Quimper veterans 5,

Kingsbridge veterans 5

A wet Friday evening and rough seas did not daunt 25 travelling veterans as they began their preparations to face a formidable Quimper side in Brittany.

After a bouncy crossing where staying upright was a challenge for some, the raiding party boarded a coach to Quimper.

There was a brief stop for breakfast refreshment and then onward to base camp at the splendid Oceania Hotel.

Lunch and more refreshment ensued before travelling by taxi to the stadium to find the home side busy warming up.

Read as guest referee briefed both sides, which unfortunately added to the Kingsbridge side having insufficient time to blend team skills and develop a game plan.

For the first ten minutes it looked like they were still at sea, wobbling and disorganised, at times off balance and lacking clarity in decision-making. However, they had not travelled so far to be overwhelmed and fought tenaciously, slowly at times but definitely tenaciously to develop some continuity.

Brooking on the right wing and Stevens on the left had a couple of frightening moments when they were passed the ball with a 30-metre clear run to the line.

Luckily for them a tackler arrived and averted the need to run that far.

Masters (P), Horton, Harvey, Baker and Swales tackled ferociously-ish, supported by the front row of Masters (A), Hollis and Robbins.

They were really taking it to the French in the set-piece, with Lee supplying his usual sublime passes to all-round maestro Bowles at fly-half.

Masters (R) and Massey were stationed in the middle and Jacko at full-back completed the starting line-up. Changes at half-time found Rundle, Worden and Rich (Running) given their chance to shine.

It was Horton who gave the Blues the lead with a ferocious turn of speed and despite losing Jacko with what turned out to be a broken leg and Masters (A) losing a personal contest, it remained one score to nil until the closing minute.

Unfortunately, Masters (R) was unable to contain a clever overlap, giving space for the home side to draw level.

Breton pipes escorted the players off nd the hosts then provided a veritable banquet as it grew dark. Kingsbridge responded with some well-known songs until midnight, when both sides wearily departed the clubhouse to complete celebrations in the pretty town centre.

This was a great weekend in celebration of Nobby Ms 50th birthday. The good people of Quimper Rugby Club could not have done more and the touring party were able to reminisce until the early hours.

This reporter highly recommends Quimper to the discerning rugby tourist.