Premier League Sports

Well it is a cold, wet weekend and I spent much of my time outdoors at sporting events. On Friday I went out to support the Leeds Rhinos (the local rugby league team) Hot tea in one hand meant I couldn't clap with the other fans around me, but I made up for it with my pathetic attempt at singing. (Mostly I hum along to the familiar tunes.....for example "Oh when the saints go marching in.....") If I could only understand what the chants and songs were saying..... I still struggle to hear past the Yorkshire drawl.

While the Rugby on Friday was fun, my main activity this weekend was the Football game on Saturday. I have been told on several occasions that England has some of the worlds best football teams, and Deborah (my Principal at school) her husband Alistair and their Daughter Eleanor deemed to take me to see my first "Premier" league football match. The premier league being the highest league in the UK, including teams like Manchester United and Liverpool. Unfortunately getting tickets to see any of the top 6 teams would be like winning the lottery....highly unlikely. Well, Alistair mangaged to get tickets to see Wigan (15th) and Tottenham(11th) Loaded with a map, treats and winter wear (it was really cold and windy) we set out to Wigan (west of Manchester) The map wasn't all that great, but it didn't matter as all we had to do was follow the reams of traffic heading into the city center....where else would people be going on a cold Saturday afternoon, if not to the football game!!!
The game started quickly with both teams scoring a goal within the first 10 minutes. Wigan played an amazing 2nd half and deserved to win, but they manged to hit the crossbar on an open net that cost them the win and gave them the tie. Maybe next time....
Every game I've been to, wether it was rugby or football, has one end of the stands designated as the oppostions seats. The opposition fills one congregated section so that they can raise their voices with power against the cheering of the home town fans. (also to protect them from being hurt if they were mixed in with the hometown fans) It is wild!!! Normally the opposition section jeers back and forth with the section of local fans that sits closest to them. (with a horde of police and security officers between them) It seems as if they aren't even watching the game, they are so busy singing and chanting back and forth at each other.

Thank you Deborah, Alistair and Eleanor for taking me with you. I had a great time!!