Why we can love a game – even though our team loses

I’m still buzzing with excitement – even though “my team” The Maroons lost last night’s State of Origin game – 12-8.

For overseas readers, State of Origin is an intense, fierce inter-state Rugby League competition between Queensland (Maroons) and New South Wales (Blues).

 

I’ve tried to understand why I’m still so happy this morning – despite the disappointment.

It was a nail-biting, edge-of-your-seat game. To me, there seemed a chance that the Maroons could win – right up until the last play.

 

They’d rallied before in previous games and in the second-half their attack was strong. There was suspense. There was hope of victory. There was something at stake.

 

Their opponents The Blues held strong and even stopped a try with valliant defence.

 

Make no mistake – I’d be happier if Qld HAD won – but there was something special about last night’s game that softened the bitter blow of disappointment.

 

In the lead-up to the game, I’d been teasing my friends who are Blues supporters.

 

Now I will have to weather their taunts and teasing – but hey, that comes with the territory.

 

Secretly, I’m even a bit happy that they are happy. We share a love of the game.

 

Plus, this was just game 1 of the 3-game contest.

 

And next time, there will be extra desperation for my team. The uncertainly. The challenge. Something to prove. I love it!

 

Do you ever feel the same way – where despite your team losing – you feel like you’ve just seen one of the best games  ever?

 

Please share in the comments section below.

Do NSW supporters feel the same – even when Qld wins?

 

In previous Qld loses (there haven’t been that many recently!) – the following day I usually ignore media reports!

 

But this time, I was keen to see what others thought about the game. I wanted to “re-live” the game.

 

If you are interested  – here’s a link to wrap-up from one of my favourite commentators – Phil “Gus” Gould.

Here’s a snippet:

It’s hard to find the words to describe what we witnessed in game one of State of Origin for 2014.
Outstanding? That just doesn’t seem to cover it. Brilliant? Well, a lot of games throughout Origin history have been brilliant. This was something different.
Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-league/state-of-origin/state-of-origin-superlatives-not-enough-to-describe-unbelievable-contest-20140528-zrr9g.html#ixzz333GWr6tk

 

http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-league/state-of-origin/state-of-origin-superlatives-not-enough-to-describe-unbelievable-contest-20140528-zrr9g.html

 

 

 

—————

If you enjoyed this post – Let’s connect:

If you found this post interesting you can follow me and connect with me.

I blog about fun pop culture stuff as well as more serious business communication tips.

@tonybiancotti

Linked In – under Tony Biancotti

Or you can follow this blog.

These days, lots of people and organisations need help with how to COPE with too much work, too much information, too many meetings, delivering difficult news, business writing, effective e-mail, e-mail overload, cross-cultural communication etc. I like to help people COPE.