Bournville Under-13s enjoyed some great rugby, and some even better weather, on their end of season tour to Devon and Somerset.
A total of 31 players, and another 31 parents, made the trip early on Saturday to Exeter Chiefs’ Sandy Park stadium. There the players had the full match day experience. First it was a full tour of the ground taking in the changing rooms, plunge pools and gym areas. Highlights to note were Mani Feyi-Waboso training back to full fitness in the gym and the fact that the Exeter players have dumb-bells that weigh 70kg.
After this Bourns had a great training session with the Exeter Chiefs community coaches before the players were invited onto the pitch prior to the start of the Premiership match where Exeter took on Sale Sharks. Following the game the players waited patiently for the chance to meet and get autographs with their favourite players, although it must be said some of the parents had their own agenda at this particular juncture.. You know who you are Harriet…
After the game the Bourns party headed over to the on-site hotel for the obligatory fancy dress and kangaroo court. Coach de Polo was as militant as ever with his dishing out of fines involving pickle juice and baby food for the offending individuals. As ever, all presided over by our very own judge, the honourable Phillip Mantle. The theme for the fancy dress this year was anything beginning with a P which players and parents entered into whole heartedly.
On Sunday it was back up the M5 to North Petherton Rugby Club with some tired players, and some even more tired parents… Bourns played two games against the local side in more glorious sunshine. Both games were highly competitive and played in great spirit so a massive thank you to North Petherton for being exemplary hosts. The team also wore their brand new Bournville club ties for the first time after the game.
Finally, it was back onto the coach and back to Avery Fields after a great rugby-themed weekend. Huge thanks to all the coaches, Rob Kelley, Steve de Polo, John Tucker, Rich Sullivan, James Nicholls, Alex Fisher and Dan Wood for everything they do for the boys. And special thank you to team manager Harriet Dickinson, without whom these fantastic experiences simply wouldn’t happen.
