St Elmo's Fire

Dear Highlanders

Ever since making my way to this part of the world, I have been persistent in my idignation towards you as I felt you never ever lived up to the expectations that a crazed rugby head like me would, in a moment of buffoonery pledge their undying and unconditional support to you. For years you have implored me to give you the time and attention you so badly craved for, and yet I spurned you. You begged us to " surround the enemy so you could put them to the sword," but I turned away refusing to pay homage to your gobble de gook.

For years I felt ashamed as I watched your progressive demise which was eating away at your very core like an uncontrollable cancer. At a time when all New Zealand sides were exhuberant and bursting at the seams with talent, you lagged behind and stuck out like a sore thumb as you continously showed a propensity for lack of innovation. Week in and out , you played the same old, pedantic and almost robotic style of rugby, which was sorely attributing to your degeneration.

We stopped coming to the 'Brook in our droves as you refused to listen to our pleas for change. You remained steadfast in your resistance to our pleas for change, yet it was we the fans who had made you and the 'Brook a household name affectinately known as the "House of Pain!"
If the last two S14 rounds are anything to go by, it appears you have finally heeded our calls this year with change even going as far as the very echelons of administration in the Highlanders. Coach Moore (who we all new was a fantastic coach) has been lingering in the coaching doldrums of division 2 rugby,has taken the bull by the horns. His brand is exciting, enterprising and showing signs of innovation. With a bit of North Island flair to boot we could be on to a winner. Our old school style rugby has never excited in defeat or in victory and yet the last 2 games, although we lost , I felt proud to be a fan and relished the thought of yous playing in your first home game at the "Brook tonight.

I am sure I and many others come rain or sunshine(the forecast is for rain) will make my 15 minute pilgrimage to the Mecca we call the "House of Pain" surround those so called Waratahs while you put them to the sword!!!!!!!!!!!! Win or lose as long as you display the courage, tenacity and expanisve rugby which you have fearlessly showed in the last 2 weeks, we will stand proud!
So I say to the Waratahs, beware the Ides of March, for cometh the Highlanders and so too cometh the fans tonight at the "House of Pain"

Your Prodigal Fan

St Elmo's Fire