Why I watch rugby
Discussion
My team are top of our division. Yesterday we played the second placed team, then just two points behind us. The top team will gain automatic promotion, the second team will have to play off against the second team in a neighboring division.
It was an exciting game to watch. In the first half we scored a try, they scored a try, we scored a try and then they scored a try. A good, open, fast moving match played in a good spirit.
My side began to dominate to a limited extent. Just before the half time whistle we scored another try and then after half time another. We had our noses well in front but the other side were quality. Nothing was certain until the we got three scores in front at less than ten minutes to go.
We won 36 : 17 but the score was skewed a bit because the other side were after a win and at no time went for the losing bonus. No need as they are 7 points ahead of the 3rd place. Both sides were exhausted at the final whistle.
In the club house I chatted to number of the other side's supporters and they congratulated us. I was offered a drink by one bloke and one of their supporters, always the one who can't sing, started a sing-song. A big, 6'6" ex-second row (going by his face) said that his team had no complaints as they were beaten by the better side on the day.
A really good day for my side made all the better by the fact that there was no real rejoicing at the other team's defeat. It is really great when two evenly matched old-fashioned sides play against one-another and put everything into it.
It was an exciting game to watch. In the first half we scored a try, they scored a try, we scored a try and then they scored a try. A good, open, fast moving match played in a good spirit.
My side began to dominate to a limited extent. Just before the half time whistle we scored another try and then after half time another. We had our noses well in front but the other side were quality. Nothing was certain until the we got three scores in front at less than ten minutes to go.
We won 36 : 17 but the score was skewed a bit because the other side were after a win and at no time went for the losing bonus. No need as they are 7 points ahead of the 3rd place. Both sides were exhausted at the final whistle.
In the club house I chatted to number of the other side's supporters and they congratulated us. I was offered a drink by one bloke and one of their supporters, always the one who can't sing, started a sing-song. A big, 6'6" ex-second row (going by his face) said that his team had no complaints as they were beaten by the better side on the day.
A really good day for my side made all the better by the fact that there was no real rejoicing at the other team's defeat. It is really great when two evenly matched old-fashioned sides play against one-another and put everything into it.
Derek Smith said:
A really good day for my side made all the better by the fact that there was no real rejoicing at the other team's defeat. It is really great when two evenly matched old-fashioned sides play against one-another and put everything into it.
The feud stays on the pitch, exactly the way it should be. 
Its not just rugby though, our division hockey final last year was similar - two very evenly matched teams (went to second overtime to decide it), a hard fought but fair game, and both teams+supporters having a good yarn and various congratulations/commiserations over a beer or 3 afterwards.
Regardless of which sport, its always good to see (and be part of) proper sportsmanship.
I remember going to watch a Bath vs Montpellier match at The Rec. Bath won comfortably and after the game the ground disgorged into the local pubs. I ended up in All Bar One with a few mates and the Montpellier team turned up for a drink or two. It's something I've seen with a number of sports - compete hard but then enjoy a pint with the opposition and/or their supporters.
ewenm said:
I remember going to watch a Bath vs Montpellier match at The Rec. Bath won comfortably and after the game the ground disgorged into the local pubs. I ended up in All Bar One with a few mates and the Montpellier team turned up for a drink or two. It's something I've seen with a number of sports - compete hard but then enjoy a pint with the opposition and/or their supporters.
A mate knows nick abendanon and we went out with the bath guys after their last game last season, was carnage. I also met Alex Goode lashing in London last saturday.
I think its because there isnt huge money in Rugby so at the end of the day they are just normal lads.
In my humble opinion, there are a few reasons that its a great game.
We all know stories of hostilities on the pitch, followed by beers in the bar. That's a given.
In the stands, fans can share a laugh, enjoy banter and we're even considered grown up enough to take a beer to our seat.
Currently, the game is in good shape. We have superstars, personalities and a national team that are starting to look good.
It's a great game to watch at the moment and long may it continue.
We all know stories of hostilities on the pitch, followed by beers in the bar. That's a given.
In the stands, fans can share a laugh, enjoy banter and we're even considered grown up enough to take a beer to our seat.
Currently, the game is in good shape. We have superstars, personalities and a national team that are starting to look good.
It's a great game to watch at the moment and long may it continue.
No need to go in to the ins and outs of football vs. rugby, but it always saddened me when I went to see Saracen's at Watford's ground, and seeing the sign saying "during football matches, no beer past this point" walking in to the stands. Part of the fun at major rugby matches is a bit of friendly baiting of the few opposition members sat in your end!
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