Land of hope and glory?

The scene, once again, was The Star casino. The event this time: England v Wales, 6 Nations rugby, with England poised for the grand slam for the first time in a decade.

Problem – time difference. Solution – 24/7 Sports Bar.

3.30am Sunday morning I hauled my English tush out of bed, dressed in red and white, picked up my St George’s cross and headed to what is becoming a bit of a sporting Mecca for me.

Alongside me was Ms Flattie. No clearer dedication to friendship illustrated than when an Aussie of Polish heritage gets up at some ungodly hour at the weekend to support her Pommie housemate’s team with her!

With a breakfast of nachos grande and coke in hand and wrapped up against the chilly air conditioning in my flag, we proceeded to watch England take an almighty beating by the Welsh.

Important sustenance on a Sunday morning.

And of course, just to rub salt in the wound, we English supporters were outnumbered by about 10 to 1 (where have all these Welsh people been hiding in Sydney?!) As I was heckled with gusto by our daffodil loving friends and our hopes of victory and a celebratory English gin were crushed, I only pulled my flag tighter around me and thought as I have so many times watching my country play ‘hard luck lads, next time it’ll be ours…’ Ever the optimist.

Points of note from this event: 1. An Aussie ref can be a thorn in my side despite immaculate facial hair. 2. Ms Flattie loses it whenever anyone speaks with a Welsh accent regardless of whether they are saying anything funny or not. 3. English sport can make my fellow compatriots swear like troopers (c-bombs galore from the guy sitting next to me – bit much at that time on a Sunday). 4. I’m a bit of a crazy patriot, but that just adds to my charm.

Red and white are totally my colour…