Local pubs to host special nights for waltzing Matildas in crucial semifinal match

The pubs and hotels in Manjimup are prepared to celebrate the Matildas’ historic semifinal World Cup match against England on Wednesday night with special dishes, booked-out tables and live broadcasts all over the venues. Crowds gathered at the local pubs in Manjimup on Saturday night to watch the Aussie team defeat France in a nerve-racking penalty shootout on Saturday night and the same is anticipated for Wednesday night’s match. Both the Manjimup Gateway Hotel and Tall Timbers Sports Bar are expecting a flurry of excited fans wanting to cheer on either side and have noted the numerous bookings they have received prior to tonight. Tall Timbers manager Elly Growcott said the sports bar would be putting on specials during the game, in celebration for the Matildas’ match, and have the game playing on both the big main screen as well as the other TV screens in the venue. “We’re going to do $6 pints of the Tall Timbers range for the whole game, as well as food specials going and the Burger of the Month for those wanting a meal,” she said. “Any seat in the pub will be able to watch the game, the fire will be going and beers will be cold.” She said the Manjimup Rovers would be showing their support and were expecting several bookings to come their way. “The Manjimup Rovers have booked out the long table for tonight and have been coming to all of the games, so that’s pretty cool,” she said. “We’ve got three other bookings and we’ve made our bookings link available on Facebook so people can grab a table for the game.” She encouraged anyone coming down to Tall Timbers to support the Matildas to dress up in green and yellow and to enjoy the game. “It’s going to be huge and I encourage everyone to dress up in yellow and green for the Matildas, and the staff will be dressing up too.” “The bar will be decorated for the game, too.” Manjimup Gateway Hotel owner Paul Fowler said the hotel was preparing a special burger for the game and would be playing the match on all the televisions in the bar. “We’re putting an Aussie burger, in support of the Matildas, and putting on every single screen and then some,” he said. “You never know but we’ve already got 30 people booked in and the staff are ready to celebrate. “Be as loud as you can and we’ve got the best pizzas in town to have while the game is going on.” The semifinal between Australia and England will be shown on 7mate at 6pm on Wednesday, with the pre-game broadcast starting at 5.30pm.