Eagles against Rabbits

Took in my first 'footie' match yesterday. For those back home maybe some clarification of the term 'footie' is needed. Firstly (in terms of audiences) there is Aussie Rules Football, traditionally not a New South Wales game. Secondly there's Rugby League, preference of NSW. Then there's Rugby Union and the 'round ball' game.

Knowing not very much about AFL, and having been to a couple of League games back home the natural choice was our local team the Manly Sea Eagles. Of course, it helps that they're actually a decent team as well.

Brookvale Oval is in need of upgrading but it does have a good atmosphere especially on the grassy hills, kind of reminiscent of the old terraces back home. Add to this the fact that the sun was splitting the trees, and you can drink at matches, it makes a pretty decent afternoon.

They were up against Russel Crowe's, South Sydney Rabbitohs yesterday. The big man obviously hasn't been instilling any Gladiatorial spirit into his boys as they went down 20 - 2, in a match with very few incidents. Of course who would expect any different result when you pit Eagles against Rabbits. Helped in no small measure by Jamie Lyon, who Mr. Harland you may remember as I believe he put some points past Hull when he played for St. Helen's a few years back.

Had to buy a hat though before my head fried, not just because I'm a Johnny Come Lately, Fan Boy type.