AMAZING — that was the reaction at Tavistock Rugby Club last week, after the club had the pleasure and honour of hosting a team composed of representatives of the Australian and New Zealand Navy Rugby Teams — both countries have been taking part in a competition in the UK which included the Royal Navy.

The connection was made by an ex Tavistock rugby club member, Steve Bradley, now serving in the New Zealand Royal Navy, who suggested that the tourists might like to visit his old club.

Before the match started the Tavistock team and hundreds of spectators had the pleasure of witnessing the New Zealand players performing the Haka, a traditional Maori ritual.

Club chairman Nigel Larcombe-Williams said: 'It was an amazing day, just extraordinary, but to see the Haka was incredible.

'I was standing in front of the players with the kids, and you could feel the ground shake!'

The game itself was played in a tremendous spirit with both sides running the ball at every opportunity, giving the crowd, estimated at around 500, a feast of rugby.

Tavistock ran out eventual winners by 19pts to 12 with tries being scored by Doug Lloyd, Duncan Law and Will Brown and two conversions by Josh Sutton.

During the match a collection was made to raise money for the Help the Heroes Fund and Royal British Legion.

Nigel said: 'I would like to say a big thank you to the people of Tavistock and the surrounding areas — we had people come from all over the place — and thanks to their generosity we've been able to collect £705.86 in donations, which is mega.'

Nigel said the visitors were 'hugely generous' with their time, helping out with training and passing on coaching tips to the younger players.

After the game both sides enjoyed a meal together, provided by Lisa Hair of Dukes, everyone taking part in a wonderful evening with singing and rugby banter.

Nigel said: 'It really was a wonderful day, I'm still reeling from it. There were loads of kids there, and parents who hadn't been to the club for years, and it was really lovely to welcome them back.

'It was really special and provides a springboard for many more social sporting events to come.'

The next big event to be hosted by Tavistock RFC is on November 14, when representatives from the Swaziland RFU and the SKRUM charity are visiting. Tavistock's first team will be playing a league game against Camborne after lunch, and there will be a big charity auction.

Nigel said: 'There are going to be some great things to bid for, signed Springbok shirts — all sorts of stuff they are bringing with them.'

Tickets for the event cost £10 including lunch — £5 from every ticket sold will be donated to charity.

'The day will carry on our tradition of community rugby and good times — everyone is welcome,' said Nigel.