Nemberala Football Final

, originally uploaded by m_hagen.

Roti soccer finals today between Nemberala and Ba'a. Hedda and I wandered over from Anugerah to check out the action. There were well over 1,000 people surrounding the dirt field which is normally the town's main road. A rock band was blasting, girls were cheering and the kids were loving the action. It literally looked like the entire island had come out to root for their favorite team. The game was really competitive with both sides looking like they could score at any moment. Headers on goal, tackles on the dry dirt surface and yet at half time it was scoreless. Luckily at the start of the second half, Nemberala scored. The home crowd went nuts. Girls dancing, kids storming the field, even the policemen smiled!

The people in Nemberala are so laid back and friendly, it was great to see them excited for a hometown win in the game of the year for the island. Hedda and I were enjoying checking out the crowd even more than the game. Kids carrying tiny tropical birds tucked in close to their chests, ladies selling donuts and drinks. The guitar rock blasting from the stage. No vocals, just pure uninhibited 80's style guitar rock solo's. Great day!