Pizza,
Pasta, Prosecco ... gondola, gondola, gondola (three come along at once) -
did someone say Italy?
What
a weekend!!
It
was time for an exciting adventure for a European Champions Cup
clash, following the black, green and gold and I certainly wasn't
alone, as approximately 2000 other fans, coach load upon coach load,
converged on Treviso to support Northampton Saints and what a
spectacular sight it was - plus the German man in a Leicester Tigers
top – hmmm?
Hoards
of us took in the vistas of Venice and on the Grand Canal it was
evident that the #Saints Nation were out in force … and it was only
Friday!
Espresso,
Gelato, Treviso, Prosecco ... then match day!
Bus
after bus load of buoyant supporters caused chaos with the public
transport system and locals looked on agog at the vast numbers trying
to squeeze onto buses. The drivers hadn't seen anything like it.
And
so to the Stadio Monigo; How often do you see a ground with a metre
high hedge behind the dead ball area at each end? Nice touch!!
As
the beer began to flow, the Saints supporters swamped the stadium
with their flags, hats and some spectacular Venetian masks in Saints’
colours. The atmosphere was absolutely buzzing and everyone was
fine-tuned and in full voice.
The
game just rounded off Saturday beautifully. Northampton took off like
Ferraris and Treviso pootled along like Fiat Puntos and the Saints
completed their ‘Italian Job’ with an awesome 6 try bonus point
win; a 38-15 victory over their Latin counterparts.
 |
| Photos above taken by Claire Jones, RedHatPhoto.com |
And
as hordes of supporters celebrated on Luther Burrell’s birthday
bonanza weekend, it was all along to Ristorante Da Pino in central
Treviso, for more helpings of pizza, pasta and Prosecco … and some
smiling selfies to boot.
 |
| Photo of Luther scoring, taken by Claire Jones, RedHatPhoto.com |
As
the plane took off from Venice, I reflected on an incredible weekend.
One where I met old friends and new acquaintances and shared many
memorable experiences.
What
a weekend to remember; in the inimitable words of Michael Caine:-
‘We
blew the doors off!’
Thank
you Italy, the pleasure was all mine!
