Eden Park experience leaves rugby fan on Cloud Nine

Her favourite provincial rugby team failed to get the job done on the field, but reader Rachel Oldham-Ormiston still left Eden Park on cloud nine last weekend.

Oldham-Ormiston won the “Money Can’t Buy” rugby experience competition, for which the

teamed up with internet provider Slingshot and Auckland Rugby for a VIP experience at last Sunday’s Auckland/Counties Manukau Mitre 10 Cup clash.

The prize included match tickets for six, participation in the pre-match coin toss, access to the Auckland Rugby Members Lounge and a behind-the-scenes tour of Eden Park.

The prize also included attendance at the game’s official post-match function.

“I did the coin toss and had my photo taken with [Auckland captain] Simon Hickey,” Oldham-Ormiston said.

“It was great because Auckland won the coin toss, even though the game didn’t go their way.”

Oldham-Ormiston attended the game with her husband, Richard, their daughter, Hannah, pictured left with Auckland rugby captain Hickey.

Three friends also came along for the game.

“Despite the undesired result of 30-26 to Counties Manukau, the whole experience was really awesome,” she said.

“The younger girls loved waving their flags and giving the mascots high fives.

“We were able to see and touch the cup and the children were allowed on to the field after the match to meet the players, which was really cool,” she said.

“It’s wonderful to be able to do something like that with a group. We met lots of lovely people and it was a unique and special experience for all of us.”

The prize package wasn’t just restricted to a great day out at the rugby.

Oldham-Ormiston also won a year’s free broadband with Slingshot, valued at more than $1100.