One of the most told tales in Northern Ireland sporting circles concerns the great George Best. You know the one, hotel room, thousands of pounds and the then Miss World tastefully spread over the deluxe double kingsize and in walks the waiter with the champagne!
The waiter takes in the view and poses the question: “Mr Best, where did it all go wrong?
I think it was George himself telling that story on Parkinson, or some such “chat show” of the era, when I first heard it and though it never fails to raise a smile it was ultimately a self depreciating tale of talent squandered and opportunity lost and it was the expression that sprung to mind in the aftermath of Ulster’s loss to Saracens on Saturday night.
The home semi and finals to follow should have had the boys up for this one but they looked as though they were more concerned with not losing rather than wining!
A huge opportunity lost for our Mr Best and the rest of the Ulster side, an opportunity that I hope they don’t come to regret when they finally hang up their boots. An efficient and workmanlike Saracens, yes, but eminently beatable and Ulster must be wondering why, and how, they didn’t bring the passion and aggression that they did the previous week against Leinster and that Munster showed to great effect the following afternoon!
I’m sure they are hurting and I hope it’s a hurt they can bottle and drink deeply from the next time they find themselves in a similar situation! An ultimately more satisfying bottle than the one that George turned to!
The reaction of some of Ulster’s fans travelling support brought to mind another Best classic, “I spent 90% of my money on women, drink and fast cars. The rest I wasted!” Those who complained about the money spent on their trip to Twickers should maybe tun it round to, ” I spent my money on Ulster, drink and travel. The rest I wasted!”
Corrections, comments or questions?