Thursday, October 2, 2008
Zimmer frame sport
So back to Edinburgh and I find that the City is embracing the World Golden Oldies rugby festival. This is an event close to my heart, as my club, Twickenham, were one of the hosts when the event visited England in 1989. The Edinburgh event is the first time since then it has been back to the UK mainland.
Gullivers Travels continue to be the travel agent of choice so it was good to meet the 'management' again. Gavin Hastings was the main celeb front man and it was good to see him kilted up on the initial parade.
The organisers had been quite smart with the opening ceremony as they used the stage and seating for the tattoo, and then marched the teams down the Royal Mile, behind a pipe band. As my project at work is Chicago based I thought this team particularly interesting, but there were also old favourites from Japan, The Fuwaku, from the States, The Washington Poltroons, Mystic River and The Jersey Jets, as well as the usual large contingent from Australasia. Teams were also there from Russia, Poland, Italy and the Pacific Isles, so a really good mix. I was unable to infiltrate the opening party, but judging by the state of guests in the hotel the next morning, it was a blast.
The rugby took place over three days, and the traditional dress code had been modified slightly. Up to 60 years old, black shorts are now worn, unless you do not want to be tackled, in which case red is the mode. Red are worn by all 60-64 year olds, 65-69 is gold and 70-84 is purple. Any older players are then presented with 'committee' shorts to wear. The Japanese have a number of players who have been awarded committee colours. Anybody not involved in tackling can run a maximum of 25 yards before releasing the ball or if fronted by a player with arms out stretched, must immediately pass.
its all good fun, referees occasionally score and with the biggest clubhouse in the world being erected at Murrayfield, the traditional social aspects have been maintained......now where did I put those special shorts of mine!
Labels: fuwaku, gullivers travels, murrayfield, shorts, washington poltroons, world golden oldies
¶ 4:37 PM
