Michael called us all together; he was always the leader always the one we followed. I do not mean that in the puppy dog kind of way, he just had that glint in his eye, that smile that you knew no matter what – what ever he said next would end up being fun for us. I suppose he had that leader quality that makes men run over trenches towards the enemy machine gun – just because he asked them to, because he believes in them.

This was one of those times.

‘Well boys’ Michael began ‘it’s time we lost these and went out to face our fate’. With that he slipped a thumb into the front of his speedo’s waist band and pulled them down. I remember thinking if he is doing this then so can I. I think most of the others in the team had the same thoughts, because soon enough there was a squad of boys all naked with big grins on their faces.