KELLY College first XV embarked on their half term rugby tour to Venice in Italy with the aim of improving for the second half of their domestic and cup season on their return. Without doubt this was achieved with two highly competitive games of rugby.

The team experienced the culture of Venice, Padua and Milan. Sites were visited such as the Basilica Della San Marco (St Mark's Cathedral) and The Palazzo Ducale (Doge's Palace).

In addition the squad were entertained by a demonstration of glass blowing on the Isle of Murano, and to finish an amazing day walking the streets of Venice.

In Padua it turned out to be 'rag week' which made a visit to one of the oldest universities in the world, a little more interesting.

One of the highlights of the trip was the incredible Milan Cathedral.

The teams were also given a guided tour of the famous San Siros Stadium, home to AC Milan and Inter Milan, which was again extremely enlightening to see the history of both clubs.

On the day after landing, Kelly were hosted by Valpol RFC U19s, where the ground was surrounded by the Valpolecella vineyards.

In a competitive match Kelly played some excellent fluent rugby. Scrum Half, Ollie Massy-Birch, eventually crossed the line from a scrum on the opposition 22m line. Captain, James Falvey, converted to take a 7-0 lead. Valpol RFC quickly replied to level the score just before the break.

Even though Kelly crossed the Valpol's line five times in the second half, they were only rewarded with a try by Chris Driver, just before the final whistle to register a good 12-7 victory.

For the second match the team travelled to the professional club of Patraca Padova (Padua) RFC who play in the Italian Premiership and also play in the European Challenge Cup. They played their huge and talented U19 side under lights.

Both sides hardly made a mistake in attack and even though one or two tackles were missed, the skill level was spectacular to watch. In a game that fluctuated from start to finish, the lead changed hands on numerous occasions.

Padua eventually won the contest by an incredible 42-40.

Michael Riddiough-Allen crossed for a hat trick of tries, Ollie Massy-Birch pinched a try from an opponent's scrum, after Jack Ellacott had finished a superb team try on the wing to open the scoring.

With minutes to go Oliver MacManus scored in the corner to take the score to 42 – 40.

If anyone present would have known the score perhaps a drop goal attempt would have snatched it for Kelly!