Ben.

The prodigal Son returns.

The clocks went back, and no one turned up on time. 

So I sat there playing Al Johnson's “I'm Back for More”, disturbing the peace of the resident crackhead perched on the log. 

I couldn't tell if he was swaying to the hit or the sublime instrumentals associated with this masterpiece.

 And so they graced the horizon like Luke Skywalker and Obie - wan - (see what I did there), which led me to think to myself, am I Chewie as Ben proceeded to hug me, it was tight and long one too, chewie or not it confirmed that we are indeed family and that this here is my brother.  

He then proceeded to do something that only he could: He listened to a snippet of the music on the card and determined, with that twinkle of his, that it was indeed Roy Ayers playing.

This guy is a fantastic DJ and loves music; if my dream is ever realised, he is the individual I call to be my guest DJ.

And so they arrived late but committed, and the rematched commenced, but with the prodigal sons on the opposing side and a defected Kenny, the least said about the better, to be honest.

They won hat tricks by both Obie and Sleepy, who were epic in terms of grit and determination, etc.

To be honest, this week wasn’t really about the game but, more importantly, about the importance of the community that plays here every week.

The reason why I signpost this is primarily because Ben made a poignant point, and to witness was emotionally charging, and I quote;

 “ I’ve looked forward to returning here so much; it’s not the football. It’s just being here with you all.”

And then he just stood there with the twinkle in his eye.

A twinkle and a smile that we will genuinely miss as he returns to the place he now calls home.

Until the next, brother, stay safe, stay you, and we look forward to your return with open arms.

Namaste