bbc.co.uk Navigation

Phil Long

Vocal Barmy Army livens up Test series

England's first away victory on foreign shores for almost two years, five days of almost unbroken Wellington sunshine and a chance to win the series in Napier- the win at the wonderful Basin Reserve was almost as good as it gets on tour.

And, as well as that, the performance of England's Barmy Army made hundreds of new friends at the Basin and won back some of the ground it has undoubtedly lost over the last few tours.

On recent trips away the Barmy Army have come under increasing criticism for a lack of variety and wit in the chants and songs they trot out to get behind the boys.

However, at The Basin Reserve it was something approaching the good old days of 'the Army' with the most vocal English contingent packed into the far end of the superb grass bank that dominates one half of this fantastically atmospheric stadium.

Continue reading "Vocal Barmy Army livens up Test series"


Adam Mountford

Welcome to Napier - Art Deco heaven

The England team and the media pack have made the journey from Wellington to Napier for the final part of this two month tour of New Zealand.

It's about a five-hour journey by road and is a very picturesque route especially as you enter the Hawkes Bay region renowned for its rich and fertile agriculture and numerous wineries.

Hawkes Bay is also famous for having the town with the longest place name in the world....

Continue reading "Welcome to Napier - Art Deco heaven"


The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites