Watching the Bay in Wales
14th June 2005. By a travelling Steamers fan

This BOP Mafia member sat watching our own Bay of Plenty Steamers play a mighty game against the British and Irish Lions, wearing the Bay colours, (but forgot the camera) in a little local pub in Llanelli, Wales.

I had been staying with distant relatives in Llanelli, Wales for a couple of days and had arranged to join the locals down at their pub, 8am on the Saturday morning to watch the game on a big screen.

I was a very proud Bay supporter (the only one funnily enough!) in a room full of Welshmen. The day started off with gentle banter and I gave as much as I got, I also cleared up a few misconceptions these guys had about our team, misconceptions that the British commentators
were reporting, like 'the Bay team is full of Canterbury players!!' ha - got that sorted. Ten minutes into the game and I was squirming a bit and the guys behind me were gentlemen enough not to 'rub it in' however as we all witnessed our boys came back with vengeance  and come half time my companions were the ones to squirm. Go the bay.

We all enjoyed the second half and when I left, I did so with my head held high.

I was also treated to a personal tour of Stradey Park, Llanelli home ground, and the scene of  Llanelli beating the All Blacks in 1971, a fact which is still very much part of the town, I also was shown their rugby museum with much memorabilia, all who I met could not understand
why I was in their country when the greatest rugby of the year was being played in mine. - yes well sometimes I wonder that myself. Never the less I was made very welcome the entire time I was there, it was great to be around so many other rugby nuts, no matter which team they supported, to banter with. Home away from Home.

I also spent the final day of the Rugby 7's at Twickenham watching them live, I wore my NZ shirt and my Bay scarf, just massive NZ support, I think the entire NZ population of London was there, however as we all witnessed, that was not enough for our boys. They did tour the park and thank their supporters, coaches and Eric the water boy included.

I have watched the other games at 'home' in Leyton. Not sure where I will be for the first test, if I get into a pub I will ensure to take photos for you all.

Go the Bay