I drove down to Twickenham with a few like minded mates for the final of the EDF Energy Cup between Leicester Tigers and The Ospreys, who are an amalgamation of the old pre-regional Welsh clubs, Neath and Swansea.
The weather was fantastic. First job was to grab the best burger outside of the Goodwood Revival fare, which is on the car park at the college opposite the stadium. These are made from finest organic beef and are best savoured medium/rare. Mmmmmmmmmmmm.
Next stop, the loo for a well earned "comfort break", then on to the Guinness trailer with it's gorgeous girls behind the bar.
Wonderful atmosphere as we all wandered around sipping beer in glorious sunshine, 25°C and chatting with the Ospreys and Tigers fans. Something unheard of with football followers. (can't bring myself to call them fans).
Got into the ground and found our seats to watch the second half of the game which preceded the main final.
This was a cracking match between Exeter Chiefs and Penzance & Newlyn, also known as the Cornish Pirates.
The Pirates finished on top at 19 - 16 and as we were sitting next to loads of Pirates fans, we added our support to theirs.
There then followed a "sing-off" between The Treorchy Male Choir and The Odd Fellows & Huntingdon Male Voice Choirs to mirror the Wales v England make-up of the final. The Aveley & Newham Brass Band played for both Choirs and all 45,000 of the crowd joined in. It was bloody brilliant.
I raised my glass to Sassy just before kick-off as promised and wished her good luck with The Move.
Hope your day was as rewarding as mine Sassy.
As you can see, they haven't finished putting the roof on the south stand yet, which explains why I had such a bastard job getting tickets. There were about 35,ooo seats which were off limits.
The main final started with a bit of a worry as we went 6-0 down to two early penalties but then we cut loose and ran in three tries to go in at half time leading by 28-6.
The Ospreys obviously had a good talking to at the break because they came out and hit back with three tries followed by a penalty and another try.
They played some fantastic fast, free flowing rugby and made a superb contest of the second half. Tigers finally managed to get a grip with a penalty and then a late try to seal the win at 41-35.
All credit to the Ospreys for a wonderful display and it is a pity someone had to lose. I am glad it was us who won in the end as we have not had much joy in semi's and finals over the last 5 years. We got to lots but always lost, having won 4 Championships in a row and consecutive European Cup Finals during 1998 - 2001 it's time we had some success.
The Tigers above, waiting for the stage to be built on the pitch before collecting the cup.
About bloody time too.
We have a European Cup semi-final this Saturday and the play-offs to qualify for the Championship Final to be played on May 5th. I have rather optimistically got my tickets for that final so I just hope we make it. (We lost in the final to Sale last year, and yes I was there with a good friend who used to play for Sale, not that he mentions it much).
4 comments:
A damned fine game.
It had me cheering, then standing up and swearing and shouting, then cheering again, then hiding my head in despair, then jumping round the room whooping …
Splendid.
Now for the rest of the treble.
I didn't kill anyone, thanks to the toast.
Sounds like an excellent game.
Yes does sound exciting; well, better than watching paint dry anyway.
Glad you enjoyed it Full 'n' Dive.
Thought you'd like the idea of thirty brawny men in shorts grabbing onea anothers' bottoms, Lynn.
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