The weather was stereotypically Welsh, but so was the warm welcome, with Barry RFC pulling out the stops, both opening the club for us on Saturday, so that we could train and watch the final matches of the Six Nations (which were disappointing for hosts and visitors alike), and for our fixture on Sunday.

The Vikings players adapted well to challenging conditions (a wet/heavy pitch and gale-force wind) and different rules (12-a-side, line-outs, 5v5 scrums, etc), to produce some great rugby. We had committed tackling, ferocious sometimes, from so many players, competitive rucking and a desire to both go forward and pass the ball wide; all-in-all, the coaches couldn't ask for more. The game, which ended 5-5, was a great testament to rugby.

Well done to the players and parents for representing the club admirably and a big thank-you to Dave, John, Josie and all at Barry RFC.