On finding he and friends had everything for today’s second test series fixture between the Black Caps and England at the Basin Reserve - save for tickets - Clutha Mayor Bryan Cadogan took a tongue-in-cheek approach to fix things.
Mr Cadogan said he ("Sprout") and old friends Tim White ("Blod") and Paul Cunningham ("PC") were surprised to find themselves unable to secure tickets for the match, after the first three days were sold out.
Attending a test each year was a longstanding tradition for the trio - accompanied by Mr Cunningham’s partner this year - enabling the childhood friends to catch up and "let off steam", he said.
"I thought, ‘Why not take out a notice in the paper, have a bit of fun with it, and see what happens?’," he told the Otago Daily Times yesterday.
Mr Cadogan said the response to the ad had been "overwhelming".
"We’ve been inundated with offers of tickets, for which we’re very grateful.
"A stadium member went out to his friends and we’ve now secured four tickets, for which he refused payment.
"Instead, at the donor’s request, we’ll make a donation of $500 to the Hawke’s Bay cyclone relief effort."
Mr Cadogan said he was looking forward to maintaining a tradition of 25 years with his mates, although one final obstacle remained.
"Being a boomer, I’m having a bit of trouble with the technical side of things, downloading the tickets now. But if I can work that out, we’re away and laughing.
"All we need now is a victory."
