Dirty Dog Extravaganza
In spite of a dodgy forecast, there was a solid showing at the Dirty Dog Extravaganza, the first event of the NSWWA's 2006/07 Neil Pryde Series at Birubi Beach. Tony Marsh made the epic drive from Queensland with a large well functioning tent, and with the addition of sponsors banners and a table we had our usual slick setup welcoming new and old members back for another year.
An initial flurry of wind early in the morning had led to hopes of an 11:30 am start to sailing, but it was not to be. Rather, we were forced to parade our new T-shirts and hooded sweat shirts around; deliberating whether 'beers before twelve' was really a good thing or not and bemoaning the disappointment of the absence of Oli 'the superman of Gold Coast wavesailing' Barta. A few keen folks rigged up, but only two made the walk into the water the whole weekend, with little success.
At 2:30 Saturday the day of 'standing about talking shite' was officially brought to an end. Most of us 'sailors' decamped to the Queensland boys rental property (thanks Port Stephens Complete) to watch the third Bledisloe Cup game between the
Wallabies and the All Blacks. Tension was high in the small lounge room area, especially for the kiwi supporters, numbering all of three (their ranks were bolstered by newcomer Oli, dropping in from his travels in northen Queensland).
The game itself was a tense affair, with the usual parochial Channel Seven commentary being drowned out by cries of 'forward pass, send him off!', whenever the All Blacks touched the ball, followed by 'flat pass, nuthin wrong with that!' as the Wallabies threw the ball around like it was a gridiron match, and bounced the ball like they were playing basketball to score tries. Down nine points at half-time, the All Blacks staged a great recovery to win and silence most of NSWWA. However, as Wazza said (while still vaguely coherent, and just before his mid-party nap), if the Wallabies were within ten points at the end it was considered a win. So, victory to the Wallabies! A good result for all.
We then moved downstairs for a fantastic BBQ with refreshments courtesy of Anna Bay Tavern. The two Liz's had made some great salad while Pat Johnson put in a sterling effort with the tongs, producing some marvellously tender steak and fine sausages.
After verification that every beer was indeed drunk and Wazza awakened from his slumber, it was time for the presentation. First pick of the prizes was a difficult choice but the standout was young Jesse Wales, who had early in the evening been observed doing a smooth courtship dance with young Jessie Johnson; wee innocent lass, she could not be expected to be immune to his wiles. Initially Mum (Deanne Johnson) had the jump on Jesse and was seen standing nearby holding a very large stick, however young passions soon took over, and after some clever manouvering the young couple were found to have disappeared from the BBQ scene altogether! This caused no end of consternation and threats of violence, and just as his name was being called out during the presso Jesse reappeared to rapturous applause. Well timed one might say!
Anna Bay tavern saw a few NSWWA diehards carry on the partying, with the odd one being pursued by a frisky local. Sunday saw an even less windy start to the day, and sadly the comp was called to an end at midday. Good fun was had by all, and we're looking to have a great time at our next event in Woolgoolga over the long weekend.
|
|
