The 20-strong crew had supported Otago at the Alexandra ground for 21 successive years and were "gutted" last season when the pitch was ruled sub-standard and Otago's matches moved to other venues. It was the first time in 30 years no top-level cricket games were played at Molyneux Park.
Fans were disappointed again on December 27 when the first elite match on the park in almost two years, between the Otago Volts and Canterbury Wizards, was abandoned because of heavy rain.
With the mercury rising to 30degC yesterday, fans made a beeline for the shade, relishing the chance to watch Otago against the Wellington Firebirds at "home" in Alexandra.
"It's good to get it back. The atmosphere is second to none and it is the best ground in the whole competition. This is country cricket at its best, " said Shane Bruce, of Alexandra.
Shane brought his son Connor (2) to his first Otago game at Molyneux, making three generations of the Bruce family present. Shane's father Brian is one of the stalwarts of "Brucies Crew" - a collection of family and friends who provide a bit of colour, and a "bit of banter" at the matches.
"I was here just after 8am to pitch the tent and make sure we got our usual spot. Everyone knows this is where we sit, but it pays to get in early just in case."
Brian was disappointed the match clashed with the rugby sevens in Queenstown, but said it was satisfying Alexandra had turned on a typical "cracker day" for the game.
