COWHC Men's 3s vs Oxted Outlaws - 20th Oct 2018

50 SHADES OF DUPRE

It was sunny in Croydon, as the 194 bus passed east Croydon station, Indy Chatwal a short stocky man looked up at the large pentagon building. Indy in his “I see media” black hoodie and navy blue Croydon Whitgiftian Cricket 2017 Barbados tour shorts, began to walk at a brisk pace towards the building. Holding his laptop he pushed through the revolving doors and walked to the reception. “Welcome to DP incorporated, how may I help you.” Said the receptionist in a thick London accent. In a shy voice Indy replied “umm I have a meeting with Mr DuPre, I am here to discuss the social media presence,” Indy blushed when he finished. “Ahh yes I have you right here, please follow me” finished the receptionist.

They began to walk, the sound of high heels echoed in the concourse; butterflies were building in Indy’s stomach. After an awkward elevator ride where Indy tried to talk about his fantasy league points and the receptionist pretending to not speak any English to avoid the conversation, there was a ding and the doors opened. Indy took a deep breath and began to walk. The office was encased with glass walls and there seemed to be a meeting going on. As Indy walked; his eyes met with a man in a grey suit; they held each other’s gaze for only a few seconds however to Indy, it felt like a life time. Indy looked away and despite his complexion, knew he was bright red.

The meeting had ended and Indy walked into the room, “Hi my name is Indy” raising out his hand, the man turned and looked at him, raising his hand he held Indy’s. “Hello, Adam Du Pre, I hear you can help out my companies social media.” Still holding hands, Indy replies “yes, I just have a few questions for you.” “Very well” Adam replies and finally letting go of Indy’s warm hand.

They sit down and start to discuss social media stuff until suddenly out of nowhere Adam in his deep confident voice says “have dinner with me…”. Indy is shocked and after a moment says “yes”… the meeting then continues as usual… At the end of the meeting Indy leaves the building excited and nervous. He rushes home to get ready for his dinner with Mr DuPre.

Later that evening Indy arrives at the crown and pepper where he finds it empty apart from Adam in his grey suit waiting for him. They sit down and exchange awkward small chat until the waiter arrives to take the order. Adam orders first “Can I have the chicken tikka masala and a plain naan please and Indy will have a salad.” Indy interjected “Actually I will have a special chicken chow mien, salt and pepper chicken nuggets, 2 portions of spring rolls and a spiced rum and coke.” Adam smiled. The dinner continued until late into the night and consisted of stories of hockey, fantasy league and FIFA, with the occasional pause where Indy had to Snapchat something. Tension was building and as Adam helped Indy put on his Croydon hockey gillet, Adam said in a low voice “f**k the paperwork” he moved in and kissed Indy. Indy was surprised but let it happen. As the Uber pulled up Adam said, “I have a contract waiting for you at your house, please read it and let me know if this is ok.” They said goodbye and as Indy got into the Uber driver he smiled.

The next morning Indy was reading the contract. This consisted of keeping what happens between Adam and Indy private as well as Indy running 5km 4 times a week and finally obeying all of Adam DuPre’s commands . Indy knew what to do. Later that day he strolled into the same building he visited previously and tells the receptionist that he has a meeting with Mr DuPre. As he walks he sees a man holding a newspaper, on the front page showed the result of Croydon Whitgiftian Men’s 3s against Oxted. The result ended in a 2-2 draw where the scorers were Indy and Dav.

Indy entered the room with Adam DuPre sitting on the opposite side of a long table. He sat down on the opposite side and then Adam began to speak “So do you accept the deal?” Indy began to speak “Yes but I have some amendments… firstly no 5km runs, secondly I expect to meet for a crown and pepper at least once a week”. Adam looked up and smiled “And as a gesture of good will, I will also buy two bottles of port every week.” They both shock hands and then Adam said “come with me”.

Indy followed Adam to a looked door. “What is this?” in a nervous voice. “This is my playroom” Adam said in a deep voice. “You mean like trains and fifa?” Indy continued. Adam chuckled, “haha no, I think its best you see”. He opened the door and Indy walked in…

As he did he could see a room full of white boards with diagrams of short corner routines and different combination of teams. Hockey sticks of all different brands filled the wall to Indy’s left. In the centre of the room was table with notes on it. In the right hand corner a TV was on showing replays of Indy scoring and creating an asset in the Oxted game. Adam grabbed a stick from the wall and began to speak “as you’ve signed the contract you know you must do whatever I tell you to” Indy nodded, slightly scared but excited at the same time. “Bend over the table” Adam commanded. Indy did, and in a nervous voice was about to speak but Adam in a quiet voice whispered into his ear “shhhhh, I will teach you how to pass.”

Game stats Indy and Dav scored, Indy and Charlie got an assist. One green card to Dav. MOM Indy, DOD Dav.