Tour friendly

Amstelveen U15s 14

Tavistock U15s 31

IN the land of tulips and windmills, Tavistock Rugby Club U15s ventured forth to represent the town and their country on the shores of Holland.

The team arrived at the Amstelveen Rugby Club on the edge of Amsterdam, in awe at the great pitch and facilities.

Amstelveen, the current champions of Holland in this age group, had organised a super day, with an initial game against Tavistock U15s and then a Colts game against a Welsh team from Ebbw Vale and then a seniors game against a Bromsgrove old boys RFC.

Tavistock did themselves proud with tries from Freddie Williams, Jude White and Tom Pearson in the first half giving them a 23-0 lead.

In the second half, James Paxman ran half the length of the pitch to score a great try under the posts.

Amstelveen got their reward for persistent attacks, after camping out for ten minutes on the Tavistock try line, with a try in the corner. They then scored again after a high kick and lucky bounce fell to their winger.

Key performances from Tavistock came from Luke Lewandowski and Olly Noy Scott while it was left to Tom McKenzie to score the final try after Archie Allen, Robin Bickley and Toby Teague had all gained yards in a dramatic five minutes of possession.

There was plenty of socialising after the game with a meal for the team, and presentation to player of the match who was Tom Pearson.

After much cajoling, the resident team chef Peter Gorton was persuaded to play for Amstelveen senior team as they were a man down.

What followed was a master class from the Tavistock backs’ coach, who was enthusiastically supported by his apprentices from the Tavistock team.

Jonathan Blake, a spokesman for Tavistock Rugby Club, said: ‘The team building progressed into the evening with fines for the captain forgetting his gum shield and rugby boots and for the coach for welling up when his son was awarded man of the match.

‘The team conducted themselves excellently over the three days, especially during the day trip to Amsterdam city centre.

‘Many thanks must be given to those who helped fund raise for the tour to help these young citizens of the future get valuable experience of working together as a team and representing their town and their country abroad.

’The team are now reflecting on a very successful season and looking forward to next year.’