Melbourne, Dec 25-30 2019. - Old Pharts on Tour

Instead of the usual family Christmas celebrations, 2019 saw Blair and Sue driving to Auckland Airport. With a group of friends, they were off to Melbourne to watch New Zealand play Australia in cricket. It was the second test of a three test series, and New Zealand’s first Boxing Day Melbourne test for over thirty years!

As well as Blair and Sue, the group consisted of Graeme and Tracy Olorenshaw, Neil Dench and Annabelle Johnson, Simon and Liz Dench, Tony and Michaela Giles and their sons Lachie and Hamish.

Our sons Scott and Andrew were also going, but independently with a group of their friends. Scott met up with us Christmas Day, before heading off with his group the next day.

Boxing Day, and the group were ready for the short walk from the Citadines on Bourke to the MCG and the big test. There was to be an expected crowd of 80,000, with almost 20,000 of those Kiwi supporters.

Kane won the toss, and asked Australia to bat. The number of NZ supporters was evident early, as Boult took a wicket in the first over.
However, from then on it was all Australia.

At stumps, Australia were in a strong position, with the NZ bowlers, apart from Wagner, disappointing.

The group discussed the days proceedings that evening in their hotel over drinks and nibbles, before dining in nearby Chinatown.

Day 2, after a hearty breakfast at “The Mess Hall” on Bourke St, the group once again headed to the MCG, in the hope the Black Caps bowlers could pick up early wickets. However, this was not to be, with the Aussies amassing a large first innings total, and the Caps losing wickets before stumps.

Dinner for the “Gang” that evening was at “ Naked for Satan”, in trendy Fitzroy. With a rooftop bar, and delicious small plate dining, we were happiness filled ( and so was Mumble with the Colman).

Day 3, and after a hearty breakfast, this time at “Self Preservation” on Bourke St,the group were hopeful of a strong batting display by NZ. However, this was not to be, and they were bundled out cheaply. Australia could have enforced the follow on, but chose to bat. At stumps, they were in a commanding position. A number of the group departed early in response to this poor effort from the Black Caps. However, Messers Olorenshaw and Finlayson stayed until the end, and were impressed by the strong, vocal Kiwi support.

This was our final scheduled day at the cricket, with a private wine tour and lunch booked for the Mornington Peninsula the next day.

Dinner that evening was at an upmarket Italian restaurant called “Becca”. This was very close to our hotel, and a great time was had by all, with our waitress in particular proving to be very entertaining!

Day 4, and after cracking brekkie at Self Preservation, we departed for the Mornington Peninsula. Before our first winery visit at Point Leo Estate, we stopped at Arthur’s Seat to admire the views.

As well as most impressive wine tasting area, Point Leo Estate had an extensive sculpture park. The wines were okay, but in the opinion of the many experts in our group, nothing to write home about.

The next stop for wine tasting was Port Philip. A very nice setting, with the wines once again, just okay. Onwards to Mont Rouge, more wine, and lunch. A nice outdoor setting, with an extensive variety of food. A final tasting for the day was at the Red Hill Estate. As there were many wines tasted throughout the day, the van journey back to Melbourne was a quiet affair. Overall an excellent day in a very pleasant area of Australia.

We arrived back to our rooms in time to watch the cricket on TV, and see Tom Blundell bring up his hundred. One of the few high points in a very disappointing effort from the Black Caps.

Dinner that night was in a local Thai restaurant, “Fomo”. Wonderful food, and a time to reflect on our stay in Melbourne. Sure, the cricket team underperformed, but Melbourne was great, the MCG great and most importantly, the company was great. We will be back!