South Wales came to New South Wales on Monday night as Australian Bluebirds Down Under gathered in Sydney to talk football, reminisce and generally enjoy being Blue. More than 30 diehard City fans made the trip, some from as far away as Adelaide, to enjoy the evening. All ages, all types, they did City proud. Backpackers, one of whom had only arrived in Sydney that day, Aussie residents who had been away for many, many years, and even a most charming Japanese lady (Yoko) who can’t get enough of the City, (or so her boyfriend proudly announced.)
The evening was hosted by Richard Jeffery, (SydneyBlue) with quiz compere Jim Welsh. Quiz winner was Spike Robinson and his team, and Aus$150 was raised for the Welsh Cancer Society as a mark of respect for the late Phil Suarez.
The evening started with a video describing the history of Cardiff City Football Club, We then saw the FA Cup Tranmere replay and then, after the quiz, the highlight of the evening, Wales v Italy. The national anthem was sung loud and proud and all eyes were glued to the large screen. Coverage of City and Wales games in Australia are non-existent, so for many this was the first time they had seen a City game for months or even years. The evening wrapped up at about 11pm with the promise that we would make it all happen again in January 2003 and beyond. We left a huge South Wales influence on the place; it hasn’t stopped raining since.
We would like to record our thanks to Brett the Publican of the Bayview Hotel for his hospitality, and to Matthew Bentley up in Woy Woy, John Newman in Blacktown, Ian Golden in Wales for the video and Jools Roderick down in Melbourne, who all donated videos. Also thanks go to The Warehouse for providing the video and electronic equipment, and to Jims work for printing the quiz answer sheets. (You did tell them didn’t you Jim?).
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