The meeting place was the Vine p.h. quoted, above the door, as the smallest pub in Norwich. The Adnams was good, which mattered far more to me.  My usual lads afternoon bus had turned up early or I'd got to the stop on time, either way, I was at the Vine half an hour before the agreed meeting time. Graham, Richard, Tim and David F. all turned out but Terry was ill and couldn't make it.

After Dave had finished his first pint I put forward my suggestion of using the facilities of "BATTLENET" an internet / LAN gaming room, for a frag. match. Reasonable enthusiasm!

The Belgian Monks, Pottergate

We all moved on to lunch at the Belgian Monk, an interesting and original menu, four of us had the braised rabbit, I hadn't had bunny for years. We went easy on the Belgian beers, very drinkable, very strong, very dangerous.

During the meal I explained more to the potential combatants, we were to "fight" in a world war 2 computer game, called Medal Of Honour. 

We split into two teams 3 against 2. Dave, Richard and Tim were the Germans. Graham and myself were American Rangers. This game is a first person shooter, that is, the game view on the computer monitor is seen through the eyes of your character, mostly looking down the barrel of a gun. The simple objective is to stay alive and kill the other teams characters, whom you can see on your screen, as they approach your position. It's good to sniper and Dave got real hacked off at being shot, Tim got into some good locations, Richard enjoyed the killing, Graham being competitive is a born gamer. I'd played a demo at home, so I knew the controls and the advantages the sniper has, which helped.

Dave was wasted after about 90 mins but Dave W. arrived and took his seat. We had two enjoyable hours, if you've never fragged with your mates get down to battlenet (near Icelands) and give it a go, there are technicians on hand to help you.

To the Champion free house and beyond ...................................