WITH the never ending waves of time and diminishing numbers, Barry and Hillfoots RFC Vets from Scotland decided to amalgamate to form a Celtic Baabaas Team last year over a pint in Hillfoots RFC clubhouse.

It was an absolute pleasure when both teams and supporters rendezvoused for Beauvais Tournoi 2018 at the end of May.

With only the basic 15 fit(ish) players the side looked for assistance from old friends and were relieved when Belgian Luc Vandermeele helped them again in all our games.

Special mention must go to ‘Little Bo Peep’ Matt who confused his dates of and injured his collar bone playing the Saturday before.

He carried out his shepherding duties admirably though.

The writing was on the wall when they walked out for the first game against a slightly youthful opposition due to French RFU rules.

We played well against Oiulles but lost. Special mention this time goes to virgin tourist JD for lasting a whole 5 minutes before being injured.

The next game was played in a good spirit with the Baabaas crossing the whitewash with Peachy’s superb effort from 20m.

Alas the French opposition scored twice. Lundy the Voice picked up a head injury/cut and was suitably comically covered in bandages. cover.

Lunch came as they walked out for our third game and the look of relief was a sight to be seen. That said a two-hour lunch to sleep off the hangovers was probably too long.

The afternoon's games were played in sweltering temperatures and took its toll on the legs of both young and old.

Special sub Clivo came out to play in the afternoon's games. .

The game against our hosts Beauvias was a tight affair with our stand in No 10 PB crossing from close distance for a lovely try.

Ultimately we fell short losing 2-1. PB kicked brilliantly overall but one penalty kick in particular was so wayward, its probably still in the air now . Not that this was mentioned much post games.

With energy levels draining we came second in our 2 other games and limped onto the field for the last battle. Special thanks to Fabrice Vendous who swooped shirts and donned the Baabaass jersey.

This was against a virtual kindergarten team in effect, however the Baaabaas used their nous to play proper Vets rugby.

They were the better team but were so relieved to hear the final whistle.

Massive well done to Eddie all one can say is well it would have been great to see him in his prime.

Baabaas squad: McTavish, Mathews, Derrick, Provis, Bowyer, Grieg, Lundy, Thomas, Jones, Mepham, Moffat (C), McEwan, Inglis, Dyer, Mathieson, Vandermeele (Belg), Vandoux (F).

Supporters: Ricky, Steve, Matt, Colin, Deanne, BJ, Mo,Wendy, Lyn and Eve.

As always, a huge thank you to Fabrice, Patrick Dorchy and all our friends at Beauvais RFC for hosting a wonderful tournoi as always.

Skipper Andrew Moffat said: "We hope to see you all in the future mes amis.

"Well done to Tav for the kit and thanks to our chairmen Colin Ham and Eddie Inglis.

"Eddie and I were proud to have arranged BarryCoultry’s first outing. Watch this space for our next tour. Allez rugby."