Manager - Post Victory

A happy troupe attended 'Les Colonnes' in the centre of Biarritz for a drink before dinner; both parents and the boys in relaxed, happy mood.

The result, although not the resounding win all had desired, had sunk in and the enjoyment of being tournament winners had started to settle.

The party was joined by Catherine Pearson (our liaison officer, to whom thanks was given for all her work) and her husband who again assisted ferrying us aboout and visiting the local hospital. We still aspire to a tour where we avoid this option; in fact the one where we score some points in the final instead seems the way forward!

An impromptu Court session and fines for a number of the players amused us all; the lads quickly joined in with the gentle ribbing (of course) and hysterics seemed to be the order of the night thereafter. 'The players' restaurant provided the end of tour dinner and did us really proud. Fines and awards were displayed around the restaurant in equal measure much to the delight of the Biarritz Sunday evening diners. The explanation of our success and the ages of the lads seemed to satisfy all and the local gendarmes were not involved.

We are visiting the beach this morning before returning home and all is well with our world.

Final

WE WON!!!!!!!!!

Nil - Nil draw but as we scored more tries throughout the tournament we win!!!!

Well done to the boys!

Semi-final v Agen

Victory 26-0, good win after a poor and nervous looking first half.

Tries:

Darren Atkins x 2
Kieran Kelly
George Hogan

Conversions:

Darren Atkins x 3

Final at 3.30pm UK time!!!!!

[Posted with iBlogger from my iPad]

Manager - Words from Lunch

Thanks to Biarritz Olympique for lunch for us and our parents: the hospitality has been generous again.

Still confusing for us to be treated to wines and spirits, but not unpleasant!

The team are resting well but now impatient for the next game. 12 mins of play to qualify for the final!

[Posted with iBlogger from my iPad]

Other Semi-Final

The other semi-final is:

Colommiers v Perpignan

Chairman - First Knock Out Game

Just heard from the Manager we have Agen in the first knock out game!

Chairman - Knock out Stage

The boys are currently having lunch! We have found out we have been seeded one for the knock out stage which is good as it means we play a lower seed in the first knock out round. I am sure that the French will do everything they can to beat us though!!!!