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Sat 22nd june
Catrin, one of Lois' best friends joined us. She will be with us in the game then join us for the 1000km trip to Sydney in the campervan.
We woke up in Surfers Paradise and you can see why it's been named so. The miles long sky scrapers hog the shore (bit tacky) and the turquoise waves crash almost against them. Nothing tacky with the beach though, probably a 30 mile stretch of white sand - with joggers, sun worshippers and surfers everywhere.
Today was game day, the 1st test Lions v Australia. Even at Surfers, 40 miles from where the match was played, the atmosphere was already starting, with Lions shirts appearing almost every other person.
My cousin picked us up and he had 2 south Walians with him, Lee and Jon, who'd just landed after a mad one in Singapore. We hit it off straight away and they were our drinking buddies for the pre game build up in the city centre.
Drinking rules were set up immediately and let's say we're definitely more familiar with the rules of cricket!
They were showing the lions v aus 2001 2nd test in the Pig n Whistle. It was quite surreal to have Henderson stood right next to us, he played for the lions at inside centre in that very game. Phil spoke to him and he was a top guy, he was also laying down the drinking rules. His buddy was the one and only Alan Bateman. Phil had also saw the 1997 Lions legend John Bentley.
The build up was the best I've ever experienced. The Lions fans were packed into the bars and the atmosphere was so friendly and fun. All the fans were outside and whenever any Aussie supporter's passed, the torrent of chanting was unbelievable (all friendly), but i certainly didn't envy being a Wallaby fan passing that bar. It was such a good atmosphere, even a couple getting married wanted to be involved and took a picture in front of the fans. The fans returned in kind by singing to them. I can honestly say, I think we made their day. They were overwhelmed.
The 4 hours before kick off seemed to fly and we bullishly made our way down to the ground. It was like the streets before a Premier League game, the sea of red singing and chanting all the way. We landed at Klaxon St, where I can only describe as a set from an old wild west movie set. Crashing through saloon doors and their high balconies facing the streets packed with Lions fans with choruses of 'Calon Lan' and 'Ireland's Call' ringing out. It was pretty special.
Safe to say, left had drinking and all the other rules made sure we were pretty panninied by the time we entered the stadium. The stadium was awesome, we were so happy to see so many Aussie fans there - the sea of yellow was blinding.
Athough Folau was impressive, watching tiny George North run through the entire Wallaby backline was a moment we will never forget. Especially seeing a guy from Phil's native Anglesey shinning on the International stage, the pride was something else. We will be watching possibly the best Lions try ever in 50 years and saying we were there.
The Lions won and Phil met George Gregan after the game and he was a true Gent. Phil told him he was the second best scrum half ever and he even said 'You're right, Gareth Edwards is the best ever'.
One of the best day's ever.
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