Neil rather prided himself on his ability to fall on the ball, and went at it like an old stager, or so he thought.

But if he expected commendation he found none.

When the last man had rolled around after the elusive pigskin, Mills went to the other end of the line and did it all over again.
When it came Neil's turn he plunged out, found the ball nicely, and snuggled it against his breast.

To his surprise when he arose Mills left his place and walked out to him.
"Let's try that again," he said.

Neil tossed him the ball and went back to his place.