Staunch supporters preparing for trip

Steve (left) and Chris Rawson practise their cheering and horn-blowing in preparation for North...
Steve (left) and Chris Rawson practise their cheering and horn-blowing in preparation for North Otago's Ranfurly Shield challenge on Friday. Photo by Sally Rae.
When a busload of North Otago rugby supporters rolls out of Oamaru on Friday, Chris Rawson will be happily ensconced in the back seat.

That, according to Mr Rawson, is the privilege afforded to him as one of the founding members of the present North Otago Rugby Supporters Club - "and because he [the driver] always picks me up first".

The bus will be heading to Invercargill for North Otago's challenge for the Ranfurly Shield against Southland on Friday night.

A seat is being kept vacant for the return trip on Saturday - for the shield.

Asked what was special about a shield challenge, Mr Rawson said: "The shield's the shield, mate. It's still the Log O' Wood. It's what top rugby players aspire for."

Seats were still available for the bus trip which will leave Oamaru at 9am and includes return bus transfers, match ticket, accommodation at the Kelvin Hotel, a meal with Southland Stag supporters and a cooked breakfast.

Trip organiser Ralph Davies, of Bottom Bus, said it was hoped to stop in Balclutha for lunch on the way south and the South Otago community was invited to join the North Otago travellers at the Town and Country Club.

"We need all the support we can get and trust the rural community of South Otago will wish us well as we head in to enemy territory," Mr Davies said.

Mr Rawson expected there would be "a bit of fun" on the bus - "a few games, a few raffles. We'll have a few lemonades".

Asked his prediction for the game, he said he would have to go for North Otago, although it would be a big call, "but the boys have been training pretty good, so we've been told".

His brother, Steve, who is president of the North Otago Rugby Supporters Club, said he would be happy if North Otago could hold Southland to a difference of 50 points.

There was always a chance of an upset, depending on what both the referee and the ball did, and club members always gave the referee "a helping hand".

The brothers expected at least 100 people to travel from North Otago to Invercargill for the game.

Many, including Steve Rawson, will be travelling independently.

Supporters club members planned to be at the ground in plenty of time to set up in their usual spot on the embankment - "all the girly ones go to the grandstand", Chris Rawson said - armed with their banners and horns.

"It'll be huge, eh," he said with a big grin.

 

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