I have seen the light at the end of the tunnel, which unfortunately is passing through some of my strips...
Some spectacular gaps aside, I am really happy with how she has gone together.
Here is a photo of my ugly mug just as I successfully dry-fitted my football.
I am ecstatic to see that the strips are nicely matched up, I didn't go ahead with the 2nd backup football, so I really took my time shaving the insert with my palm plane.
I did have some serious issues getting the last single strip in (basswood), it tore the heck out of the previous cedar strip, and after 4 failed attempts, I'm living with the gaps a the centre-line, I was already resigned to becoming a gap-filling expert anyway.
Thank you all for your support and encouragement, you have no idea how helpful you all have been!!!
Chris