A fine, intrepid group of gentlemen (slightly feral barn cats) from both teams in Reigate set off on the journey to Calais on the early morning of the 4th of October to represent Old Reigatians / Reigate Walking Rugby for the first time abroad.
Storm Amy had tried her best to disrupt proceedings. Thankfully, however, the right transport had been chosen. Le Shuttle was the choice, and it delivered the team to the shores of France without a problem.
On to the club…
We received a very warm and friendly welcome from our hosts & were duly orientated around the grounds to prepare for our upcoming matches with five other teams. Facilities were great & everyone involved in the tournament was very helpful.
The teams were…
- Calais 1
- Calais 2
- Waterloo (Belgium)
- Esher
- Guilfordians
- ORRFC / RRFC
Point to note here is the great turnout from the Surrey contingent. It is very encouraging to see other teams in the county growing the sport & promoting walking Rugby!
Time to settle in and warm up for the matches. Amy really had other ideas! It was so windy that even the birds had given up and decided to furl up their wings and sit it out. Conditions, although dry and sunny, were not conducive to expansive passing. It would be fair to suggest that any passes over five metres were not a good idea.
First up, Guildfordians
A tight game whilst both teams adjusted to the conditions, short passing the name of the game. ORRFC/RRFC eventually took the win with a couple of good line breaks & stout defending.
Second game – Calais 2
Again, the name of the game was short, sharp passing. A tight defence and pressuring the ball paid dividends for another win for ORRFC/RRFC. Again, as would be the theme for the day, very difficult conditions to play rugby.
Time for lunch and a break from proceedings as each team had the opportunity to relax, socialise and (ahem) rehydrate!
And what a lunch it was! Wonderful food, great company and a delightful atmosphere created by Calais & all the teams involved. I must try and get the recipe for the stew and potatoes! A great buzz in the clubhouse. You could really feel the community spirit created by the club & the attending teams.
On to the afternoon session & three more games
Waterloo
Conditions remained difficult to play in for both sides and I think the mix of protein, carbs & sugar led to a slower start for ORRFC/ORRFC. However, with the usual to and fro that games produce, ORRFC/RRFC were able to take their opportunities to run out winners again.
Calais 1 up next
This game was played at a very high pace. Both teams moved the ball around very well and created space and chances. Both teams’ defences were organised and effective. Perhaps this game would end in a stalemate. A great move late on from Calais 1, moving the ball wide, eventually leading to a try in at the corner. A deserved victory for Calais 1 & a loss for ORRFC/RRFC.
Last game
Esher
The defences of both teams would be the news here. Each attack was thwarted at both ends by organised defences. Quite a technical game, very well played by both leading to a draw at the final hooter.
A really entertaining and enjoyable series of games. New friends made. New contacts to grow the sport were made. A fine “Sing Off” in the bar. A wonderfully relaxed, respectful & incredibly fun tournament!
First-class hospitality from our French friends for which we are truly thankful.
A special mention for Mr Mike Kiy. Without his organisation, patience & ability to bring people together, this trip may not have happened. We all missed you on the trip & look forward to seeing you on the next one! Thank you, Mike!
