Twickers And All That – A Day To Remember

Always ready for a social outing, nine members, friends and relatives went to Twickenham for the Autumn International between England and Japan.

Setting out at 09.30, our select and intrepid band of Rotarians set off for “Rugby H.Q.” ready to meet up with the rest of the party at Zizzi in Twickenham, our usual meal venue before the game.  Once assembled - the strike on South Western Trains didn’t help matters! - we tucked into our meals.  Conversation flowed easily, the wine flowed just as easily, and all enjoyed the meal before, all too soon, setting out for the half hour walk to the stadium along with thousands of others.

Excellent seats in the North Stand, just behind the goalposts.  We were thinking we would only see close action in the second half, as England would probably be playing at the other end of the ground in the first half as they crushed the Japanese. Not quite!

A record crowd for a game against a second Tier nation – 81,100+ saw an early England try, then all Japan. Two tries just in front of us at our end of the ground, and a 15-10 lead at half time.  Second half, England regained their poise and all the play was again just in front of us as England scored three tries – five of the six tries up close and personal.  (Maybe England played badly in the first half just so we could see most of the action?)

Great party day out and a great game at a great venue.