Rugby, intellectualism closely linked
The conductor he stood on the rostrum. The rostrum,
Facing the orchestra pit
Pit pit,
They all thought he played great music, But meanwhile he only played… Shaving cream, always keep clean, Shave every morning and always keep clean …
Oompapah Oompapah …
Shave every morning and always keep clean …
I ALWAYS thought that was only a rugby song. But now it seems it’s also an essential part of the curriculum at St Andrew’s College in Fife, Scotland.
Sky News provided extensive footage this week of the students going crazy on “Raisin’ Monday”.
All of them, boys and girls, were in fancy dress costumes and smeared from head to toe in shaving cream as they pranced about the place singing.
Raisin’ Monday is apparently part of the university’s ancient tradition when seniors welcome newcomers after a period in which they have solemnly coached them in what is expected. The occasion makes rugby clubs look decorous by comparison.
It’s good to know that the intellectual character of the rugby club is embraced by a citadel of learning such as St Andrew’s.
I wonder if they also sing The Good Ship Venus? Perhaps Dinah, Dinah Shows Us A Leg? Or maybe I’m thinking of Oxford and Cambridge.
Meanwhile, seeing we’re on the topic of rugby songs, here’s another old favourite:
Oscar Brand is my name, America is my nation, Drinking gin my claim to fame, Chasin’ girls my occupation, Tiddly-aye-aye, tiddly aye-aye, Tiddly aye-aye the one-eyed Reilly, Jigajigjig, jigajigjig,
Jigajigjig tres bon …
Ah me, nostalgia …
Record – dollars and pong
A PAIR of trainers worn by US basketball star Michael Jordan has sold for a record $1.47 million at auction, according to the BBC.
Jordan used the pair of red-andwhite Nike Air Ships during his first season with the Chicago Bulls in 1984.
The price is the highest ever paid for game-worn footwear from any sport. Is this not slightly bizarre?
Nike Air Ships are in reality what we call takkies.
Takkies that have been worn in basketball matches for 17 years are likely to be somewhat worn down, as well as decidedly smelly.
Where does this clamour for sportsmen’s old togs take us?
Will there next be a demand for the more intimate items of clothing worn by our sports heroes?
Horrors! Where does it end?
With luck at the laundromat, but who knows?
Cricket boots
MIND you, perhaps I should auction the cricket boots in which (as readers might recall my mentioning) I once took 4 for 32 against the RAF Red Arrows with my crafty leg-breaks.
It should, of course, have been 4 for 22, except that my Irish terrier, fielding at mid-off, ran away with the ball in his mouth, pursued by the fielders, while the batsmen ran 10.
Any offers?
Tailpiece
AN ENGLISHMAN, an Irishman, a Scotsman, a priest, a nun, a rabbi, a Pole and Van der Merwe walk into a bar.
Barman: “What’s this? Some kind of joke?”
Last word
THE most wasted of all days is one without laughter. | EE CUMMINGS