I was reminded of this fact by the post-match commentary of Inverdale1 and Dawson (the latter having recovered admirably from the hangover which left him nearly speechless during this morning's broadcasts). In the aftermath of the Boks' win over the Pumas - so sadly it will be 'Allez Les Blancs2' next weekend, the pitch was invaded by tiny rugby players exhibiting far greater levels of enthusiasm than skill. Pint sized versions of future Rugger Buggers running the line as fast as their little legs could carry them had big men going rather misty eyed.
Years ago, before paranoia took officialdom in its steely grip this sort of pitch invasion was SOP at the MCG and, as far as I'm aware, most top level Aussie Rules grounds.
As the match would draw to a close the miniature fans would crowd the boundary fence with ball in one hand, autograph book in the other. As the siren sounded we'd go over the top, much like WWI soldiers, and into the fray. The idea was to target a specific player, track his movements in the dying moments assiduously - putting aside all considerations as to the result no matter how close the issue, and then after getting over make a bee-line for that player using whatever weapons might come to hand in the way of an old woman at a New Years' Day sale.
Only once the autograph had been secured would the secondary matter of having a kick-about on the hallowed turf be turned to - and it was. Just about ever other weekend for years. There's a bit of turf that metaphorically has my hoof print in it.
- Blogger's craptacular 'spell checker' will not accept Inverdale and offers 'infertile' as an acceptable alternative. Poor John.
- On the same theme, the above mentioned 'spell checker' will not accept Blanc and offers Blank as an alternative. It isn't perfect, but sometimes it does get things rights. Let's wait and see.
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