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Kangaroos Tour 2003Tour Diary by AST Tour Member Shane Lee
Friday 7 November
With the flight out of the way all tour members checked into the Manchester Crowne Plaza, one of the most historic hotels in Manchester. The hotel was impressive from the minute everyone walked into the extravagant reception with incredible high ceilings, extensive lace work and grandeur.
Many tour members were far too excited to be going to bed for a rest and instead mingled with other tour members in the hotel lounge. Over a few drinks everyone began introducing themselves, with many going on for dinner together at the aptly named "Slug and Lettuce" hotel around the corner from the hotel.
The majority of tour members were all tucked up in bed quite early, and rightly so after such a long flight from Australia. The excitement for everyone was evident with the Kangaroo tour finally under way.
Saturday 8 November
After a good nights sleep the group came together for an introductory meeting with Jamie, Duncan, Mal and Paul "Chief" Harragon. The meeting covered what can be expected in the following couple of weeks and provided everyone with a good opportunity to have any questions they may have had answered.
The majority of tour members joined the optional tour to the Peak District, which proved to be a very enjoyable excursion. The tour stopped at a small village for lunch and to see Australia play out the quarter final of the Rugby World Cup before returning to Manchester.
As the afternoon progressed so did the excitement in regards to the first Test that was scheduled for a 6.15pm kick off. The coach trip was full of expectation as we headed to Wigan. It was quite surprising to see the Kangaroo's following our coach into the ground with a police escort, only 90 minutes before kick off. The team looked relaxed on their coach as they waved to our group who were holding up Aussie flags, rugby jumpers, and mascots.
Our seats were well positioned, in what was an impressive and newly built stadium. The weather was quite mild with no rain or wind to be seen providing perfect playing conditions. The game was a beauty with action from the first minute with Adrian Morley almost taking off Robbie Kearns' head inside the first minute. The game was a seesawing battle from start to finish with the kangaroos getting up 22 - 18.
With the game over and a Kangaroo win on the board we headed back to our hotel for a few drinks and celebrations. Some tour members kicked on late into the night at the Walkabout Bar, a few minutes walk from the hotel. For many a lifelong ambition had been satisfied, to see the Kangaroo's take on Great Britain on their home soil. Big Mal was the star of the show in the Walkabout hotel, signing many autographs and having his photo taking with many an excited Aussie fan.
Sunday 9 November
A few bleary eyes could be seen at breakfast as some tried to clear the fog in their heads from the excesses of the night before.
The group transferred to Liverpool mid morning with a stop in the fascinating town of Chester for lunch. Chester has a long history with Roman ruins scattered on the outskirts of the city, and is also home to some of the most impressive collection of Tudor style buildings in England. After a bite to eat and a bit of a wander, it was back on the road for the short trip to Liverpool.
Arriving in Liverpool, many group members gathered in the hotel bar with Mal and Chief, and enjoyed a few drinks and games of pool. Some others went for a wander around the city and down to Albert Dock, which was located a short walk from the hotel.
One lucky tour member, Timo Salo, was fortunate enough to have tickets to Liverpool v Manchester United, at Anfield Stadium, and reported back to the group that it was one of the most incredible experiences of his life.
By the end of day three, the group was already coming together very well, with everyone mixing well and looking out for one another - always a good sign and an indication that we were in for a good tour.
Monday 10 November
For soccer or Beatles fans, Liverpool is a mecca. Soccer fans were treated to a stadium tour of Anfield, the home ground of Liverpool in the morning, and for those who wanted to attend a Premier League soccer match, tickets to Blackburn Rovers v Everton in the evening.
The Blackburn v Everton game was a highlight for many, especially as after the game the group had the chance to meet two of the Socceroos who play for Blackburn, Brett Emerton and Lucas Neill. Both Brett and Lucas had played that evening in the 2-1 win over Everton and were happy of the support of our group. Both players took time to sign autographs, have their photos taken with group members and generally have a chat before going into their changerooms to have a shower after the game. Everyone commented on how fantastic it was to meet the boys and how generous they were with their time.
Beatles fans were also spoilt with a tour of the Beatles sights including the Cavern Club. Many a Beatle song was either being hummed or sang for a few days following our visit to Liverpool.
Tuesday 11 November
Today's destination was Edinburgh. The coach departed Liverpool and travelled up through one of the most picturesque parts of England - The Lakes District. Stopping at Windermere for lunch, the group had the chance to have a wander and grab a bite to eat before getting back on the road for the journey further north.
The scenery throughout the Lakes District was incredible with surprises around every corner. The Lakes District is well renowned obviously for its extensive range of lakes and also for its historic homes and very English countryside.
The coach rolled into Edinburgh in the late afternoon giving everyone the opportunity to check into their rooms and head to the hotel bar for a drink. The long coach ride had whetted the appetite for many with the atmosphere in the bar being very upbeat. Following a few drinks a few hardy souls headed out on the town to sample the nightlife, with the Walkabout Bar around the corner being the closest and most likely destination. The group that went out to party did so until the early hours with a special mention to Midge for his efforts singing with the band and making himself well known to the crowd.
Wednesday 12 November
Waking in Edinburgh to a beautiful morning, the group had the chance to explore the city by themselves before the organised tours for the afternoon.
Being in Scotland we expected cold and wet weather, and were absolutely amazed to be able to walk around in t-shirts for part of the day. Edinburgh is a beautiful and historic city with a great deal to offer, and on a nice day there is no other place in the UK that you would want to be.
A highlight of the entire tour to date for many was the visit to Edinburgh Castle. Perched high looking over Princes Street, the castle is very impressive. The guided tour gave all tour members the chance to get an in depth understanding of the sheer history that abounds in Edinburgh.
With our hotel only a 20-minute walk from the Castle many took the opportunity for a leisurely stroll back to the hotel following the tour. One of the keenest explorers was Chief who spent the whole day (bar the tour of the Castle) pounding the pavements looking in every nook and cranny that the city would offer.
In the evening a ghost tour was planned. By this time the temperature had dropped considerably, due mainly to the crystal clear sky above. The ghost tour lead the group around some of the notorious sights around the streets of Edinburgh. The tour was more comedy than frightening, with everyone having quite a good laugh.
By the days end everyone was quite tired and looking forward to bed.
Thursday 13 November
There were two options for tour members today. Join the coach tour with guide to some of the Scottish Lochs, or alternatively spend the day exploring more of Edinburgh.
Approximately half of the group decided to join the coach tour that by all accounts was well received. The tour went firstly to Sterling then onto to Loch Lomand for lunch. We then went to one of the many distilleries in Scotland, Glengoyne. Many of the group sampled some of the fine whisky, before moving back onto the bus onto route to Glasgow and back to Edinburgh. Scotland has some magical scenery and the lochs definitely are in this category.
The group that stayed in Edinburgh, either relaxed close to the hotel, caught up on some washing, or hit the streets with camera once again in hand.
In the evening the hotel bar was once again the central meeting place. With happy hour from 5-7pm, it was very popular. Following a few drinks many tour members went to an all you can eat Chinese restaurant and tried to eat as much as they could. Mal Meninga was by far the winner, decimating the entire buffet.
Friday 14 November
Leaving Edinburgh was quite sad as the experience that everyone had in this incredible city was amazing. All of the talk as we headed back to Leeds for the next test was about the experiences that everyone had enjoyed.
It was decided to leave the hotel earlier than first planned to reach Leeds in time to attend the final Kangaroo training session prior to the second test.
We arrived in Leeds and immediately headed to the South Leeds Football Stadium where the boys were training. We arrived about 10 minutes into their 45 minute session and were able to witness how they went about their game preparation. Following the session all tour members had the chance to wander down and chat to the team, get autographs, and have photo's taken. This was an incredible experience for many as they had the first chance to get up close to their football heroes and offer their support for the second test.
As we left the training session, the smiles on everyone's face told the story. After all, this was what it was all about, the main reason people were here, to see the Kangaroo's and get a small peek behind the scenes. The team members were fantastic in their response to our supporter group and totally welcomed our support. After being away form home for six weeks it was good for them to be surrounded by familiar Aussie accents and well wishers.
Following the training session we transferred to our hotel, the Leeds Marriot, the same hotel as the Kangaroo's team was staying. Once bags were packed into rooms, many tour members headed for the bar and once again had the chance to chat with many of the players as they milled about the hotel.
In the evening we were treated to a fully inclusive function with two prominent guest speakers, Chris Anderson the coach of the Kangaroo's and David Gallop, the CEO of the ARL. Both spoke generously about their areas of interest and were well received by the group. It was great to get an insight into the depths of the game and this was one such opportunity.
The buffet dinner was delicious and the drinks flowed on well into the night in the hotel bar once the function was over. The group had really come together and enjoyed each others company and the function really cemented the relationships that the group were enjoying.
Saturday 15 November
Having breakfast in the morning with the Kangaroo team was a fantastic way to start the day. The players were quite relaxed ahead of their big clash and more than happy to pose for a photo or sign a team jersey.
Staying at the same hotel as the team was a fantastic way to get an insight into how they personally prepare for a game and to see the different personalities and characters that make up the side.
The anticipation of a big game in the evening was increased by the win by the Wallabies in the morning over New Zealand in the semi final of the rugby world cup. The majority of the tour group headed to the Walkabout Bar to watch the game on the big screens and to cheer the team on. After the win the group was ecstatic, with excitement overflowing for many. The group was well and truly revved up for the second test of the Kangaroo series.
The transfer to Hull was about an hour and a half. The coach had been decked out in Aussie colors with balloons and decorations far and wide thanks to Joy Reiher and Lara Wright. The transfer was a low-key affair with everyone in quiet anticipation of an Aussie win to wrap up the Ashes.
Hull Stadium was a newly built and impressive place to watch football. The weather was once again very kind with no rain and very still conditions. 15 or 16 tour members along with Mal went into the George Hotel some 250m from the Stadium. The Hotel was pack with Australian and GB supporters but as soon as big Mal stepped in the door the crowd parted to let the big fella and the tour members to the bar. The songs then broke out and the chanting of "Their's only one Mal Maninga". Some of the tour members believe tat this was the highlight of the tour, being in a pub in England before a Kangaroos Test Match standing next to Mal and with the crowd going nuts.
The game was a corker with the Kangaroo side running out winners 24 - 20 and retaining the Ashes. Following the game we headed back to the hotel and prepared for a big night of partying.
The hotel bar was the place of choice with many tour members kicking on well into the night. Some members went out to the Walkabout Bar and had a huge night before returning to the hotel to be greeted by many of the players who were also in serious party mode. Many of the players continued until daylight in the bar, having a drink and laugh with many of our tour group. Thick in the middle of things was our tour host and league legend, Mal Meninga, who showed that he could party with the best of them with a daylight finish.
The experiences on tour had been amazing to date although for many having a drink with the team following the win and securing the Ashes was a dream. Many spoke of the experience being quite surreal, especially as they had watched the Kangaroos play for tens of years and could not believe they were now part of history.
An impromptu sing-a-long by the Australian Coach Chris Anderson and the Team Manager Gerard Raper along with around 20 of the group was another great highlight.
Sunday 16 November
Hangovers all round as tour members woke from the excesses of the big win the night before.
Today's optional tour was to York, a short drive away. York is a fascinating town with an interesting history. The town exudes charm and is a must see for all tourists to the UK. Upon our arrival in York the group was met by a local tour guide who offered an interesting walking tour of the main points of the town. Following the tour there was a couple of free hours to explore individually, or sit in a pub for a feed and a few ales.
A small group of soccer fans that were on the tour had a once in a lifetime chance to attend an international friendly between England and Denmark at Old Trafford in the mid afternoon. Some tickets became available a couple of days prior and were quickly snapped up by thirteen of the tour members as well as Jamie and Chief.
The atmosphere at Old Trafford was one that had to be experienced to be believed. The England anthem of "God Save The Queen" was belted out with passion by the home crowd before the game, running a chill down everyone spine. The sell out crowd responded to a couple of early goals to England with excited celebrations only to be quietened by a reply from Denmark. When Denmark scored there was an eerie silence from 65,000 passionate pommy supporters. The game had it all with Denmark running out 3-2 victors. A highlight of the day being David Beckham playing approximately 60 minutes of the 90 minute game and young gun Wayne Rooney first goal.
It was amazing for many tour members who attended the England game that here they were on a league tour and yet one of their highlights (and surprises) was attending an England soccer game at Old Trafford. A great bonus!!
Monday 17 November
The group boarded the coach this morning with a sense of expectation as we travelled our way south to London. At 1.30pm the bus arrived at Oxford for a lunch break and to give everyone the chance to witness this famous university town. Oxford has a lot to offer and it was unfortunate that we did not have any more time to spare than an hour or so. It was also unfortunate that the rain was coming down for the first time outside not allowing for a great deal of sightseeing.
The teeming rain gave the group a taste of how poor the weather can be in the UK at this time of the year. As we pulled into the inner roads of London, you could sense the excitement that the group had. At 4.00pm the bus arrived at the Chelsea Village Hotel, which is attached to Stamford Bridge, home of Chelsea Football Club.
Again, the hotel bar was quite popular with the formality of checking into rooms out of the way. With two for the price of one on many of the drinks, it was not long before the place was rocking.
Everyone was quite excited at the prospect of a good few days in London, with the chance to see some of the famous landmarks that they had only read about or seen on TV.
Tuesday 18 November
To orientate everyone in London a half-day sightseeing tour with guide was organised for the morning. It has been said that you need a year to see all that London has to offer although we had a fair go at the major sights in about four hours.
At the end of the tour many decided to stay on before returning to the hotel. Many of the group continued sightseeing until the sun went down (which is about 4.00pm at this time of the year).
With sore feet from walking and fingers from taking photos, everyone congregated back in the hotel bar for happy hour before walking five minutes away to a noddle shop for dinner.
Wednesday 19 November
Two options were available today - travel to Cambridge for a day tour or spend more time exploring London.
Close to half of the group decided to get on board the coach for the 90-minute journey to the university town of Cambridge. A guided tour was organised for Cambridge. The town and university precincts proved to be very interesting with some fantastic stories being told by our tour guide.
The other half of the group either relaxed back at the hotel, caught up on washing, or ventured back into the heart of the city to explore and enjoy the atmosphere and sights of one of the world's most amazing cities.
Thursday 20 November
A free day was scheduled for this part of the tour to give everyone the chance to explore London at their own convenience. With George W Bush in town, it was expected that the city would be a no go area although on second inspection the crowds that were there to protest were quite peaceful and calm.
Many tour members wandered to attractions in London that were of particular interest with the "London Eye" being a particular drawcard. In the evening tour members either relaxed in the hotel bar, went for a meal close by or for some, attended the musical "We Will Rock You" in the West End.
Friday 21 November
Today was to be our last coach journey with the trip north to Leeds for the final game of the series.
En route a lunch stop was planned for Stratford upon Avon. Stratford is a beautiful little town and perfect for a lunch stop and wander. One of the pubs in town is hundreds of years old and was a popular place to visit. Another important landmark was Shakespeare's house, located right in the middle of town.
After lunch we headed to our final destination - Leeds. Arriving at the Leeds Marriott it felt as though we were arriving home, having been very familiar with the hotel from the weekend before.
At 7.00 pm a final function was planned with a buffet dinner, drinks and some guest speakers. Firstly we were spoken to by some of the media following the tour including Dean Richie. Danny Buderus and Scott Simpson who were to play in the final game on Saturday night, made themselves available for a period to give their views on how the series has gone thus far and answer questions from the floor.
Once the players had spoken and departed all tour members were given the chance to get up and recount their experiences on tour. Some funny tales were told and many laughs had by all.
The group presented inscribed pens to the tour leaders, Jamie and Duncan, and tour hosts Chief and Mal in appreciation of their efforts.
A great night was had by all, a perfect evening to formally give thanks to everyone involved in making the tour such a wonderful experience.
Saturday 22 November
A huge day was planned with the Rugby World Cup final to be played in the morning back in Australia with the Wallabies taking on the Poms.
The majority of the tour group congregated in the hotel where a large screen had been set up to cater for the in house guests who were mainly Australian. Kangaroo players sat with many tour members as they watched the game unfold. The mood was soured a little when England ran out winners in extra time although within 10 minutes of the game end all attention was directed towards the final Kangaroo test in Huddersfield this evening.
It was a strange feeling throughout the day knowing that the tour was almost over. We had covered so much territory and done so much in the past weeks that it seemed incredible that it was all coming to an end and we had to go home.
Mid afternoon we made our way to Huddersfield for the final game of the series. Our seats were perfect, right on the half way line about 15 rows up. Once again the game was a sell out with not a spare seat in the house.
The England team came out strong and were looking like running out winners until the Kangaroos clasped a last minute try to turn the tables and complete a clean sweep of the series winning the Test 18 -12.
Back in the hotel bar the mood was mixed with the sorrow of the end of the tour and the elation of the win. Within an hour of arriving back at the hotel the Kangaroo team arrived with many heading straight for the bar with the winning trophy. Tour members partied well into the night, with some going straight through the night and onto the coach for their transfer to the airport for the flight home.
Sunday 23 November
A sad day for all as the tour came to an end. All tour members were transferred to Manchester Airport for their domestic flights to London before heading home.
The finish of a tour is always quite sad and this was no different, as the tour group had really come together and bonded quite close.
Many tour members swapped addresses and made plans to catch up "back home". New friendships had been made and experiences shared, making the tour memorable for everyone in many ways. |
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