''It's still a little bit surreal.''
Barnes and about 24 of his fellow Strath Taieri club members were lucky enough to be in Hamilton on Friday night to watch Otago break a 56-year Ranfurly Shield hoodoo.
Prominent in a mix of Strath Taieri jerseys and blue-and-gold overalls, they had seats on halfway, created plenty of noise and made sure they were seen when the television cameras passed.
Barnes was snapped after the game interacting with players, and did not mind admitting yesterday his eyes were just a little bit moist.
''I think I was getting pretty close to crying, yeah.''
The Strath Taieri life member said the only thing better than watching the game unfold was catching up with the Otago team later that night.
''I managed to get my hands on the shield. That was pretty special.''
Barry Williams, the long-serving Strath Taieri stalwart and former Otago union board member, said the club made plans for the trip about three months ago.
''It was always going to be a good trip but winning the shield was the icing on the cake,'' Williams said.
''I was actually quite confident. But the last 10 minutes took ages because a draw was no good for us.
''The boys played out of their skins. I've been to a few challenges. You wish and hope and dream that it will happen one day.''
The only minor annoyance on a great night for Otago rugby was the constant ringing of the cowbells, Williams said.
''They drive you nuts.''
The Strath Taieri fans were delighted to see Middlemarch-raised Charlie O'Connell come off the bench for Otago in the final quarter.
Williams said the group would be rushing to get tickets for the first shield defence, against Hawkes Bay on Sunday.
''It would be poor if you could go all the way to Hamilton and then not go to a game on your back door.''
The shield win came just two weeks after Strath Taieri celebrated its 15-14 win over West Taieri in the senior club final.
