Women's World Cup 2006

Women's Rugby World Cup 2006

Every 4 years in the rugby world, something magical happens. No, it's not Ren getting a date. The best players in the world come together for a contest of skill, will, and grace. To our good fortune, the World Cup was held relatively close to home, so a troupe of us headed up to Edmonton to watch rugby as it should be played. Elaine, Susan, Potter, Sarah, Ren, Kristl, Jody, Lisa, and Eric all made the journey.

The weather was unfortunately bleak, but that didn't stop our intrepid explorers from venturing about. The huge-ass mall there has such attractions as live seals. Old Strathcona is a neighborhood after our own hearts, with a bar about every 20 feet. We stayed at the Travelodge South, which was kind of a crappy hotel, but it was cheap. There was another rugby team staying there as well, the Black Sheep from Port Alberni. At some drunken point during Thursday evening, Eric managed to arrange a game between their women and us.

So bright and early Saturday(OK, it really wasn't bright, it was rainy and dark) we headed out to a pitch in Leduc. Talk about freezing. There was a nice clubhouse that we broke into, and then we set up to play some 7's. Those Port Alberni women are nasty, even though they're half our age. 14 minutes of rugby got us more beat up than the 45 we played the weekend before. Freezing, we headed back to the hotel to warm up and then head to Ellerslie Rugby Park for the semis. They love their rugby up in Canada, and Ellerslie is a large complex with a clubhouse and 2 beautiful pitches. Kazakhstan beat the living shit out of South Africa. Then Samoa took on Spain. Local UVSC girl Lani was a reserve for Samoa, but didn't see any playing time. Spain defeated Samoa in a close match. It was brutal, with a lot of punches being thrown, and the Spanish flyhalf broke her collarbone in a tackle. The last match of the day was Ireland V Australia. The Aussies pulled it out, though we were rooting ourselves hoarse for the Green. In between matches we hit up the clubhouse and drank a ton of beer. Eric also thought it was a good idea to pound wine, and he passed out in the cab on the way back to the hotel. Saturday night found the girls out in Strathcona again, drinking it up at the Elephant & Castle on White Ave.

Since this was a special occasion, Sunday was also a rugby day. The finals were held at Commonwealth Stadium in downtown Edmonton. It's a huge arena normally used for football. We were in awe of the sheer size and got tingly in funny places imagining playing rugby on such a pitch. We had all shelled out for the VIP tickets, which set us back $125. We thought that was expensive, but worth it. Turns out it was a bargain and a half. First we had reserved seats on the 50-meter line. Then we had access to the Eskimo Room, the hoity-toity skybox area. Best of all, we found that the liquor and food were free all day. I think we came out ahead in that deal, because we drank the bar mostly dry. First match of the day was USA V Scotland. And we pounded 'em! Some of us went down to the field for that match, to cheer with some NYC women and players from all parts. The rest stayed warm in the skybox. Next match was Canada V France. We didn't find this game particularly good. Both teams suffered from handling problems, and Canada was sluggish and timid. They lost. The final was New Zealand V England. What a pretty game to watch. We couldn't help but notice that we were the only people cheering in the skybox. When we were being quiet (which was infrequently), the place was as lively as a graveyard. But the wait staff loved us. They took such good care of us all day, feeding us booze and gourmet food. We love them! New Zealand took a record 3rd straight World Cup title. Cheers to the Silver Ferns. Post game the English and Irish teams were drinking at a pub called the Lion's Head right across the street from our hotel. After a vote was taken, it has been determined scientifically that the Irish have the best looking women around. The party lasted late into the night.

Monday we disbanded and traveled. All in all, an incredible experience. If you missed it, shame on you!

Our Rating:

Actually, we'll make it 5 1/2. I shorted it a half can because it was light on the debauchery, but otherwise a lifetime experience.

Pardon Me?

"Apparently belching doesn't help your harmony."
"Look! I'm a hooker!"
"I got run over by my menstrual cycle."
"Je suis desote mais mon equipe est dis que j'ais hesoin d'une photo avecture homme Francais."
"Canadian Tire? It's like Wal-Mart for lesbians"
"I'm gonna miss you when you're in jail."
"I'm straight for Johnny Wilkinson."
"From now on, you're gay until proven straight."
"Nobody in this bar will fuck me." "Did you ask everyone?" "Yes!"
"Can I have my change in beer?"