U14 IRELAND RUGBY TOUR
EASTER 2008
30 students and 5 staff
made the annual pilgrimage across the Irish Sea to take our brand
of rugby to Dublin and Waterford. This was the
seventeenth trip and one of the best that we have had. A trouble free
flight (we did not use Terminal 5!) and we were in Dublin for lunch.
Our first games were against St. Mary’s College, Rathmines and
we expected and got a warm reception. The AXV had all the early pressure
but were unable to score. After the interval the sides exchanged tries
and a final late score for the hosts gave them a 20-10 victory. The
BXV struggled against a much bigger side and lost heavily.
The following day was culture day. Trips to Christchurch Cathedral,
Dublinia (the history of Dublin) and Kilmanham Jail filled the day
before an evening meal in the oldest inn in Dublin and an evening of
ten pin bowling and lazer quest.
Wednesday morning found
us in the Guinness Storehouse and the highest bar in Dublin. After
lunch it was time to face the might of St. Michael’s
College, Lansdowne. The AXV started badly and were soon 28-0 down,
but fought back to 28-22 before conceding a couple of late scores to
lose 40-22. Once again the BXV were outgunned and went down badly.
After the game it was off to Waterford for a good nights rest?
Thursday morning was the highlight of the tour. A hands-on trip around
the world famous crystal factory. The boys had a go at blowing the
glass and cutting the patterns on the diamond wheel. Luke Housego was
fortunate enough to be able to try to put a handle on to a crystal
jug. He made a pretty good job of it too!
In the afternoon we played our final game against Waterford RFC and
at last found our handling and running skills. We finally won the game
25-7. After presentations in the clubhouse it was off to Jack Meades
Inn for an evening of Irish music and dance. A great way to end another
great tour.