Sunday 10 December – Illawarra 91 v Wildcats 99
Moana – Adelaide
As expected, noise from the PA system began blaring at 645am, asking competitors to begin the registration process. We couldn’t ignore the noise, getting out at 7am to go to the toilet and opting to not go back to bed. It was a beautiful morning, probably perfect conditions for the Australian and world qualifying triathlon event, so we went to check out what was going on.
Hundreds of Bikes were hanging in neat rows, waiting to be ridden, meanwhile competitors were marshalling towards the beach for the starting swim leg. The water was as flat as a proverbial pancake, though with the number of wet suits being worn, it was no doubt still cool.
We walked up the hill to see where the bike run was going and then returned to watch the first event begin, the juniors. One competitor didn’t make it 50m from shore, before being hauled into the rescue boat. Bet the parents were impressed with getting up early for that.
We returned to the van and had breakfast and a shower, before jumping in the car and heading to Foodland for a few required bits. Once we were back, we walked around the small Moana market. It was disappointing after checking out the Willunga one yesterday. Most of the wares were bric-a-brac and old junk. We did get one laugh though. Overhearing a customer enquire about bundled up lengths of rope, “ so what do you use it for?” Hmm
The walk around the market took less than 5min and we were back at the van for 10am, figuring we may as well head in to Adelaide early. We got as far as the second roundabout before realising we had left the basketball tickets home and had to return for them. Thank goodness I realised then and not in Adelaide. We then continued our journey on to the city.
Once in the centre, we found free on street parking and began our wander. We were in an area of streets we hadn’t explored before and there was some interesting street art around. We then hit King William Road and walked down to Adelaide Oval, where we passed the staging the Christmas Carols tonight.
We checked out the latest statue of a dead Aussie cricketer that was unveiled during last week’s test and another of a football player, that Paul was able to interact with, before heading over the pedestrian bridge with a segway tour group. Big smiles seem to be the uniform whenever you use one of these machines.
We then made our way towards the Lady Burra Brewhouse, where I intended to use the wifi, but shock horror the place was shut. We opted instead, to head back into Chinatown and have a dim sum lunch. We chose a different one from last weekend. It was very nice and had quick service and delicious morsels on offer. We left feeling satisfied and ready to walk back to the car.
It was early, only 1230pm, but we decided to drive the 5km to The Wheaty in the hope they would have wifi. We were planning on going there later for a beer launch anyway, just meant we would be there a while longer.
I was glad to find wifi was available, so I collected the iPad and set about uploading all of Paul’s reviews and photos, updating apps, adding some photos to Facebook and completing an update of the iPad. I was even able to log the GPS in and go through and complete 3 required updates. All the while I was keeping a check on the running score of the Wildcats and Illawarra. For once I didn’t mind that we had to spend hours in the pub.
Paul was happy talking to Jade, the brewer and receiving free drinks. I was even the bearer of one, a raspberry Saison. Paul then spent time reading up on the beers the Wheaty has produced and the various recipes. He was excited thinking about being able to replicate them when he returns home.
The Two Birds Brewing tap take over began at 3pm and Paul tried the collaboration brew “Twheaty Bird”. By 330pm, we were organising to leave, changing into our Wildcats tops, saying goodbye to Jade and the brewer from Two Birds and heading across town 10min to Titanium Arena.
We parked at the ground for $10 and then walked across the lawn to the forecourt. A father and his young daughter were beside us, her comment to us was “she has attitude”. I am not sure why she thought that of me, but it had us amused.
We entered the arena, walked the inside, before finally finding our seats opposite the NZ bench on the baseline. They were reasonable seats and became even better when no one came to sit in front, giving me a clear view.
The wildcats match finished shortly after we sat down, notching up another important road win and even better Cotton had a blinder and Cooke finally had a really big game. Yippee.
The Adelaide game started at 430pm and for once we were cheering for Adelaide. For the most part we were fairly happy. NZ got into early foul trouble and Adelaide capitalised. Their lead did see saw though, getting out to 14 at different times, but NZ were always able to reel them back in. It is the first game I have seen where 4 players from one team ended on 5 fouls and this certainly helped Adelaide.
With 2min to go, I was happily saying that the game was all sewn up and Perth would be on top, but then Adelaide wanted to throw it away and NZ were happy to take advantage. Thankfully Adelaide were able to hang on in the end for a 3 point win.
With the game all over, we returned to the car park trying to remember where our car was. It took us a bit, but we did find it eventually. We then joined the masses attempting to exit . I didn’t take too long clear out and we were on the road and heading home, making it back for 730pm.
We loaded the car straight on to the trailer and then tied it down. I came in to put soup through for dinner, meanwhile Paul got caught with chatty Kevin, who wanted to impart all his knowledge on where to stay.
The night slowly drew its curtain on the day. I finished the blog and then thought about heading to bed and reading happy to have an easy night ready for the start of our hike tomorrow.
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