Colts Rugby Tour to Limerick & Galway
February 2007

The touring party

Updates from Ireland:

Tuesday 13th February

2030 hrs - The last full day on tour! The morning was spent at Spinner beach, followed by a shopping trip to Galway centre where Mr Pawson spent all of his spending money. As the afternoon drew to a close, the squad headed back to the hotel to prepare for their final tour game against Monivea. Shirts and ties were on as they climbed aboard their bus in anticipation of what was to follow. Tonight’s match was to be played under floodlights at the home team's stadia. A polished performance meant that the tour ended on a joyous note, as Davenies ran out 40-0 winners. Tries from Beard (3), Neal (2), Barrett, Lansdowne and Wood sealed Monivea's fate and had they travelling crowd cheering with excitement. The boys then headed back to the hotel, for what will be their final night 'on tour'.

On reflection, Mr Pawson and Mr Locke-Hart report the tour to be extremely successful, enjoyable and useful in preparation for the squad's challenge at the National Prep School finals in a few weeks. Fun was had by all, and the support from the army of parents has been enjoyed and most welcome.

The touring party are due to land back at Heathrow in the early afternoon on Wednesday, where they will be met by their parents and disperse home for some well deserved rest.

Monday 12th February

2230 hrs - A day away from Rugby meant a 'team bonding' trip to a local activities centre. Among other tasks, the boys were asked to scale upright logs and then abseil back to the ground. Mr Locke-Hart's favourite activity was the archery, with Mr Pawson particularly enjoying the orienteering.
Late afternoon and the touring party made their way to the final destination of the tour, Galway. On arrival everyone settled down for their evening meal and then retired to their rooms for the evening. Everyone is having a great time, and looking forward to the next match of the tour.

Sunday 11th February

1900 hrs - Today's meeting with Shannon saw a far more intense encounter than the match played 24 hours beforehand. An extremely physical contest saw Davenies narrowly lose out 15-5. James Roberts was the try scorer. The rest of the day was taken up with a swim at the hotel pool, followed by the Ireland versus France rugby match on the television. An evening meal at Luigi Malones brought a most eventful day to an end.

Saturday 10th February

1900 hrs - Today's activities saw a visit to King John's castle and some free time to explore the town centre of Limerick. This afternoon the squad took on Newcastle West in the first match of the tour. Davenies ran out easy winners, 9 tries to nil. The tries were scored by C. Beard (4), R, Neal (2), M. Barret, L. Ives and J. Roberts. A fantastic start to the tour in the pouring rain, watched by an army of visiting parents.

Friday 9th Feb

2020 hrs - The touring squad have just landed in Ireland.