Ulog #3 "A Special Game of Footy!"

"A Special Game of Footy!"

Yesterday I got to witness a very special game of Footy. (Rugby League for the uninitiated) It was special for two reasons.

1. My grandson Cody was playing.

1. The ground they played on was blessed by an aboriginal leader because the land had once belonged to indigenous Aboriginals and they had dedicated it to Sport.

This is my handsome grandson receiving his instructions from the coach before play began. But let me tell you what transpired before this.

My husband and I travelled from Redcliffe to Bardon on a very warm, sunny day; much warmer than what was expected for the middle of winter here in Queensland. It took us roughly an hour to get there. We parked the car and headed for the spectators area to find the best vantage points for the game.

A temporary Jumping Castle had been provided to keep the younger family members occupied.

Spectators were grabbing cold drinks and snacks prior to the start of the game.

The two Teams line up for photos.

The aboriginal welcome party prepares to greet everyone and make a speech.

The microphone is handed to the leader and he speaks with pride and passion. It was a very moving speech as he spoke about the progress that has been made in recent years between the aboriginals and the government in the area of reconciliation. He emphasized the importance of sportsmanship and told both teams to enjoy the game.

The speaker then placed his microphone on the ground in front of his nephew who then played the digeridoo. He took a deep breath and began to play.

The deep throaty sound of the digeridoo reverberated around the footy field and everyone paused to listen.

And then it was time for the two Teams to get serious. They gathered into their perspective huddles for the coach to give some last minute instructions and prepare them for what would prove to be a very hard fought battle. Our Redcliffe boys had no idea just how strenuous this game would turn out to be.

I had to admire the attire of the opposition with the bold and colourful aboriginal patterns. Pre game tension and anticipation was palpable.

This is Cody's Game face! He means business! Look out opposition team!

Well, all my bravado and strong wishes for a resounding win for the Redcliffe Dolphins weren't enough to make that happen. Our boys were beaten. Towards the end of the second half the score was 40 - nil...……. to the opposition. The heat was taking a toll on both teams but Redcliffe fought on bravely. Then they got their first try. Cody missed the conversion but it was right from the side line and virtually impossible to convert...….but remember, I am his very biased grandmother and if I say it was virtually impossible to score from there then then I am being reasonably realistic by adding the word, 'virtually' into the sentence .

Not long after that Cody does some tricky footwork close to the oppositions try line, does a superb grubber kick, runs forward, picks the ball up and flies though the middle of the goal posts for the best try of the day...….but remember I am his grandmother and a very biased one at that. (lol)

But I haven't finished this account of my sublime and beautiful Sunday. Cody lines up for the conversion. I can see the look of concentration on his face from the side line but I don't have time to admire him. He's about to kick for goal. I attempt to hold my camera steady and time my shots with his shot. And he doesn't disappoint. What a Goal! You should have seen it. It was truly awesome...…..and this time my observations were completely un-biased because everyone (well nearly everyone) stood to their feet and congratulated him in a loud and rousing manner .

The score was...…..actually why even mention the score because that's not what sport is all about is it? It's about enjoying the game, acknowledging the winners with due praise and consideration and telling everyone that your grandson is the best footy player in the world.

How did we celebrate a great game and the star of the day? With a delicious gelato ice cream on the way home. The most challenging part of our thoroughly enjoyable Sunday was, "which flavoured gelato should we choose?"

We sorted the problem out between the two of us as John and I decided to share 3 different flavours. Chocolate sorbet accompanied by mango and coconut sorbet complete with Baileys gelato ice cream. How. Utterly. Sublime!!!!!!

(I am entering this post also for the #beautifulsunday challenge, hosted by @ace108 and the #sublimesunday which is hosted by @c0ff33a)

THANK YOU FOR VIEWING. HAVE A GREAT DAY.