There was no official tour as such this season (01/02) however Heol Goffa S.A.C. did arrange a trip to see the Commonwealth 7s. All those on the trip were club members but unfortunatley those not involved with the center were unable to travel. For those lucky enough to go it was a great trip.
There was plenty of build up with marina Collins and Heol Goffa arranging for the Warriors to be properly decked out for the occasion in shirt/tie/blazers/trousers. Cue various trips to Dyfed Meanswear in Cefneithin with much problems sorting out clothes for the various shapes and sizes of the Warriors (Louie, Lee Mole, Bonar and Dai Nusiance being the worst culprits). There was also the ordeal of being personally checked by Marina to see if everything fitted.
The trip itself saw us drive straight to the games and watch the pool stages of the 7s which featured most of the major rugby nations (no France or Ireland). The atmosphere was great although by the time Wales played most people around us had been alienated somewhat by our cheering for whoever was playing e**land. Wales did well enough winning the matches they were meant to (lost to South Africa 12-19) and went out in the plate semi (lost to Australia 7-5). We got treated to several war dances (Fiji, Tonga, New Zealand, Samoa, Niue Islands and the Cook Islands) and some colourful supporters (the Kenya contigent were especially enthusiastic and they gave e**land a good go). It was late by the time we left and the hotel was miles away so there was no chance to sample any nightlife and a 'quiet' evening in the hotel bar was in order.
The next day we spent around Manchester city center and very nice it was. We decided we needed to wear the blazers to justify the time/money/effort put in but whilst everyone looked very smart it was probaly the hottest day of the year. Roger wanted to see the Cathederal which provided an excellent 'see we didn't just go to the pub' photo op, before we went into the pub just round the corner.
We watched (on the big screen) Nicole Cooke winning the Cycling Womens road race and joined in with the anthem when they presented her medal. New Zealand beat Fiji in the 7s.
The trip home was a bit of a slog as the coach had to stop in 3 or 4 services but we got back safe.
The Commonwealth games site has full reviews: cliciwch
The rugby is all here: cliciwch
Warriors tour tip #1: Make friends with the bus driver early
Everyone in their best Welsh red (except Bonar who is sporting a Brazil shirt!!?)
Actually we were the only ones on the bus (almost) who looked like they were going to an international
Meredith, Roger, Gwilym & John at a p stop on the way
enter the Dragon(s)
Stadium: not bad... but no Mileniwm
Flying the flags
Dad, where are the strange men from?
New Zealand playing someone (Canada?)
Welsh team huddle
Welsh team leave (small Welsh/Burry Port flag for Gareth Babs which was opposite us sadly not visable)
Looking the part
bk row l>r: Roger Thomas, Meredith Pugh, John Horwood, Jason Jenkins
frt row l>r: Dai Newson, Chris Bonar, Lewis Jones, Edward Williams
Outside a pub
Inside a pub: Louie actually pays up on a bet he lost with Gwilym!!!
Nice Cathedral (see we didn't just go straight into pubs all day)
Obligitory 'Resevoir Dogs' type foto
OH-Young man!! Shed in action
Who dressed you: Dyfed Menswear advert 2001
Poor Louie tired out
Two down: Bonar crashes out on 'comfy' Dai Nusiance
Three down: Nusiance gives in
seventhseason
No comments:
Post a Comment