The second annual tour by the Minis and Juniors from Newport RUFC took place over a pleasant spring weekend of 23rd to 25th March 2007. From a hotel base just outside Cheltenham, Newport visited Widden Old Boys, a club set deep in the rugby heartland of Gloucester on Saturday; and the picturesque Cotswold setting alongside the river Avon, to play Evesham RUFC on Sunday.
Mobilising over 70 players in teams at all age groups from under 7 to under 13, the Newport contingent gave a good account of themselves and have left a lasting impression with the clubs they visited. Out of the fifteen games played across the age groups, Newport won ten, drew one and lost four, scoring 450 points in the process against strong teams. Compliments were given by opposition coaches on the standard of the Newport game and in particular the passing skills of the under 9s, and the overall team play of the under 10s.
In addition the
Dads & Coaches fielded a team on Saturday against a Widden side that included regular second and third team players, and whose average age was around 15 years younger than Newport’s.
Many thanks to the tour organisers Mark Kendal, Colin Sweeney, Matt Scarisbrick, Ralph Humphries, and Bob Adams for another superb tour and a thoroughly enjoyable weekend.