Rugby and Friends

After a long week of homework, test prep, and other scholarly obligations, what better way to wind down is there than enjoying a good sports game? That's what the boarding houses did here this weekend at Dollar, getting the privilege of witnessing the national Scotland rugby team take down Argentina at BT Murrayfield Stadium in Edinburgh. The stadium itself seats 67,000 people, and really is a sight to see-- especially when watching a rugby game for the first time.

Team Scotland, preparing for their fight.

It was a chilly night, but the low temperature was balanced by the warm excitement around us from all the die-hard rugby fans. Scottish children proudly wore the Scottish flag--blue, with a white cross-- painted on their faces. The Scottish national anthem belted out from all directions. A performance from the "Red Hot Chili Pipers," complete with a rendition of "Don't Stop Believin'" on the bagpipes. Overpriced Fish n' Chips and beer sold on every corner, and a majority of men in kilts. If you think America is the center of sports nationalism, you may want to think again.

Bente and Una enjoying the game.

I'm not going to pretend that I know anything about rugby-- in fact, throughout the first half I was accidentally cheering for the wrong team (in my defense, both Scotland and Argentina have blue and white on their flags). One moment, the teams were lifting each other up like cheerleaders to catch the ball; the next, they were all interlocked together in what resembled a giant wrestling match. I could tell, however, that this particular game was more tense than usual. Fights between the players broke out frequently, much to the humor of us boarders. And as the game was tied in the last seconds of the game, the entire crowd was sitting on the very edge of their seats. 

The teams battling it out, cheered on by at least 60,000 fans.

Scotland did pull through in the end, much to our pleasure. The end score was 19-16, with a penalty shot just in the nick of time, and "I'm Gonna Be" by The Proclaimers (which seems to be the Scotland song, more so than the national anthem itself) blaring from the speakers. With our feet numb but our spirits high, we headed back to the bus home for some chocolate cake and a good night's sleep. 

All in all, I'm glad I went to the game. Yes, it was freezing, and I was generally clueless about the game, but it reminded me that I am living in a community  much larger than myself. I'm so glad to be part of a culture with so much pride and determination, not to mention a great sense of humor and fun.