Exeter Chiefs
It's a funny old world isn't it?
Amlin
By Chief RedWine
November 13 2011
Chief RedWine looks back at what sounds like a very good trip to France...
The Prepignan Experience
by Chief RedWine
It’s a funny old world isn’t it? Moorsman asked for some impressions of the Perpignan game and I realised that I couldn’t actually remember much of the match itself. We kicked loads of penalties as did they, unfortunately they kicked more than us, so we were downhearted, but only a little. Consequently this is not about the match but about some the stuff that went on around it . . .
Thursday: 6:50 Exeter St Davids, Paddington, St Pancras, Eurostar to Paris, TGV to Perpignan. Managed to start and finish the latest Terry Pratchett “Snuff” which is one of his best.
So 500 miles or so with no problems. However, coming out of Perpignan station I got lost. Retreated to the station and decided to grab a taxi. He laughed and said it was just a walk. And it was. If you went in the right direction.
Hotel found, off for a short walk. Got lost. An hour later I managed to find the hotel again. Grub with Wild Tooth, LoadofFeathers and Tony, bed. Friday: met up with Zymurgy, Oggyman, Fred, Janet and Bob and safe in the knowledge I wouldn’t get lost with this lot, did another tour of the town to find the Armistice Day ceremony. Lovely town Perpignan, typical French mixture of the old and new with one particular red excrescence illustrating their insouciant approach to planning laws. The ceremony itself was moving as always.
Then to the USAP Supporters Club. This was tucked down a semi-residential street and consisted of, well, a lock-up is the best way to describe it. But what a welcome. Barrels of cheap beer, nibbles then various cheeses, meats and batons. Loads of rugby memorabilia from previous visitors, a particular highlight being the Stade Francais flag in the loo. A wineskin did the rounds of course. My years of misspent youth served me well and not a drop was spilled.
Bailed out for an hour but then returned with the Oggyaman/Zymurgy drumming and made a stunning entrance to much applause. Local press took pics. I reckon on and off through the afternoon about 70-80 Chiefs’ supporters visited. Some went away with valuable prizes, the toy donkey being particularly envied. Lots of swapping going on and Fred looked very fetching in his USAP red beret.
To the match. This was the first time I’ve ever sat with The Barking Mad Massive. It won’t be the last. The chants and songs were continuous (with due respect to kicks). A particular favourite was the Tribe’s rendition of “Allez Les Bleues” - guess what colour the guys were playing in? I think we got a round of applause for that one although my critical faculties were starting to close down by now.
End of the match, yes disappointing, but to get within three points of the Heineken Cup semi-finalists is a pretty good effort. Managed to have a chat with a couple of players and they were of the same opinion. Although they accused me of being slightly squiffy, no idea how they got that impression.
More drink outside the ground with other Chiefs travellers, then back to the Supporters Club where we had <cough> some more beer. Finally, back to the hotel. Although we got lost.
Early start next morning, with a stupendous hangover, reversing the trains journeys Started and finished “One Day” which I loved. Flopped into home just in time for X-Factor, Deep joy. Think I preferred the hangover.
Overall? A superb trip. French trains etes le ballons de chiens. Will definitely do another Amlin trip next season. Or could it be a Heineken . . . ?
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13/11/2011 22:17
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Lovely review, can feel the atmosphere thru the screen - fantastic that you guys were so well looked after
Was good to have you along with the Tribe although I have had to censor the photos I took before showing them to my family due to your penchant for a particular hand signal
See you at the Park on Saturday
Come on you Chiefs!!
Quote:Zymurgy
Was good to have you along with the Tribe although I have had to censor the photos I took before showing them to my family due to your penchant for a particular hand signal
Think you misunderstood me, I was just asking for the one beer
Anyone see it?
Quote:Telegraph
With such tackles now under the microscope, Perpignan’s French international centre, David Marty, will also be in the dock on Thursday after being cited for his take on Exeter wing Gonzalo Camacho during their Amlin Cup game on Friday night.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2011:11:14:23:42:07 by fatheralice.
Under the IRB Recommended Sanctions for Offences Committed within the Playing Enclosure, Law 10.4 (j) carries the following penalties: Low End: 3 weeks; Mid Range: 6 weeks; Top End: 10+ to 52 weeks."
We did the sightseeing in a differnt order on map from hotel but kept bumping into Chiefs all over town!
Spookily we too got lost a few times, and also went to drive up canigou , because Goolge said there was a road, but it failed to mention it was 22kmm , for a 4x4 and then an 8 hour hike!! mm Mrs Seaside and me decided we were illequipped in the end.
Great trip and Perpignan guys are tops! Thank you to whoever organised the bash in suporters club.
