing against his own team mates, but he then took it on to every other game. He was every where. When his coach gave out the points at the end of their day (they lost 5 and won 2), he asked the boys to guess who had got the player of the day - they all chorused 'Finn'. He was glowing - he, at least for today, elevated OUR social standing. He has certainly elevated his own in his teams eyes.

Meg and Spook had slept-in and awakened to the non-stop rain, so they drove down to join us. (1hr 10mins down the road). The only dry place around, was Alex. Spook was delighted to turn up in time to see some of his sons performance. The other 7's from Finns team made it to the final but lost out to Wakatipu (Queenstown). It was very exciting.

Meg and Finn played indoor rugby most of the night, with Finn trying to persuade her to join the girls rugby. He has almost convinced her. He can't think why anyone wouldn't want to.

I am grateful for a funny shaped ball that bounces the wrong way.

For a dry roof and a wood-burning fire.

For children that get on will with each other.