Lions supporters drown their sorrows in style

Barmy Army supporters didn't let the Lions loss to the New Zealand Maori stop them from enjoying Hamilton's nightlife on Saturday night, sending bar sales soaring in the city.

The more than 30,000 Lions and New Zealand fans who flocked to Waikato Stadium continued the festivities into the small hours of Sunday morning, filling up the city's pubs and clubs.

Hamilton's Granite Bar had the biggest night of its two-year history, with staff labelling the night "ridiculously big".

Manager Kate Skipper said the turnover and numbers of patrons were the most the bar had seen.

"It was huge."

She said despite having to queue to get in and to buy a drink, most people were well behaved.

"We were so surprised. They were fantastic, no trouble. There was no messy behaviour, or drunkenness."

Hamilton police said despite the large numbers in the city on Saturday night, no more arrests were made than usual.

Senior Sergeant Pete Simpson said while there were a lot of "intoxicated people" in town most were well behaved.

Fox and Hounds bar manager Paul Neil said Saturday was one of the busiest nights he had seen.

"It was unbelievable. We were still rocking at 3 o'clock in the morning.

"The Barmy Army are one of the best-behaved groups we have had through the bar."

Some of the more recognisable fans in the stadium included Maori Party hopeful Hone Harawira, Kiwi league great Tawera Nikau, the Maori Queen, Te Arikinui Dame Te Atairangikaahu, Tainui chairman Kingi Porima, and almost all of Labour and New Zealand First's Maori MPs.


What the fans said


Minister of Maori Affairs Parekura Horomia: "Brilliant. I loved it."


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New Zealand First leader Winston Peters: "What an amazing night for Maori rugby."


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Charlie Wall, Taupo: "This is a big day for Maori. The highlight for me tonight was seeing Maori beat the Lions."


The former New Zealand Maori kaumatua (1997-99) said this was the highlight of his time supporting the team.


"This was a historic first, we have never beaten the Lions. What a great send-off for Matt Te Pou and Carlos. The atmosphere was great."


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Joseph Newell, Dublin, Ireland: "Very disappointing. We expected a hard game but not to lose. The pre-match buildup was unbelievable, really something to remember.


"The Maori were always going to be the unofficial fourth test of the tour, and the Maori showed that tonight.


"There has always been respect for Maori rugby ... and this has only increased that."


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Dean Straker (right) of Nelson with daughter Temiri, 3, nestled proudly on his shoulders: "Brilliant."


His match highlight was the passion and defence of the Maori.


"The atmosphere at the ground was unbelievable. This is a big day for Maori rugby and Maoridom."