Last night we went to check out opening night of the Super 14 action as the Canterbury Crusaders took on the Brumbies (from somewhere in 
They had tons of giveaways for the early arrivals. We managed to pick up some Crusaders foam swords and cardboard armor helmets (HELMETS!) No “Hot” signs this time, so we had to settle for ones that said “Try!” and “Awesome!” It was a rainy night and we came prepared, thanks to Maelle. In addition to bringing home all the café’s left over muffins all the time, tonight she scored us some extra large garbage bags that kept us (mostly) dry all night.
There was plenty of pre-game flare. They sang some ridiculous “Ode to the Crusaders” ballad that felt out of place at a sporting event, but of course there were also appearances from the dance team and the T-shirt cannon. Next came the good stuff. The drawbridge on the giant fake castle came down and the horsemen took a few laps to pump up the crowd. There were even some enormous torches that provided some much needed warmth even 12 rows or so back. They really get into their theme.
When the game finally started, the weather really slowed things down, turning it into a sloppy contest. Not that we know that much about rugby, but at times it just looked like a battle for field position with each team kicking to try to pin the other team down. Penalty kicks provided the only early scoring and it was only 3-3 late in the first half.
The Crusaders scored a couple of trys and they never looked back. The second half was never really close. The home team extended their lead and finished the game with a flurry. The best play of the game was the last, with the Crusaders making a couple nice moves and a long run down the right side for a try as time expired. It was the most open field running we saw all night. They even made the conversion to finish strong and sent the fans that braved the weather home happy.
All in all, it was a great night of entertainment. We think we may like 7 a side a little better. It opens up the field for a little more action and scoring, but we may have to give this another shot when the field is not a swamp.
Latest Job Update: We haven’t actually worked at the golf tournament the last two days (it’s been rained out), but we’ve been getting paid anyway. So far this is the best job yet!
9 comments:
That's awesome- I especially like your green friend in the first photo.
Do they really make signs that say "Try!"? I'd like to see them show a little more confidence. Do you think the real crusaders would have settled for "Try!"? I bet their signs said "We will get you to convert or we will kill you!" They're still admitting that they might not succeed, but while showing that aggression that gave them a competitive edge against the Muslims, Brumbies, or whoever else they challenged.
Go Crusaders!
maybe we'll see that sign at next week's match against the Spanish Inquisition
I expect a 'HELMET!' souvenir when I arrive in Christchurch, please.
Sorry Sue, but the cardboard helmet! didn't do too well in the rain. Chris could fish it out of the garbage for you, but it wouldn't be pretty. Maybe we'll see "Black Helmets!" at the cricket match this weekend. If so, we'll be sure to snag one for you:)
do you think we could outfit the rambots (rambhats? rombats?) with helmets and swords?! it would be a good distraction tactic...that way we could really use the rest of the field while the other team is all, wtf?
My high school's mascot was Crusaders. They keep trying to hit me up for donations, I think I will hold out until they create cardboard helmets and foam swords.
Gotta love the cheap-shot that Chris gives Jen at the end of that video. Nice! That's how the real crusaders did it, wait till your enemy is walking away and then stab them in the butt! Take that, heathen!
I actually like "Try!" as a slogan. It signals that you are supportive, but that you understand that some things are just out of the players' hands. Try!
They need a sign that says "Try!" and then underneath in littler letters it says "Oh, well. You'll get 'em next time."
hard to tell under the HELMET! but that was Maelle I cheapshotted. easy mistake to make.
glad you like the signs. we'll see if we can smuggle them back for a Hamper game.
welcome aboard, Len! we were glad to hear from sue that you are not a random blog heckler.
Good stuff, you two. Jen and I spent the weekend with John and Sonya (who say hey). We actually went to Smitty's Tavern and in a drunken stupor, decided to plan a trip to New Zealand ASAP. John's looking into the details now. Any advice?
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