BARRY Vets travelled to Beauvais, France on their annual pilgrimage for the tenth Anniversary of the Tournoi to celebrate the life of Jean Paul Cheron (Saturday, May 30).

With only a few training sessions behind them, the Vets travelled over more in hope than confidence of defending the winners trophy from last year.

As always they had some tour virgins and the weekend was richer for the addition of mature Vets Offy Scott and Steve Griffiths along with a few middle aged players.

This year's tour theme was aptly ‘Tour to France’ cycling regalia and there were some lovely and unforgettable sights on the journey over.

They were greeted with traditional French hospitality on arrival with ‘olde’ friendships being re-united. The usual revelries on the Friday night and slight confusion with the coach driver, resulted in a different warm-up for the start of the Tournoi on the Saturday morning.

Chairman of Selectors Paul Delaney choose a strong team (of the soberest players) to start. Sensibly against a good French team the backs were utilised perfectly by number nine Dimond and Barry cruised to a comfortable victory.

Phillips, Williams and Provis combined beautifully after the Barry pack had won good ball. However, in the next two games ill discipline and some bizarre refereeing decisions resulted in a 1-0 loss and then a keenly fought 1-1 draw with their new friends Bretigny ‘Beti Bixkor’.

The sheer look of confusion/amazement on the new players faces, as they kicked off and ‘Bixkor’ players all did the dying fly impressions will be etched on many memories. Luckily the new players saw the funny side and re-started the game. A draw was a fair result.

Barry competed well in a feisty contest versus Laon but were beaten 1-0 and their defence of the title was out of reach. In all honesty the term ‘truck & trailer' was created for this French try, alas you play to the whistle and it was awarded.

Lunch came at the perfect time as batteries were running low and players started feeling their ‘hangovers’. It was a fitting tribute as always with Beauvais that a photoshoot with all the participating teams was arranged. This demonstrated the camaraderie of Vets rugby with the usual rugby songs being shared.

Barry ended the day as they started with better distribution of the ball to the backs, utilising their speed and spaces. Barry won the first game quite comfortably versus Houilles but had to demonstrate excellent defence to hold out for a 1-0 win, in their last game against the eventual runners-up Plaisir in the ‘Tournoi’.

Mention must be made of the 17 squad members who were still standing to play the last two games.

Congratulations to Clermont Senlis who won the Tournoi. Keep it safe for next year as Barry will be back to challenge for the Trophy (subject to contract/invitational issues).

Another successful tour was had by all and thanks to the organising committee of Knapman, Pritchard and Tanner.

As always thanks go out to Beauvais, Patrick, Yannick and Guy for once again organising a successful Tournoi. Special thanks to Pat ‘The Fridge’ Jones for her usual buffet on the somewhat lengthy return journey on a malfunctioning coach. Until next time ‘au revoir et bon chance’.