BARRY RFC has celebrated a 40th anniversary of friendship with Beauvais Vets RFC with Three Team tournoi and new friends Bretigny Vets RFC, writes Andrew Moffat.

After the celebrations of Wales' win on Friday night, Barry RFC Vets played host to our Beauvais RFC friends of 40 years, on Saturday morning. Who would have thought that those original friendships would have survived the test of time and grown in strength? This is a testament to Rugby and the personalities at both clubs. Tres bien. We also welcomed Bretigny ‘Beti Bixkor’ RFC Vets to the Reservoir Fields for the first time, but undoubtedly not the last. Not surprisingly quite a few players and supporters, were feeling the effects of the revelry from the previous night.

All three games were played out in traditional Vets ‘champagne/ Barbarian’ rugby style, with Barry Vets winning both games and the tournament. The rugby was incidental in a way to the 3rd half celebrations that carried on late into the night in the club house.

Firstly, we had Barry Male Voice Choir entertaining the packed club house with the usual heart-rending versions of Bread of Heaven, Calon Lan and other classics. All who witnessed thoroughly enjoyed this and joined in enthusiastically. Then we had Barry’s version of Elvis, Mike Bubbins, wowing our French guests and he even had Bretigny Vets line dancing to an Elvis classic. Priceless and unforgettable. He had to utilise the microphone of ‘Squeak’ who entertained us for the remainder of the night with a magical variety of Welsh and French classics alike.

In short they came, met old friends and made new ones. This is what Vets rugby is all about. Thanks to the organising Team of Knappers, Pete G, Rache B and Carol for assisting in the organisation. With teamwork you can achieve anything . The 7 P’s come to mind. With this in mind massive thanks to the Bombettes kitchen staff of Rache, Chris her partner who came off a night shift, Becky/Ribs, Miche and mum-to-be Stef (Goldilocks) and the girls who had to go for more rations/food. Simply superb effort during the day and night. Also to Lyns P and Kira S who made a celebratory 40th cake.

Both sets of French friends travelled back home with Welsh voices singing in their ears. A success for Entente Cordial I would say happy.

It's only three months until Barry Vets travel for the annual Beauvais Vets Tournoi on Saturday, May 7, 2014, where we aim to bring back a trophy. Which one will depend on how many Vets from Saturday come back for training, see you all soon.