Hamilton celebrates Chiefs win

The beer was flowing as quickly as the Chiefs were scoring points on Saturday night as fans in Hamilton celebrated the team’s maiden Super 15 triumph.

Phoenix Group director Darryl Hadley said despite fanzone issues last week the night had been a great success for their establishments.

“It’s exceeded our expectations actually. It’s not what we initially planned for our fanzone down here, but I think what we’ve got is even better than what it could have been and it’s just turned really well. So we’re really positive about the night.”

He said it was fantastic to see so many supporters out.

“It’s been really really good. Great atmosphere and great turnout, it’s been great to see everybody celebrating.”

And celebrate they did.

House on Hood General manager Andrew Jones said by midnight the bar had already  been through “thousands of litres” of beer.

“I’ve already seen about 10 kegs go out the back, plus however many bottles.”

He said the crowds had been pouring in at such a pace that capacity was reached by 10pm.

“We’ve had a line of 50 people outside of House since about 10.30 tonight. So very busy. It’s been good.”

Meanwhile the restaurant trade was pumping along with pizza and steak on the plates of hungry rugby goers.

Iguana Streetbar and Restaurant general manager, Warren Larsen says it was an excellent night for the restaurant, which was packed with rugby watching diners.

“It’s been fantastic, a really successful night all in all. The leadup and during the game we were packed out.”

He says they will be expecting the win to bring crowds throughout the week.

“It’s a huge high for Hamilton which will lead into a great week. Bring it on.”

When comparing the night to trade during the 2011 Rugby World Cup, Larsen said although it was successful, it was a different crowd.

“When you look at the streets there’s probably a lot of younger people around compared to the World Cup, where there was a great mixture of more mature people.”

Saturday night also saw some of the Chiefs in town celebrating along with the fans.

Sonny-Bill Williams was out with friends at Nitro cocktail bar.

WIlliams said he was “just so happy” with their result.

“Words can’t explain it. I’m happy for the boys in the team, happy for the coaches, happy for everyone’s loved ones, happy for Hamilton as a whole. Just happy.”

As for the jump into the crowd during the game, Williams said it was out of thanks.

“That just showed my gratitude for the fans that have really embraced me in Hamilton.”

Ben Tameifuna said he was “stoked” with the win

“We’re out celebrating over a couple of beers. There’ll be a sore head for the next couple of days I’d say.”

Halfback Tawera Kerr-Barlow said he was “over the moon”.

“It was a good game and I’ve just been celebrating with my brother here.”