THIS year Barry RFC Vets travelled in style to Paris CDG and were gratefully picked up by their Beauvais friends Zeze and Denis.

On arrival in Beauvais, bags were dropped and friendships renewed with hugs for old friends who they had seen a short time ago in the 6 Nations Vets match. A few social beers flowed and virgin tourist drinks awarded to Steve Evans and Ricky McClure of Ricard (aka Pernod).

The team arrived on time for the Tournoi the next morning with a few sore heads and preparations began for finding another four players to bolster the team. Many thanks to Mathieu and the teams newly found Romanian friends Harri, George and Ivan "The Forearm". Chairman of selectors Paul Delaney did his normal excellent job of team selections, aided by the fact that the pack picked itself.

A minutes silence was held to remember the life of a Beauvais stalwart before the Tournoi began, respected impeccably.

The first game played against Rosny on a gorgeous sunny day was a fantastic defensive effort, which ended up in a narrow loss. Barry knew they had to get more ball and a few tactical changes were made to the next fixture.

A few more visiting players were welcomed and Barry set about taking on the next French opponents. Barry played a better game with some of their strike runners in the pack putting in big runs and tackles. Tackle of the Tournoi was by Baz Mills covering back and taking his opponents legs away from him as he was destined to score. The resulting shredded knees and elbows were appreciated by his team mates. Barry went down again by a solitary score.

The next fixture saw a re-match against Laon, which is always a tough encounter. Again some massive hits were put in by Gavyn Elsworth, Nicholas Lundy and Simon Mepham, ably assisted by the sniping of Turnbull and Thomas. Following some excellent build up play by Jones and the other forwards the ball was shipped out. Matt "The Gas" cut a lovely angle and was put in for the winning try by Julian McTavish.

Having got a win on the board Barry's next opponents were Clermont Potages. From the outset the hits were bigger and there was a tension in the air. The author was counter rucked by a young lady much to the amusement of the sidelines.

Barry then went a try behind and a Frenchman forgot what sport he was playing taking some practice out on the authors head. Some words were exchanged and he was allowed a rest period for remainder of the game. With the extra player Barry set about Clermont but parity of players was ensured a minute later by an odd sin binning for a visiting player. The blood and thrust continued and Barry deservedly equalised in the corner. The grudge match ending in a draw and a fair result.

This ushered in lunchtime, water in take, food and the odd drink and player Mickey Mepham finally appeared and naturally fined. Every team joined in the antics singing and clapping as rugby brothers and sisters as is the Beauvais way.

Cuts were bandaged, stiff muscles massaged and the Tournoi continued. Barry RFC Vets then played "Les chats bottés" from Epinal and were requested to take it easy on their two female wingers.

Barry RFC Vets couldn't keep up with one of the wingers as she scored two tries without being tackled. The team later discovered she plays for Stade Francais and runs 100 metres in 13 seconds and she was given a drink fine.

Down three tries to nil Barry battled to the end and scored the final try. The last game saw a last second defeat as players had given their all.

The revelry commenced and for some went late on into the night.

Barry RFC Vets were: Lee Jones, Lee Turnbull, Gavyn Elsworth, Matt Phillips, Clive Thomas, Julian McTavish, Nicholas Lundy, Simon Mepham, Baz Mills, Frank Greig and Andy Moffat.

Chairman of selectors Paul "Donkey" D.

Tourists/gift carriers, water boy/photographers: Pat Jones, Michael Alan Mepham, Steve Evans, Ricky McClure, Wendy, Charlie Chucas, Julie and Jayne.

A massive thank you to hosts Beauvais and friends Fabrice Vandroux, Patrick Dorchy, Yaya Deslos, Ingrid Bethmont, Benoit Coupas, Jean P Delouche et Catherine, Julian Zedam and Denis for their kindness in picking the team up from the airport. The team would also like to thank their friends Luc Vandenameelec Christophe Birnbaumc Zeze and everyone who put on the green jersey.

During their tour Barry RFC Vets supported the charity work of Mike Evans as he raises funds for Velindre. Everyone on the team proudly wore a #Team Evsy band in support of the charity work.