HOW does the song go?
``Oh what a night, late September back in ...''
I think I may have butchered that song lyric somewhat, but it reflects the upbeat mood I'm in. Me and about
17,000 other people who have just jammed into the Northland Events Centre to watch Tonga
and
Canada.
The fact that the rugby was a thriller was a bonus for the fans.
Some were genuine Can-ay-dee-ens, following their team across the other side of the world.
There were ex-pats, Kiwi-Canadians, local Tongans, fans from Tonga, and some guy who decided it was a good idea to run the length of the field wearing what appeared to be a toy elephant as a codpiece.
And then there those of us who just wanted to paint the town red for the night.
We were there to imbibe on the thrill, goodwill and euphoria that a large group of humans can create when we gather over a sporting contest.
Someone said they hadn't seen a crowd like it since that epic few hours in the early 1970s when
Auckland had the temerity and 15 rugby players skilled enough to take the Ranfurly Shield off
Northland at what we still refer to as Okara Park.
That day was captured forever on black and white film. I know because I've just glanced at it, to
reassure myself that the crowd back then was a little larger than last night. It was - but Tonga v
Canada has also been etched into Northland sporting history.
Both teams, at the end of the night, were gracious enough to take the time to thanks the fans.
The Tongans first, and then the Canadians. The Canucks weren't just saying thanks, they were
saying goodbye. They've loved it
here, you see, they've been overwhelmed with our culture, our hospitality, and our region.
Over in Canada, we're famous, for treating them so darned well. They can't quite believe the
reception they've received, in Te Tai Tokerau. I can't either, I'm proud to be a Northlander tonight _ what a
world class night, on so many levels. And we've still got Tonga and Japan to go next week.
In true Northland style, some of us left it a little late to get tickets this week, and missed out. All I can
say is, get yours now. Don't miss out on a great night out.
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