Docklands Delight and a Kilted Finale
Melbourne welcomed us with open arms and a cracking fixture against the Pasifika side. What was expected to be a routine win turned into a thrilling contest at a charming stadium near the Docklands. The Lions edged it, and we celebrated in style—at a Scottish bar, no less, complete with a kilted doorman and a sea of red. Only on tour!
From Suitcases to Slippers
Melbourne’s chill was a shock to the system—dropping from 22°C to 6°C had us scrambling for layers. But the cold was no match for the warmth of family. We stayed with my daughter and son-in-law, who we hadn’t seen since Christmas. Home-cooked meals, proper beds, and a break from the suitcase shuffle—it was bliss. A perfect pause in the middle of the madness.
Test Fever Grips the City
As the second test loomed, Melbourne buzzed with anticipation. Lions fans flooded in, turning every pub and restaurant into a red sea of song and laughter. The Aussies brought back two of their stars, and the pundits were split. But we had reinforcements too—Steve Rushbrook arrived just in time to join the party. The stage was set.
A Night to Remember
What unfolded at the MCG was nothing short of legendary. A roaring Lions comeback, breathtaking rugby from both sides, and fierce battles at every breakdown. The crowd erupted when Jac Morgan—the tour’s lone Welshman—took to the field. That cheer? Spine-tingling. It was rugby theatre at its finest.
Controversy, Courage, and Celebration
Of course, no epic is complete without a twist. A late-game decision had Aussie fans up in arms, but the referee stood firm—and the laws backed him. The Lions sealed a famous win, clinching the series with a game to spare. Over 90,000 fans packed the stadium, at least half in red, and the celebrations lit up Melbourne long into the night. The Aussies played their hearts out and earned our respect. But the scoreboard told the story: Lions victorious.
Sydney Bound and Battle-Ready
Now we’re in Sydney, having survived a minor airport drama (a broken luggage belt tried to delay us—nice try!). We’ve got a week to soak in this stunning city before the final test. A 3-0 series sweep hasn’t happened since the 1920s. The Wallabies won’t go quietly, and we wouldn’t want it any other way. Expect fireworks.
More Friends, More Fun
The touring party grows again—Billy and Allison Corbett have landed, and with them, a likely Guinness shortage in Sydney! Spirits are high, the camaraderie is unmatched, and the countdown to the final test is on.
From the Docklands to Darling Harbour, this tour has been a celebration of rugby, resilience, and the unbreakable bond of the Lions faithful. One more test to go—let’s finish with a roar.
