So, as the sun sets on another beatiful mediterranean day all thoughts turn to the game. The Exiles, largely comprised from London and South Coast Grecians take on the local Batsi side on their newly laid pitch. Manager Neil Le Milliere writes:

"It doesn't matter where you are or what game you're involved in the same problems always pose themselves to a Manager.

There was an un-official training session on Friday when typically the 'Brits Abroad' enhanced their reputation by holding it whilst the sun was high in the sky! A great way to clear the pores and some very tired bodies returned enthusing about the qualities of the brand new fourth generation rubber crumb pitch though it has to be said that it does still leave the traditional 'burn' when you come into heavy contact with it. Most importantly there were no reports of injuries and a fairly glowing report of the potential amongst the squad from the Coach, Ed Beattie. The 'Gaffer' had decided to let the team enjoy the first session without his presence.

On Sunday it was decided to hold the final training session at 'match time' which will be 19:30 local time on Tuesday so the whole squad assembled under the watchful eye of the Gaffer, their supporters and a goodly number of locals.

The first problem was a double booking of the pitch so we were all treated to an exhibition by some local players, the majority of which were barefoot but it made little difference and there was a goodly amount of skill on display.

They finished and having already warmed up we took to the field and with sixteen players in an eight a side game focusing on two touch and passing to get players used to receiving and giving the ball on a surface most had never played on. It proved very enlightening for the manager as all the squad quickly got into the game and with some players meeting for the first time on a football field it was a very useful way for them to quickly learn strengths and weaknesses.

Unfortunately the first major problem occurred when the first choice centre back, Phil Stone, pulled up after an impressive burst forward from the back. He claimed he heard something snap and his calf was very tight. Not wishing to take any chances he was pulled from the game and rested but reports today are not good and he is out for the big game. Ironically he had been carrying a back injury and taking part in this session had been a fitness test for the real game.

After two fifteen minute halves the manager rearranged the sides to put eight of his starting eleven together to get used to each other and put twelve players on the opposition to really pile the pressure on them. They responded well and showed encouraging signs of already reaching an understanding with some impressive interplay and movement leaving the manager fairly confident of having a decent starting eleven for the big games.

The session was finished off with a penalty competition which one of the local young lads [see separate picture of the twins and Stephenous] won most impressively but also proved to highlight another injured Exeter player, Howard Field, who had arrived with a problem knee which he confirmed would not stand up to a match - though he'd love to come on to take free kicks!

They good news was that Ian 'Digger' Morris came through his fitness test and will be available for the big games as will one or two other fitness worries.

So all in all a lot of positives and only a few negatives and we're hopeful of giving a good account of ourselves against the two local sides and representing the mighty Grecians in a very positive light."