BETUWE RC-5 v WOODFORD RFC-48

We had been picked up at 7.15am on Friday at Highams, the coach had travelled across England, under the English Channel, across France & Belguim before reaching our Centreparcs destination in Holland, and boy what a lovely camp and lovely location, I wish you had all been there.

Up to this point tour had mainly consisted of travelling, coach, chocolate, beer, fries, nuggets and chat, but now things were about to get more serious.

After making ourselves at home we all ventured to the bar to chat and discuss the upcoming couple of days, whilst basking in the lovely weather that fate had handed to us, we could not have been in a better mood. Kit was handed out to the boys and coaches that had kindly been financed by our many sponsors, unfortunately we were missing our main man Andy Wales who had decided not to make the journey after Guy had suffered a terrible knee injury just two weeks before the tour, this was dedicated to you both.

Some managed to stay till the bitter end, we slopped off to bed sometime after 1, but didn't someone say sleep is for wimps?? especially on Tour.

We had an hours journey from our Centreparcs camp to our hosts at Betuwe RC, and what fantastic hosts they were. We were made to feel so welcome, and the hospitality offered was second to none I can assure you.

The boys looked at the opposition prior to the game, they were extremely tall, some very wide too and on the whole a year older than any of our players, more interestingly there were two girls amongst the opposition numbers (they play mixed sexes on the continent!). I think the boys were more bemused as to how to handle it than nervous but within minutes of the game starting they soon realised that these girls were not to be taken lightly and that they didn't take any prisoners, they had to stand up to them if they did not want to get a bashing!!

The first few minutes were a bit nervy for the Woods as the physical power of our hosts looked likely to be a huge factor, but the boys weathered the storm and just 5 minutes after kick off Henri Hobbs run his first of two tries in for the visitors. This seemed to give the team confidence and they realised that our technical ability was superior and therefore using this nullified the physical strength of our hosts.

Further tries came from Cade Carter-Thomas (on his first tour for Woodford) who showed we had power as well as technique to show, Ben Acons added a third with a lightning turn of foot, and Lewis Walcott majesticly added a fourth, revelling in his role as fly-half.

More was to follow as we heaped misery on our friends from Betuwe as Henri added his second, with more tries coming from Zion Roache, Domingo Lapadula & Owen Morris in the second half, all but one coolly converted by the masterful boot of Matthew Unwin.

Just when it looked likely that our visitors were not going to score they strung together a beautiful raft of passes which caught our formidable defence out this one time.

48-5 win to the Woods but the scoreline is only the beginning, the boys were magnificent, carrying on the excellent work we had displayed in our home games leading up to Tour, the passing was breathtaking at times, each and every lad gave 100% and they worked as a unit, 8 tries and 7 different scorers, 4 coming from backs and 4 from the forwards. Even just the way they marched out together onto the pitch before the game was impressive, well done boys.

All that was left now was to enjoy our hosts clubhouse, fun was had and quite a few jugs of lager were purchased, knick knacks and memorabilia was swapped as well as many stories, we had a fantastic time and in fact did not want to leave however the Go-Karting showdown was ahead of us so we bade our host Pascal farewell, and invited him to join us at Woodford in the future hopefully.

Another 30 minutes later and we were at the Coronel raceway on the outskirts of Amsterdam for the Woodford GP 2018!! What a fantastic venue it was, a magnificent track with super fast electric go-karts, we had exclusive use of the VIP area where we were served a drink on arrival and some lovely snack food, however the racing was all important and after the first round of heats the early front runners were Ben Sharratt, Des Chopping, both Domingos, Mark Blake, John Brynes, Keelan Byrne, Mad Cedric (as he is now known to me) & Geoff & Henri Hobbs. Ed had already been declared a danger, Kieran had smashed his first go-kart and one particular post got very attached to quite a few drivers, not forgetting Laurence, who we think made a cup of tea whilst on one of his laps.

Second round qualification saw Ben Sharratt boost his chances further, Geoff was hot on his heels, as was John, Domingo junior, Mark & Des bringing it up for the older members of the group.

Final came, Ben was on pole and had it all to lose, Geoff, John & Mark made up the top four, 3-2-1, go and Ben just disappeared into the distance, everything looked tied up but then Kieran decided to completely kill his second cart of the night, I think the wheel actually came off, red flag so everyone had to stop which gave the chasers time to catch up and then when it all restarted Ben got spun out by a back marker with 1 lap to go, John dashed into the lead only for the same cruel fate to fall upon him as Sean was taking a bend and sliding, John trying to take the inside line was caught, Ben took the opportunity as he dashed down the outside to take the chequered flag.

Second over the line was John, there was a photo finish for third as Henri pipped his dad Geoff by less than a second.

Trophies were given in the VIP lounge to Ben, John & Henri by the marshalls, we also had two awards to hand out, most mental driver was clearly won by Kieran (apparently no-one had ever broken two karts in one night before according to the girl in charge), but there were many candidates for this one, the two Heal boys, Ed, Sean, Domingo Senior and others. Last presentation, which was titled the "Driving Miss Daisy" award went to.... Laurence, we are still unsure if he packed a flask and stopped in the tunnel each lap to have a sip!!!!! This was all followed by a BBQ and a few more social drinks to discuss the merits of the day & night!!

What a Brilliant day, I honestly cannot say this enough, but we eventually all headed back to camp for around 10.30pm and yes an early night, everyone worn out and ready for bed. Same tomorrow please!!