India v South Africa at the MCG: Ind - i - a Zin - da - bad!

I strangely neglected to bring a camera to what was an exceptionally colourful day at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) and my first cricket match since moving to this cricket-happy continent nine years ago. Nearly 87,000 people packed the MCG on a hot Sunday in February to see India take on South Africa in an early round of the 2015 Cricket World Cup. Both teams were evenly matched though the 'Saffers' were favoured to win. You couldn't have convinced the men, women and children who comprised at least 90% of the crowd that India wasn't destined to win on this day, however. India's diaspora did their nation proud waving flags, chanting slogans, banging dhols and cheering wildly at every Indian run, catch and bowl. I'm an American and therefore genetically wired to loathe cricket but it's a fascinating game to watch in person, especially in a stadium roaring with smart, sober and vociferous fans. The 8-hour 'one-dayer' was won by India 307-177 in a blowout.

Bahut acha.

Game summaries and statistical breakdowns of the match can't compare to the effectiveness of these two photos at revealing the day's events: Our favourite Saffer Hayley with Aradhna early in the afternoon ...

... and much later in the day. Sorry, Hales.

Mom visits the MCG.

Mom attended her first footy game at the MCG on Saturday night, but even her full-throated cheering for the Tigers couldn't effect their inevitable 2nd-half collapse against the Essendon Bombers. Still, it was a fun evening, as we were met by Craig and his lovely wife Megan, shown smiling above.
Unseasonably warm weather made it a perfect night for footy.
Sadly, Richmond's record fell to a woeful 1-8 after losing a lead in the 3rd quarter and eventually falling by 40 points.

Go the Tigers!

Big win for the Richmond Tigers F.C. yesterday at the MCG. Free tickets via Aradhna's work had me soaking up late winter sunshine, just about midfield, in the front row of the second level. Perfect spot to watch the underdog Tigers keep their finals hopes alive and, with a win, sing the Tigers beloved anthem:

We're from Tigerland
a fighting fury
We're from Tigerland
in any weather
You will see us with a grin
Risking head & shin
If we're behind, then never mind
We'll fight & fight & win
For we're from Tigerland
We never weaken til the final siren's gone
Like the Tigers of old
we're strong & we're bold
For we're from Tiger (Yellow & Black!)
we're from Tigerland

Tigers tamed.

Had the privilege of attending the footy yesterday with Liz, Craig, his wife Megan and nearly 74,000 others on a cool, cloudy afternoon at the MCG. Richmond lost 118-88 to Carlton in a game that celebrated Richmond's centenary as a VFL/AFL franchise.
The MCG, shown above left, is perfectly situated outside Melbourne's CBD and is served by a bevy of rail lines. It's a 10-minute ride for me from Balaclava.
Just outside the MCG.
'Yellow & Black' legends were honored prior to the game.
Sadly, even with front row seats, none of us Tigers fans were smiling by game's end.

Winter morning.

Fog blankets the MCG and outer Melbourne as winter begins.

Dreamtime in Tigerland.

Attended the 4th annual Dreamtime at the 'G last night. Translation: Along with over 60,000 scarf-necked footy fans, I watched the Tigers of Richmond defeat the Bombers of Essendon at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) in a game that 'recognises the significant role the Indigenous community has played in shaping Australian Football'.
Pre-game ceremony celebrated 40,000-year Aboriginal culture.
A man holds up the Indigenous Australian flag.
Aradhna shows off her new Tigers scarf beside Liz, her brother Chris (bedecked in Red Sox attire!) and Craig.
Second row seats provided a grass-level view of the massive oval.
A Bomber boots one.
A pair of friends from opposite sides of the fence.
Tigers hero Matthew 'Rich-O' Richardson.
Jack Riewoldt lines up a kick ...
... and off it goes.
Tigers' faithful celebrate at game's end with several renditions of their 'Tigerland' club song.