"It's the players' responsibility now."

He had been happy with his team selection throughout the tournament.

As they took the field for the final, he began to feel nervous for the first time.

He’d picked his team. Now, all he could do was watch.

If they won: Glory... well, 32 quid of sweepstake money, anyway.

Patellar Reflex

John reflected on an emphatic home win.

“Great performance! I’m glad that the youngsters are getting a chance. I feel really positive about the new season, now.”

One defeat later...

“Awful result. That kid shouldn’t be playing at left back, and the manager should definitely be sacked.”

What a moron.

Get used to it, Frank.

From the second it left his foot, Frank knew it was in.

The net rippled, and the nearby fans were bouncing and screaming in ecstasy.

He looked towards them, putting his hands on his hips and bowing his head.

It was the first own goal that he had ever scored.

Time for a snow plough

Gavin looked every inch the great skier.

He was resplendent in his Oakley sunglasses, designer ski-suit, and Dalbello Krypton boots.

Yep, he truly looked like a great skier...which was actually his biggest problem, and made it even more embarrassing when he fell over seven seconds after getting onto the slope.

90 minutes' emotions

From optimistic, to nervous.

To disappointed, to annoyed. To gutted, to despondent.

To angry... To defiant.

To ecstatic, just for a second. To hopeful. To positive.

To delirious.

To an expectant confidence.

To sheer, unbridled joy.

To arrogant.

From 2-0 down, to 3-2 up.

That’s why we pay the money.

A Little too relaxed.

Every day, Trent swam after work; it took his mind off the stresses of the office.

Today, though; nightmare! The pool was full of kids. He decided to swim anyway.

As he reached the shallow end, it became unusually warm.

Trent looked around.

A toddler giggled: “Me wee wee Mummy!”

Got, Got...

The managers began negotiating, somewhat callously, in the presence of the players.

Harry wanted Owen’s sparkling striker, and instantly offered 3 defenders, admitting he didn’t need them.

Owen drove a hard bargain, insisting that Harry also forfeit a trophy!

Eventually, the deal was done... and Harry completed his sticker album.

Don't try this at home.

As Randy mounted the turnbuckle, the accusation made the day before entered his mind.

“You’re such a fraud! Wrestling never hurts.”

He afforded a wry smile; no injuries were the sign of a good ‘performance’.

He prepared for the Diving Moonsault, then leapt!

As he landed, he heard a snap.

Feeling strong now...

Apollo shook his head and sighed.

He’d introduced revolutionary training methods to ensure that his protégé would have the technique to regain the heavyweight-title.

Yet, Rocky was letting his opponent punch him in the face ‘til he tired himself out.

“How did I ever lose to this guy?!” Apollo muttered.