And all aboard are hoping this trip north to Christchurch on Saturday will mirror the previous trip to the Garden City just over a month ago — a win for the boys in blue and gold and a trophy.
Eastern Rugby Football Club member Nick Terry said the club playing in the Dunedin competition meant there was a lot of travel involved. At least every second weekend it first had to find a bus and then the money to pay for it. Journeys took longer than envisaged and an alternative was looked at.
"So eight of us got together and decided to look for a bus. It didn’t take long. We found one — it had had its seats taken out, but we put them back in and it works a treat. We are a couple of seats short, but that leaves spots for the chilly bin," he said.
The 30-seater Mitsubishi Puso was bought for $9000. There are four in the buyers’ group with a passenger driver’s licence to drive the bus.
They have driven to club games this season and a full bus went to Christchurch last month when Otago won the Ranfurly Shield.
After Otago beat Bay of Plenty in a semifinal last Friday night followed by Canterbury beating Hawke’s Bay on Saturday night, the trip north was set.
Mr Terry got on the phone, orders were made and tickets were bought for the final.
"We have got someone who can drive for us and everyone has come on board. The hotel is booked and we are all set. I think we are in with more than a good chance."
Otago Rugby Football Union chief executive Richard Kinley said there was plenty of excitement about the game.
"Otago Rugby has been receiving a high level of inquiry from Otago fans who are planning to travel up and support the team. I would encourage anyone planning to go, to buy their tickets as soon as possible and let’s fill the stands with blue and gold!"
