Day 33 - Day of Sport!

Our first day in Melbourne was upon us, however, we had no idea what to do! We both rose at around 10.30 and started to think about what we were to do today. Melbourne is said to be the sports capital of Australia, basically everything in the city evolves around sport! That was perfect for Chaggie, we didn't mind that at all!

Our plan was to go and visit the much recommended National Sports Museum at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) which was a 5 minute train journey from our nearest station! Staggie had already searched for any A-League football matches taking place whilst we are here and as it happens, there was one tonight! The fixture couldn't be much bigger either, the Melbourne Derby between Melbourne Heart and Melbourne Victory (their football team names here are extremely cheesey). Our day was sorted!

We headed off to the Sports Museum at around 13.30 at the MCG. Staggie was aware that the England cricketers were playing a tour match against state side Victoria at the MCG, which we were going to watch tomorrow.

The sports museum was very impressive. Mainly focused on the Olympics, AFL (Aussie Rules Football) and Cricket, it had plenty of information and history on all of them. As well as the exhibitions in the museum, there was an interactive area where you could smash footballs, rugby balls and cricket balls at goals or wickets to show off how good you were. We tried.

After the sports museum, we saw that the cricket was still on between Victoria and England, and there didn't seem to be anyone asking for tickets. So, being cheap skates, we decided not to pay the ridiculous $5 and just stroled in for free. Superb. We sat there watching it, chilling out in the sun untill the end of play at 18.00. It was a decent afternoon for the England bowlers who finally took some wickets. Chaggie even managed to see the captain, Andrew Strauss (who basically never bowls, as he's rubbish at bowling) manage to take a wicket! Unheard of! He did get smashed around the park after that though. Maybe stick to batting Andrew. We then headed off to the AAMI Park Stadium (directly opposite the MCG) for the A-League game. We knew after seeing Sydney vs Wellington last week, that the ground wouldnt be full, so we hadn't pre-booked tickets. We were a little concerned when we saw the amount of fans outside the ground but Staggie was adamant we would get tickets, he was right thankfully. The game kicked-off at 19.00 and we were hoping for a more exciting game than the game in Sydney and the atmosphere in the ground certainly seemed to help! There was 23,000 in the ground, compared to the 300 in Sydney! The game was enthrawling and end to end, with plenty of passion, as you would expect in a derby game. Victory ended up winning 3-1 and Staggie was very impressed by their fans, who were loud and passionate. The quality of football was also impressive, so even Chino enjoyed it! He even enjoyed the cricket!

We headed back to the hotel at around 21.00 and we are now watching stand-up comedy. Superb first day in Melbourne, 4 more days and counting untill NEW ZEALAND!

Chaggie x