Vets 1 had selection problems for their first match of the season. Captain Nando crocked. Hoskins suspended for his striptease in La Hulpe. Schierenbeck AWOL. Lewis injured after forty years of ignoring strains, stretches and the occasional break. Morris devastated about Lewis or possibly just on holiday. Stemple departed for Ohio or Wisconsin or Michigan or somewhere people need more help with their hair. Christensen AWOL. De Rotalier on paternity leave. Cajade South American and experiencing identity card difficulties. Simon still running to get fitter than Froome. Pugh AWOL.

We won 2-0.

The pattern of the game was established early. Chief WSL, in common with so many ABSSA sides, liked to stroke it around at the back, dominating possession and seeking to bore us into submission. We sat back, soaked it up, and hit them on the break. And we enjoyed the pouring rain we had missed so much during the summer vacations.

Ironically, both goals came from corners. But corners won while on the counter attack. Corners converted by Seán McGonigle making his Vets debut. There is a fierce bidding war going on between V1 and V2 for his services. On this evidence, he should be playing for Tottenham Hotspur (play for Vets 1 Seán......).

There was not a single below par performance. Roger marked his 39th birthday with a commanding demonstration alongside Seán. Fullbacks Gianluca and Jean-Luc performed with such similar intensity that you would almost swear their names were simply Italian and French versions of the same thing. In midfield, Benoît calmly went about ensuring that his former team had no time, space, or joy on the ball. He kicked them where necessary. Cian, Neil, Mike and Cedric rocked and dazzled at front. Luc, who had been "arrested” by the police on his way to Rosierès, and Johann, who was back from "retirement” provided much needed oxygen in the second half. Special mention to Carl who performed beyond any reasonable expectation.

We love you Carlos, we do.

Tougher tests await, starting with Longchamp next week. But Vets1 demonstrated their spirit and nous in game week 1. Roll on the new season.