I spent the best part of 80 minutes cheering, shouting, waving, jumping, wining that my feet and back were aching, cheering, cheering and cheering some more - I am very surprsied that I woke up with a voice on Monday morning to be honest. But honestly, it was the most fun I've had in ages. Yes! By all means, if you saw a crazy girl wrapped in a million layers, waving an Italy flag in one hand and a Romanian in the other manically on TV, that was 99.9% probably me. But I don't care, I had a great time after all.
After venturing to Sandy Park (home to Exeter Chiefs), we quickly made our way to that noisy place in the corner that everyone seemed to gathered around. The bar. The sudden realisation that I shouldn't of wore so many layers set in and whilst I began to drink, I also began to sizzle. But of course, I played it cool. I mean I had a chance (a very slim chance) to meet an international rugby star, so I thought that playing it cool was the safest option to go with. As kick off time was fast approaching we made our way into the stadium, found our spots and waited for the National Anthems to be played and the kick off whistle to be blown - FYI the Italian National Anthem is rather jolly and I am deeply surprised that they don't have a dance to go with it but that didn't stop the Italians dancing, who were stood behind us.
As someone who has grown to love rugby, I went into this match as a mutual party; otherwise known as the person who sits on the fence and then supports the team which happens to be closest to winning at full-time as my brother likes to put it. However, I don't think I was the only mutual party at that game, I think a few people were to be honest. But believe me when I saw, watching a match live at the stadium compared to on the TV is completely different. I mean, Italy gave Romania a run for their money but Romania fort back - especially in the second half, they came back fighting - unfortunately it wasn't enough for Romania to take the win. The atmosphere during a rugby match is completely different to any other sporting match that I've been to; I mean, fans became one and supported both teams until the final whistle was blown; when Italy scored the stadium erupted with cheers and loud stamping noises, likewise when Romania scored it erupted again.
Although by the end of the match my feet and back were aching, it was worth every second. Not only was my day made by a great sporting event and friends but the fresh Autumnal weather, which included the sun beaming down on Sandy Park was to die for - amazing!
Until next time an international event comes to England and I happen to go, Au Revoir!
Love,
Lauren xo
