EASYROME

As the year draws to a close, it is traditional to reflect upon the year that has passed and look forward to the year ahead. There are even annual TV shows that reflect upon the passing year's entertainment by re-playing snippets of all the best bits. Ever. Amongst these treasures are the most traumatic moments in East Enders and Coronation Street, the funniest bloopers from supposedly serious programmes and the inevitable sporting rundown of the best and worst of the country's sporting achievements.

In the Six Nations tournament of 2008, England were dogged by injury and by all accounts gave a pretty poor performance on the pitch. After an embarrassing defeat by Wales, England managed to pull themselves together and claim a victory against Italy, but it was a close call. In the England v Italy match Johnny Wilkinson, the shining star of English sporting achievement, played weakly in the second half and was dropped from the team only a few weeks later.

The loss of the tournament game against Scotland saw the former hero being asked to take a back seat, and many claim that he was being made a scapegoat for bad performance from the England team. This was obviously vehemently denied by sporting officials, but never the less, it is presumed that Mister Wilkinson will have a difficult time getting back on the team.

What does this mean for next year's Six Nations rugby tournament? Will Wilkinson be back on board or will another young sporting genius take pride of England place from under the 28 year old rugby player? The proof of the rugby pudding I believe will be in the match between England and Italy in the 2009 tournament. Scheduled to take place at Twickenham on February 7, the match is surprisingly close, but will the result be close too.

Due to the fact that I have left my crystal ball at home, I can only speculate as to how the match may turn out, or hope that it turns out well regardless. To distract oneself from potential sporting failure, and to enhance an unexpected win, maybe it is better to turn to the hospitality packages available. These can serve to buffer the bleak disappointment that would otherwise be felt if standing in the stands whilst watching the home team get a beating. On the other hand, by choosing to watch the match from the comfort of a hospitality suite in the company of friends, family or colleagues, a victory taste so much more sweet, and every moment is tinged with golden glory.

Having platters of food accompanied by champagne in the warmth and comfort of a suite at Twickenham is certainly doing sport in style. There is a choice between the glass fronted Obolensky's and Wakefield's hospitality area, which offers a superb and unobstructed view across the pitch and St Georges Suite. Both areas offer superb packages for a small number of private tables which include guest speakers, complimentary bar and the odd souvenir of the day thrown in too.

By opting to book a hospitality package for the 2009 England v Italy match, you can at least be assured that not only will you be glad or gloomy in the lap of luxury, but at the end of the year, you'll be guaranteed a memory of a lifetime. Yes, on the great scales of was-it-fun-or-not, you'll look back and remember champagne bubbles and being in one of the best seats at one of the best rugby grounds on the planet. It can't get much better than that, surely.

Dominic Donaldson is an expert in the hospitality industry. Find out more about the England v Italy Hospitality Package and other big sporting hospitality events at Keith Prowse.

Article Source: Make 2009 Memorable Whatever The Score With An England v Italy Hospitality Package