Dunedin shines despite Warriors’ woes
I love being a Vodafone Warriors fan. We may not have won in Dunedin, going down to the Bulldogs, but I have met some wonderful people in the South, true supporters.
You do read some rubbish, much of it in the papers, but even more on social media, and it often leaves me wondering if the people who write it are actually fans, or just people who love to stick the boot into the team, and to league in general.
I did not bump into a single person who was quitting on the team after the loss. Sure they were disappointed we had been beaten, but they remained faithful to the team and committed to watching the team they love, win, lose or draw.
In fact I have been blown away by Dunedin. It is far from my first visit, but for some of my travel- ling companions it has been their first trip to the Edinburgh of the Pacific, and they have been mightily impressed.
My wife Janice just loves the architecture and the beauty of the city, while some friends from Waiheke, perhaps a bit unimpressed by all the hills, thought even that was a positive, saying they need the exercise.
What none of us can get over is the friendliness of the people, or the cleanliness of the town. Every bus stop is painted, there is no graffiti littering walls, people’s homes are well-kept. It’s a lovely place.
If you haven’t ventured to Dunedin, give it a go. Many of us are quick to jump on the old jumbo and head off overseas for our holidays and adventures, when our own country has a lot to offer.
The Dragons will be well fired up after their recent win, when the boys head to Sydney next week. Our next home game is at Mt Smart on April 2, so lock the date in.
Our opponents that day will be the Gold Coast Titans, so that is a chance to see former Warriors Konrad Hurrell back at Penrose.
I always enjoyed his company but I have to confess I hope I don’t get to see him smile too often.
So overall one win and two losses, so not the start to the year I had hoped for, but it is a long season and there is still plenty of water to go under the bridge.
Yes our performance against the Dogs was far from brilliant, but I’ll be there cheering the boys on come what may!
Go the Warriors.