Ashbourne Rugby Club Under 12 – Under-14 teams headed off on their merry way last Friday morning with an early start of 6.30am. The trip commenced from Ashbourne Rugby Club where we were met by two touring coaches, with kids (50 in total) very eager to set sail along with mentors and additional parents (32) to complete the party of 82.

Arrived Dublin Port with fairly choppy weather in front and proceeded on to Fast Ferry for a two hour rocky ride. A few minor casualties due to seasickness but very quick recoveries made as soon as we landed.
Coaches headed for Birmingham with a stop off in Ackers Adventure Park to do some team building. From assault course to rock climbing to abseiling, fun had by all before descending upon our hotel in central Birmingham (staff and other quiet guests delighted to see us). Food and bed. The bed bit proved a little harder than we anticipated as the kids just weren’t keen to go there. Strict curfew was placed and all had a great night’s sleep!

Early to rise Saturday morning, quick breakfast and on to Northampton for first of two matches for each of squads. Both teams came second in this encounter against a very organized Old Northampton side. This did not mar in any way the fun we had their and the hospitality was fantastic. After a lovely lunch provided by our hosts and a couple of hours rest we headed for Franklin Gardens to see the Guinness Premiership match between Northampton Saints v London Wasps.

After a little wheeling and dealing done inside the grounds with a burger stand lady on 80 burgers, chips & bottle of water (which incidentally slightly irritated the two people queuing behind me) we headed in for a humdinger match which eventually saw “The Saints” coming out on top. Back on bus, zipped home, dinner in hotel & bed (with little drama in between!)

Up early Sunday, not as cheery eyed, quick breakfast, and packed to go. Headed for Kidderminster for second fixture and once again greeted with superb hospitality and tough Rugby. This fixture all three teams played separately and we secured one win from three but very good rugby played all round. We were treated to a lovely lunch once again and went on our merry way again to catch the Ferry. This Ferry ride was a lot smoother and all returned home safe.
The mentors have to commend all the children on behaving themselves admirably and they were a credit to their parents and I am sure this will be the first of many rugby trips for all of them.

Abiding memories - there were so many and as they say: “What goes on tour stays on tour”