On Saturday 23rd October, at 5am (yes in the morning) 17 players and 24 parents, coaches and family members left the club en route to Dover, to begin our Dutch adventure and our fundraising for Breast Cancer Research. After an uneventful crossing we arrived in Calais. Borders between France, Belgium and Holland don’t physically appear any more, so before we knew it Roger, our coach driver, informed us that we were in Holland. Flat countryside with windmills dotted around. Our Hotel, The Leijhoff in Oisteruick, was fantastic. Especially as we were the only guests. We had pre booked an evening meal, which was both very welcome and excellent, with the boys really enjoying the food, especially the eel!

A late night made for a sombre breakfast, but the lads were really looking forward to the first match, with RC de Bokkeridjers, apparently not too far away. After a navigational mix up and tours of several industrial estates we eventually arrived at our destination. As rugby is a minority sport in Holland the opposition was a mixture of ages, from 8 to 15! We briefed our lads to tackle the big lads and to be careful with the little ones. It became obvious in the first minute or so that we were much stronger than them so we stopped and mixed up all the players. At one point in was 19 against 15 players. I have no idea who won or even what the score was. This was completely immaterial, as the thrill of playing rugby alongside our Dutch hosts was the most important thing. Their senior 1st team coach trawled the touchline looking for likely dads to play for them that afternoon. Several lame excuses later, he left empty handed.

The post match function was almost as good as the game, as the players and spectators all joined in with traditional Dutch events, Mums tug of war and making yourself dizzy and then trying to knock in a 4” nail. Fantastic. Their Captain, who spoke fluent English, made a good speech and exchanged gifts with our captain who doesn’t. After leaving the club we headed back to our hotel, a much shorter trip than going the other way. A meal in the local hostelry pre- empted another late night congratulating the boys on their manners and maturity that afternoon. For me one event summed up the day. An 8 year old girl, playing only her second game of rugby, picked up a loose ball and ran determinedly at one of our wingers, well known for his crunching tackles, but Ryan backed off and gently pushed the girl into touch. The girl, made up with her efforts, high fived a team mate on the way past. How easily it could have all gone horribly wrong. Great sport this rugby.

On Monday we had a lie in and some ventured into the local swimming baths, but the late risers were disappointed as the pool closed for lunch. Special dispensation from wearing pink was given during the pool activities, although one lad dived in with his mobile phone in his pocket, and he plays in the backs! After several hours travelling, we arrived in Tilburg. A lovely city basked in Autumnal sunshine. Some went shopping or exploring the sights of the city, and then we headed off for our next match. RC Ducks (say what you see!). This was a very different fixture at a world class ground. Sale Sharks can only dream about the pitch and the facilities. A big, well drilled side of 13’s, 14’s and 15’s looked imposing in the early exchanges. Our full bag took a bad tackle, no injuries but a spear tackle and this could have seen the game degenerate, but again the lads showed their maturity and calmed the situation them selves. It must be said that the perpetrator of the tackle was the first to come and shake our 15’s hand and apologise.
Charlie, our full back, was later awarded man of the match and received a pair of clogs as his reward.
This galvanised the Widnes team into probably the best game they have ever played. The opposition were very strong in the contact areas but couldn’t cross the whitewash. We came out 40 points to nil winners, without converting any of our tries. Result.
One Dad summarised the performance by saying we didn’t play like schoolboys, but like small men, which is what the team is growing into.
The after match food and craic was again excellent with both sides mixing well. By now the lads fully understood the tour rules and were voracious in their appetite to get fines in the collecting box. I think some of them secretly want to be traffic wardens when they grow up ! (See tour rules appended)

Tuesday morning was even more subdued as little sleep was had, with the players either taking themselves off to bed of falling asleep in the incredibly comfy sofas dotted around the hotel. The judge having his head shaved for a few euros completed his eventful tour.
A long (14 hour) coach trip home safely delivered all tourists back to the club late on Tuesday night, all intact apart from a few bruises and tired.
All in all an excellent tour.

TOUR RULES
In order to raise some funds for breast cancer research, we will be running a traditional tour fine system, applicable to all tourists, players and family alike.

Rules

o An item of pink clothing must be worn at all times

o Odd socks, or no socks must be worn at all times

o Males must remain un shaven for the duration of the tour

o Females must at all times have a hat in their possession

o Please note that this list of rules will expand as the tour progresses

Special dispensation can be given by the fines committee (members to be appointed)

Any tourist can challenge any other of breaking any of the rules above. If found guilty, the perpetrator of the crime must pay a fine into the charity bucket. if however the accused is proven innocent, the challenger must pay the fine. In circumstances where it cannot be decided as to the guilty party, the tour kangaroo court will sit. (Dave Holian is the Judge) and each party can appoint a legal representative to fight their case. The judge’s decision is final.