Berkeley Fields in Greenford (now Tir Chonaill Gaels) was the home of Ealing Rugby Club from 1958 to 1999. During the recent lockdown the new ground at Vallis Way was shut so some of the Ealing Trailfinders 1871 players started impromptu training sessions there on Saturday mornings. This reminded me of our training sessions at the old ground so I posted one of our training regimes.

“In the “old” days we departed the club house, cross “Shit Creek” on the little footbridge, then raced across the field to the canal footbridge, over canal, along tow path to road bridge, up the steep side of Horsenden Hill to the obelisk, there to celebrate Rocky-style. Then down hill via car park to Ballot Box (now renamed) to do repeat runs carrying another player up and down steep meadow next to pub until at least one player pukes. Finally took path just beyond pub back to clubhouse for copious beers. We had one of the fittest squads in the area and it took other clubs until November to be on a fitness par..”

Paul Clarke