Daft ( strictly friendly !) rivalries

The other day someone got the towns of Rochdale and Rotherham mixed up on a post here. I really wanted to let rip about how different these places are, especially as they are either side of the Pennines! This Yorks/Lancs rivalry is pretty tongue in cheek whether it's food, sport or culture. Of course, I enjoy making out Yorkshire is God's own county!

My mother lived in Highbury so all her family supported Arsenal, her eight brothers meeting up for every home game, thus I support them.
My son was taken by a friend to see Liverpool at the age of eight and has supported them ever since, is now a season ticket holder and his life is arranged around matches. At the moment he and I crow or not as they both fight for the lead of the premiership league. DH supports Spurs (just to annoy me I am sure!).

Going further afield (brexit notwithstanding) Krakow and Warsaw. Alive and kicking I believe

Saints supporter her, yes, a fierce rivalry with Portsmouth, scummers v skates, some of the chants are rather ribald.

I’m welsh all my sons born in England to English dad …… support England but I’ve never bought them English rugby shirts

flappergirl

Bristol City and Bristol Rovers here. I don't like football but my late DH was a City fan. In Bristol we also have a sort of rivalry with Newport (and South Wales in general) which is just over the boarder from us, although I think this is fading with the younger generation many of whom have come to live in Bristol from London.

Cardiff City beat Bristol City yesterday 😯
Yes, I know I live in Wales but some of the men in the family support Bristol City. One, however, supports Rovers ☹

When the rugby's on I have four favourites: England, Wales, Australia, New Zealand but it's difficult if they play one another.

Bazza

I remember when I was a child the boat race was a really big deal and you were either for Oxford or Cambridge. We were all Cambridge and wore a bale blue ribbon. Difficult to believe now when it’s such a non event!

Oxford!! 😁

I have been a Canaries fan since I was small, as I was a Norfolk girl. I was in exile in Suffolk for many years and the local team was the Tractor Boys. The two teams are very similar in ethos and for many years it was a friendly rivalry. Sadly, this is not so much the case these days, even on local radio there has been a goading element of being pleased when the rival team is going through a losing streak (which is not unusual for either somewhat unfashionable side). I have always been happy for Ipswich Town to do well, but on derby days the green and yellow blood which runs through my veins is firmly in favour of Norwich City.

Daughter in law and her mum support POSH (Peterborough United). Old rivals Cambridge were promoted up to the same division this season. They had to dust off the old insults!
My family are English and Irish so torn rugby loyalties .

Pale blue!! And I thought I’d read it through.

Oopsadaisy1: Are you sure Southampton v. Portsmouth have friendly rivalry. I thought they were sworn enemies.

My Uncle was a Man City fan all his life, so of course my Dad supported Man United. The family base was Firswood so not far from either.

Then we moved to Brighton and followed the Seagulls through ups and downs. A not-so-friendly rivalry with Crystal Palace is still going strong.

My own dilemma is definitely with the 6 nations when England and Scotland play. I know I should support England but my heart is with Scotland after happy days in the Highlands. I would never dare own up to my Mum!

My Mum was a Manchester City fan she lived on Maine Road and used to keep bikes in the backyard for 1 penny 1920’s . My brother supported City too, but then George Best arrived at Manchester United I became a red, 1964 , my son and daughter both supported United had season tickets, until my daughter met a City fan, she married him and had 3 boys who all supported City. It’s very difficult on days like today when City play United.

I have a season ticket for Northampton Saints rugby, no-one dare mention Leicester Tigers!

Spurs v Arsenal conflict here.
I think it happens in lots of sports. Mercedes v Ferrari.
And even in the Arts. DD's friend was a dancer with the Royal Ballet. Apparently there was a lot of rivalry with the English National Ballet.
Competition is good in some ways

Jaxjacky

Saints supporter her, yes, a fierce rivalry with Portsmouth, scummers v skates, some of the chants are rather ribald.

As I said Faireynan I used to have a season ticket, nothing remotely friendly!

And in the derby game today …. Man. City 3 Man. Utd 1.

Plymouth Argyle here, the only team in Devon you Exeter fans!!

Bazza

I remember when I was a child the boat race was a really big deal and you were either for Oxford or Cambridge. We were all Cambridge and wore a bale blue ribbon. Difficult to believe now when it’s such a non event!

My ex and I went to Oxford while his dad and brother both went to Cambridge so it was a big deal if we spent boat race day with my in-laws. I don't even bother to watch now.