Those unfamiliar with the west country town of Weston-Super-Mare might have been pleasantly surprised by its charming seaside façade, sandy/muddy beach and famous pier. Less of a surprise to rugby nauses are the many nesting sites of proud rugby communities found here, a perfect place for a springtime rugby tour, enthusiastically encouraged by a West-Country bred head coach! A 31-strong delegation from the U12s boys squad marched into Premier Inn WSM on the Friday afternoon, wet their whistles (or had a nap, eh Gary?!) and then promptly marched out again and headed via train to Ashton Gate to witness the Bristol Bears demolish local rivals Gloucester. With spirits buoyed by the home team’s victory a night of carefully supervised and responsible (ahem) revelry ensued back in WSMs bowling/arcade venue.
Saturday’s agenda was sensibly relaxed for the morning, a leisurely stroll across the road to the pier where the overstimulating nightmare of the arcade and rides could be comfortably swerved by the sore-of-head in favour of the pier café and/or bar with their soothing sea air and rather breathtaking views in the glorious spring sunshine. With dopamine levels amongst the boys and one or two parents maxed out and dusty heads reset we headed on foot to WSM RFC. A minor setback meant that a hoped-for touch rugby fixture against their U12s/U11s never materialised, but the 2nd XV fixture was of such a high quality that any disappointment was quickly supplanted by all round appreciation for the “joué” on display, all washed down with the finest rugby club fare. Such was the exuberance from the match that the boys, dressed in their finest Number Ones, almost new DRFC club ties and all, took to the pitch for an impromptu match of their own, much to the delight of the now dwindling crowd and remaining players, this served as a useful distraction while the stage was setup for the annual awards ceremony. At this point it would be remiss not to mention how generous WSM RFC were in allowing us to requisition their clubhouse for the afternoon, they really were outrageously good hosts.
And so to the annual awards ceremony, brilliantly compered by coach Rod, bedecked in black tie top-half and shorts and rugby socks bottom half and with an almost impressive use of technology (none of the videos worked!) including slide show. And not to miss out being ably assisted by the dazzling coach Gareth in 2010s finest orange polka dot summer dress and pearls combo effortlessly offsetting his burly physique and full beard, and head coach Adam in what can only be described as a shocking pink attempt at Mr Motivator. Awards, sweets and one or two liquid fines for the grown-ups flowed late into the afternoon, by the time we drifted back towards the hotel mother nature was pulling out all the stops: a spectacular sunset and a beach could only mean one thing, Top Gun! Ok a pretty ropey attempt at the Top Gun 2 beach American Football game, but we did manage Highway To The Danger Zone on the speakers and no major safeguarding issues!
Sunday, proper rugby day, more bright, warm sunshine and a 35 minute drive into the Mendips. The boys were ready to put the past 36 hours behind them and knuckle down to business, most of the parents less so but the tour schedule, and more importantly Derek, must be obeyed. Ahead waited Winscombe RFC, hosts for a triangular mini festival against two DRFC teams and a touring Dowlais team from South Wales. Tremendous performances from both Dorking teams sent a clear message that Surrey’s finest were not to be pushed about by the big, physical sides before them, in spite of some pedestrian refereeing, played 4 won 3, well done boys! The tour finished off with a proper send off by Winscombe and a chance for a nostalgic head coach to relive some former glory by finding his name on the young player of the year honours board. A fantastic tour in the finest traditions of what this beautiful game is all about, WACOMB!
