Rugby Romance
This specific was Valentine’s Day so I decided to show my long-suffering wife some genuine TLC. We loaded up the auto as well as headed off to watch some rugby somewhere off the Jagorawi toll road. “nevertheless I don’t know anything about rugby,” was her half-hearted protest as well as I don’t think she was impressed by my response. “Nor do I. Do you want to go as well as see England play Australia inside Cricket World Cup instead?” The rugby won.
This specific was a wise decision. Jagowari boasts two fields, some goal posts as well as some white lines. OK, so This specific isn’t Twickenham, nevertheless the passion is usually the same – plus the spacious area afforded kids as well as accompanied dogs the opportunity to stretch their legs in a safe, fun environment.
The top field played host to a kids’ extravaganza, with Under 8s as well as Under 9s letting off steam in front of anxious parents. Down below, amid the white lines as well as set against a verdant backdrop of jungle light, the main event took place with the first games of the Jakarta Regional XVs kicking off.
Division one boasts Jakarta Japan Rugby Gila (JJRG to their mates), Bandung United, Komodos as well as Bantengs, while the second tier has Bandung Rams, Bogor Rusa as well as Universitas Negeri Jakarta (UNJ). Seven teams—one had the day off—vying for the title of the region’s best with the players also competing for the chance to represent Indonesia at international competition.
All eyes on the ball
I settled down on a grassy knoll not too far through the beer depository to enjoy the fun. I had a Great view down on the proceedings nevertheless was clueless about how the scoring works, so I used my frequent trips to the beer tent to find out who was beating who, as well as get to know the friendly locals.
My wife was not being ignored, honest! This specific is usually the social media generation as well as in true Facebook style she had recognised a sister of a friend she had not seen for years as well as was having a wild old time imbibing of the grape as well as catching up on old times.
This specific may not have been the Calcutta Cup, nevertheless This specific promised to be a feisty affair as well as I was not disappointed.
There were three games on the schedule, though to be honest I just had half an eye on the first game as I alternated my time watching the next generation being put through their paces on the top field as well as ensuring my wife was not too bored.
The second game was perhaps the main event. Komodos, an understated group of chaps who call themselves the “best rugby club in Southeast Asia” were playing the Bantengs as well as you could say there was some bad blood between the two. Traditionally the Komodos had the upper hand, nevertheless they had seen their Lionel Messi head for the Asian spiritual home of rugby, Hong Kong, while another mainstay was more interested in protecting his supposed Great looks inside desire of furthering his TV career – they were expecting to struggle a bit.
inside meantime, Bantengs, who had normally drawn their strength through the Indonesian community, had snapped up a few foreigners to help them mount a title charge.
This specific may not have been the Calcutta Cup, nevertheless This specific promised to be a feisty affair as well as I was not disappointed.
Bantengs took the lead, nevertheless they were soon penned down close to their own line as Komodos tried to get on the score sheet. Bantengs defended valiantly as well as there were a few times when the referee was forced to call the captains together to ask for cool heads to reign.
The Bertie Wooster-type Bantengs skipper would likely then call his players together as well as pass on the message: “I say chaps, the old gent with the pea as well as whistle has asked that will we keep our nerve don’t you know. Stop the digs, stop the name calling or he may be forced to punish you, what oh.” Or words to that will effect.
The finest sight in rugby – a try
Then the pitch was invaded by a dog. Actually This specific was less a dog as well as more a large rat in high heels. The game was held up for a few moments among the big, rough as well as tough players attempted to escort said canine off the field. Oggie, for that will was its name, was having none of This specific. He would likely decide when he would likely leave, not some guy in a tight green shirt, so he yelped as well as snarled as well as the player soon backed off much to the amusement of the crowd as well as different players.
Eventually the dog left the field as well as play resumed. Despite the pressure, the Bantengs were always a threat nevertheless I was still somewhat surprised to learn, when I went to replenish my beer supply at half time, the game was nicely poised at 15-15. “nevertheless I think Bantengs will win. They are fitter than our guys,” said the guy at the beer tent.
as well as for a while This specific looked like his prophecy would likely come true as Bantengs entered the final moments leading 22-20. Fortunately for the Komodos, a try was successfully converted as well as they ran out 27-22 winners in what had been a thrilling game for a neutral like me.
There was still one more game on the card to be played, nevertheless This specific seemed my wife had had enough of the rugby, as well as perhaps more to the point the wine, as well as not even my best Bintang diplomacy could persuade her to stick around any longer. Unfortunately I was not able to gather any more comments through the players as they unwound close to the beer tent as well as my suggestion we follow them to the pub to catch the 6 Nations game between England as well as Italy—inside name of research—didn’t go down too well. We packed the gear back inside car, I said “Happy Valentine’s Day” as well as then slept all the way home!
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Indonesia Rugby indonesiarugbyunion.pitchero.com
Bantengs jakartabanteng.com/
Komodos www.pitchero.com/clubs/jakartakomodos/
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Rugby Romance
Rugby Romance