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KNUTSFORD RUGBY CLUB, MEREHEATH LANE, KNUTSFORD. WA16 6SZ
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Knutsford Rugby Club U9's
U9's on Tour | “ALLEZ LES BLEUES” TOUR
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The U-9s capped a wonderful season with a fantastic tour to South West France courtesy of generous sponsorship from Gusto Restaurant and Bar; and The Cross Keys Pub. This was the first European tour for KRFC and what a classic tour it turned out to be; starting with one tourist having brought his brother’s passport by mistake! One man down before boarding the aircraft was unfortunate but in true tour spirit the forgetful tourist eventually joined the tour later the same day
Having stocked up with soft drinks the tourists (William Rogers, Declan Yoxhall, Declan Butler, Alex McInnes, William Thomson, Kyle Blake, Max Bowyer, Mia Stephenson, James Lees, Harry Mitchell, Ted Parr and Max Davies) set up camp in the grounds of Chateau Davies, St Aulaye; and enjoyed an afternoon of outdoor activities and training followed by sight seeing and finally traditional tour singing before lights out.
On the Saturday the tourists travelled the short distance to Riberac were they played in a tournament involving a mixture of U-9s and U-10s from the French National League One Champions, FFR Riberac. Despite the heat (30 degrees) and the rock hard pitch, the tourists produced an awe inspiring performance in the first match but were narrowly beaten 0-5. The second match resulted in a bruising battle against a much older and very physical side. Sadly, although Knutsford gave no quarter and defended bravely, they were beaten 0-10.
In the third match Knutsford trailed 5-0 at half time against an even more physical and very aggressive side. The tourists were obviously hot, tired and clearly running on empty; and the second half seemed a formality for the French. However, Knutsford were determined to go out on a high and they set about the French with true Waterloo spirit, tackling anything that moved and running hard and straight. Bolstered by the chants of “alllez les bleues” and “Vive le tour”, Knutsford powered over for two tries and a well deserved victory 10-5; which even had the large French crowd applauding.
Unfortunately the final match had to be abandoned when Declan Yoxhall fractured his wrist after falling awkwardly following a tackle. Thankfully after a few hours in hospital Declan returned to the tour in his usual good spirits. All in all this was an action packed tour which was a resounding success and a great experience for all.
“Vive le tour et Vive La France”
Tour report by John Parr.
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THE TOUR
 U9 on Tour | Allez les Blues | John Parr reporting.
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