Cake Tin regulars prepare for 'a classic'

Ashley, left, and Denise Hartley in their Hurricanes clobber. They have followed the team for 15 years and have seats at the ground for every game. Tonight they will be in fine form for the Super 15 rugby final against the Highlanders in Wellington. Photo / Paul Taylor

For Hawke's Bay couple Ashley and Denise Hartley, finding their seats for tonight's big Hurricanes/Highlanders clash in Wellington will not be a problem.

In fact it will be a case of simply hitting automatic pilot and letting their feet take them on the familiar path they have trod for the past 15 years.

"Row J, aisle 28, seats 20 and 21," Mr Hartley said when asked exactly where they would be sitting for the game, which he added had all the hallmarks to be "a classic".

He and his wife have been devoted Hurricanes fans since the day the Westpac Stadium opened its doors.

Mr Hartley, who is general manager with Gemco Construction in Hastings, was working for McMillan and Lockwood in Wellington back in 1999. "It was when the stadium was being built."

His company were part of the contracted team nailing the capital's stadium replacement for Athletic Park together and on one occasion a tour of the site was set up to allow the various project managers involved a close-up look at how it was all coming together.

Among them was a friend and colleague of Mr Hartley who said his season ticket-holder seats from Athletic Park were being transferred over to the new stadium.

"He said he was about to book them and wondered if I'd want to take a couple as well - so we bought two when it opened and we've had them all the way through."

It did not make any difference when he moved on in his roles within the construction industry and spent time in other regions - and now in the Bay.

"No, we kept going to the games - they were weekends away and we decided as long as we could afford to book the fares and sort out the accommodation then off we'd go."

They became committed fans of the Hurricanes, although Mr Hartley said his ITM heart was with the Magpies.

There had been many spectacular and special games through the years.

"Last week's game was way up there," he said of the semifinal victory over the Brumbies which saw them make the grand final tonight.

"And to have seen players like Jerry Collins and Tana Umaga, Christian Cullen - all of them through the years - pretty special times."

Mr Hartley was no slouch himself on the field, though, having gone through the Ross Shield with the Dannevirke side and playing for Hawke's Bay B in the late 60s.

"But I was building a house and we got married so I put playing rugby aside, but it has always been a real passion of mine."

It has also been a real passion of Mrs Hartley's. "Oh, she recognises more of the players than I do."

He said making the grand final had created some nerves. "Because the Highlanders have been playing so well and they are right up there - but the Hurricanes are the form team, though."

Being at the games, in a familiar spot and seeing many familiar supporting faces, was a magical time.

"Everyone's always in a good frame of mind and this is going to be a very special game - the atmosphere will be amazing."

As for the final score?

"Both teams have got great defences - it could be very tight but then it could really open up - I'll say 24 to 18, to the Hurricanes."

However, one of his workmates would probably have something to say about that.

When Mr Hartley arrived at work yesterday he noticed a colleague wearing the Highlanders' colours.

"I knew I should have worn my Hurricanes jersey."