In our final tour as a minis team, U11s travelled to Bognor for a weekend of Rugby in the sun. The format of the tournament meant that firstly, we were not drawn against anyone in our region and secondly, the results counted.

On the first day, the team played Saffron Walden, which ended in a one try apiece draw - a game that belied the scoreline in tension and drama, with Saffron Walden pinching a share of the points with a quick tap penalty which caught us napping in the dying seconds. The next game against Ballymoney Bulls was a fast-flowing affair, with TJs outscoring the Bulls to take the win. The final game on the day was against Farnborough with numbers reduced to 7-a-side. Farnborough stuck at the game admirably, but were comfortably beaten by a TJs side starting to really hit their straps and move the ball around beautifully. Rugby then gave way to social, and after a swim and a few goes on the waterslides, the whole tour party donned pirate costumes and hit the lively Butlins scene, smashing our way through much Papa Johns pizza and fizzy pop, and wreaking financial ruin on the parents in the arcades!

Our results on the first day meant that we qualified for the top groups, and second day's first game replicated the previous day's opener, with honours shared one try each between us and Tring Lions. Dromore RFC (again from Northern Ireland) were next up, a team apparently not beaten in three years in their own region. However, our defence was resolute, and in the end our team's ability to get the ball wide told, and TJs took the win. The final game was against the 'other' Ballymoney side, the Barbarians. Again, our sides 'they shall not pass' attitude, combined with moving the ball out of and away from the contact area meant that the Northern Irish side struggled to hold us out, and we ran out winners once more.

The award ceremony featured Lewis Moody (who'd retired before all of the kids were born, prompting many a "Who's he?") and the lads had their picture taken with him for the 'official' photo. In the end we came second equal in terms of total points scored across the two days, but in the end, the results were totally secondary to the experience and outright enjoyment for the whole touring party!

Many thanks to our shirt sponsor for the tour, Abimar Brokers and to all the parents and coaches for the work and support.