Yesterday videos and computers conspired to irritate me so I didn't write what I intended to to accompany the videos.
We had a brill time at the match. Cardiff on match day is always great fun: crowded with a sense of expectation. It's all very jovial and good-natured and on Saturday the atmosphere in the stadium was unbelievable.
We had seats about 3 rows from the front on the side opposite the players' entrance and just up from the corner. They weren't the best seats for a view of the full pitch but very close to the action. Or would have been if any of the action had taken place in our corner. In the first half it was all Wales and they were playing to the other end; second half they swapped and then it was all New Zealand - at the other end.
Tension, passion and thrills. At the end of the first half I sat down and said, 'I don't think I can cope with another half like that.' And, as it turned out, I didn't have to, but there you go. It was just great to be there. And at least we didn't do as badly as England.
I've never been to a football match but I get the impression that rival fans don't mix much. There's never any trouble at rugby matches. One lad close to us did get a little upset at one point and swore loudly and repeatedly at the referee, and just about everyone sitting nearby turned and gave him a 'this is rugby: we don't do that at rugby matches' look.
It's Australia next week. I'll be home watching it on television - and wishing I were there.
3 comments:
It used to be cricket that was well-behaved, but it seems most sports have developed a rowdy element. I'm glad your lot behaved well.
Sounds like an American football game. I've only been to a few in the US, since I live over here in England, but they've always been goodnatured and the crowds well-behaved.
We went to a Raiders' home game at the Coliseum. They were playing divisional rivals - the Broncos - and my son was wearing a Broncos' shirt. He and my other son got some funny looks as they walked into the bar, but everyone was lovely! I wouldn't fancy his chances trying that at home at a soccer game, would you?
I've attended many international rugby matches and lots of club football matches too. There is a massive difference. At club football if you don't kick off at the referree if the decision goes against you people give you the look... also any time you compliment the other side again you might get that look...
In May we went to the Premiership final at Twickenham the first club rugby game I've ever physically attended. I'm pleased to say that the atmosphere was fantastic and supports and independents all mixed together and no hint of trouble at all. I hope it continues like that for a long time to come.
Post a Comment