So here it is, a glance into the world of Sports Journalism via a fashion dedicated blog. I must admit, on first attempt it appears harder than it reads! In order not to bore those who really couldn't care less about rugby, I've included my own Bridget take on the game.
Amlin Challenge Cup Final
Harlequins vs. Stade Francais
Cardiff 2011
Harlequins snatch a dramatic victory: 19-18
Friday the 20th May saw Harlequins and Stade Francais battle it out in the Amlin Challenge Cup Final. Ending the season on a high, it was of course Harlequins that held the cup in the centre of the Cardiff City Stadium, assuring them of Heineken Cup rugby next year. Unexpected victors over Munster, Harlequins were the favourites to win after playing some sublime rugby this year, and they certainly didn't fall at the last hurdle.
So we're in the car on the way to Cardiff. An hour in I standardly get bored and suggest an all time childhood favourite game of Eye Spy. BIG MISTAKE. This only leads to new found *intelligence within the car. By intelligence, I mean *stupidity. This stupidity is followed by dire attempts to pronounce the Welsh language and remain completely oblivious when crossing the Cardiff Bridge.
Anyway, we arrive at the game to see flashes of pink among the sea of green and brown shirts around the stadium. It's not long before it becomes clear that these are jolly French supporters dressed entirely in Barbies signature colour, accompanied by glittery wigs and candy umbrellas. This only spurs us five on in a bid to settle the domestic with the French. Of course, this game is not like football. The word Hooligan does not even come into it. Instead, such rivaling consists of a joint visit to the bar.
5 minutes before kick-off and we have befriended a group of VERY intoxicated Romanian men, so flushed from Carling it's difficult to establish their pink shirts from their round faces. We part and take to our seats.
It is not long before the Quins score their first penalty, despite a strong start from the French. It is of course none other than Nick Evans who is to congratulate. After recovering from the knock he picked up against Munster earlier in the season, he proudly takes his place on the pitch in the starting line up alongside Danny Care at halfback. WHAT a duo in both talent and easiness on the eye :)
10 minutes in sees the French picking up their first penalty also. Warm up's over boys, let the game begin..
Ok so I've sat down and thought about this but I just can't see me reliving every try/conversion/penalty or drop-goal that occurred throughout the exhilarating 90 minutes. And therefore have decided to take you straight to half time, the current score being..
HALF-TIME: HARLEQUINS 9-6 STADE FRANCAIS
This is also the time for more beer, chanting and of course the famous Mexican Wave that comes with any stadium crowd.
Now, it's no secret that loo breaks at half time are a little more than hectic. Especially for us girls that end up missing ten minutes of the second half because there is a queue coming close to the length of the Great Wall. I make it back just 2 minutes in. The score currently at a stand still.
It was the second half that saw blood, sweat and tears - but none of the fake kind. Evans's place in Heineken Cup history was assured when he hobbled back on to The Stoop after a fake blood substitution 2 years ago in what became the most shameful event in the history of the tournament.
Stade's points came from 4 penalties and 2 drop goals. Quins were typically animated from the start, running the ball from anywhere and everywhere, but like Stade they committed unforced errors and execution did not match ambition.
It was a 77th minute conversion from man of the match Nick Evans, following a last-gasp try from winger Gonzalo Camacho, saw the Premiership side edge out their French rivals and complete a hat-trick of victories in the competition.
Stade Francais were looking for their first European triumph. Unfortunately they did not find it.
I have to say witnessing all of this from Cardiff air really was something spectacular. Flags galore, fireworks and hearing nothing but the chant of overwhelmed fans "Come all without, come all within, you'll not see nothing like the Mighty Quins!" only adds to the list of reasons as to why I refused to take off my shirt for a few days after.
And as for the Sports Journalism part.. I think I'll stick to fashion.. and just watching the game.
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