Trudging home from work, Billy Thomas ran into Owen Davies and his brother.
”Hey Billy, do you fancy a night out in Swansea. The rugby boys have hired a bus and there’s one seat left.”
After a moment’s hesitation Billy thought why not, he’d never been to Swansea on a night out. Rumour had it the girls were fair game and the beer was cheap.
Owen warned Billy that he would have to do the ring of fire as it was his first night out with the rugby boys.
Saturday evening arrived, Billy in his best suit and tie climbed aboard the bus. At their first pub the boys bought Billy a double whiskey. Not being a big drinker, he swallowed it in one, coughing and spluttering, his face puce. The drink had burned his throat and stomach. This must be the ring of fire. Getting pats on the back, Billy relaxed. Carefully avoiding the whiskey again, a good time was had by him and all. Wall to wall girls! Billy spent the evening ogling them, not having the courage to speak to any of them.
Next, they moved to the dance hall. The door men took one look at Huw Parry and refused to allow him in as he was too drunk. With Owen Davies and his brother propping him up, it was decided to go for a curry to sober him up. Never having had a curry before, Billy tagged along. It was a dingy place and dark. Owen did the ordering, the waiter chuckling away as he walked away. The meals arrived and Billy was bright red, glancing at Owen who smiled:
”Another little trial Billy. You have to eat it all.”
One mouthful, his mouth was ablaze again. Not wanting to look bad, he forced it down. The three pints helped a great deal. Wandering back to the bus, he saw the rest of the boys arriving in varying states, including a couple of black eyes and cut lips from friendly discussions with rival teams. Billy sank back in a haze of alcohol. Stumbling off the coach, he didn’t remember anything as the fresh air hit him.
He woke the next morning on the kitchen floor with his Mam shouting at him. Shame-faced and forced to clean the kitchen sink, Billy’s innards started to gurgle. One mad dash to the outside bog. Just in time! My god, he thought, I’m dying as once again the burning sensation returned. He was moaning loudly when Owen Davies poked his head over the wall.
”Welcome to the ring of fire, your trial is now over!”
Owen was laughing as he walked away. Never mind ring of fire, it felt more like the ring of death !!!!!!
