Italy 2011
The Blue Sox XV tour squad arrived in Italy very early on Friday morning or was it still Thursday? Many thanks to Ryan Air for changing the flight from Bologne to Venice! Further news was then received that Saturday’s game was put back so a round robin tournament would be played on Sunday.
Wickie receives his 10 tour tie and manuscript from Stevie.
Some of the tourists get a well earned refreshment break.
Stevie in pensive mood.
Roger not so pensive.
Cleaned up a bit.
The plus side was that it gave the squad an extra training session on the beach on Saturday.
The location for the tournament was Forli and the first opposition for the Blue Sox was Rugby Club Cesena. This was a tight affair but Bann were able to run out 15 – 0 winners in the end.
Banns second game was against Rugby Club Forli. The tourists raced into a 10 – 0 lead and so it remained until half time. In the second half Forli threw everything at the Banbridge side and deservedly pulled a score back. The hot weather, the travel and perhaps one fitness session too many began to take its toll and Forli scored out wide to draw level at 10 – 10. This pushed Bann to dig deep and with the final move of the game a loose ball was chased down by prop Barney McKevitt. Unfortunately it was cleared by Forli and the ref blew for full time. A draw in this match was a fair reflection of the game.
Andy relaxes after the final match.
Blue Sox and RC Forli.
Following the usual exchange of gifts, ties and plaques, Stuart Marshall made his maiden Banbridge RFC speech as Blue Sox captain for the day. Stu of course now wears the ‘Cregagh Red Sox’ of Malone but is still on course to become a Blue Sox legend in time.
Stu makes his maiden speech to the Cesena officials.
And again to the Forli officials.
Stu shows how 'the boot' should be tasted.
Rugby Club Forli were excellent hosts and the usual post match festivities were held. RC Forli will be more than welcome should they ever decide to visit Ulster.
Forli fun and games.
He's back! Wickie had an absolute curracker of a tour!
Jacko waiting for the tide to come in.
Tourists were Andy Cowan, Kris Eadie, Stevie Gilmore, Stephen Jackson, Gareth Kelly, Stuart Marshall, Roger Martin, Barney McKevitt, Barry McKevitt, Wayne Moran, Chris Nelmes, Stevie Oldham, Stuart Wickie and Paul Cairns.
Captain for the matches was Stuart Marshall
1997 - Oldham 1998 - Newcastle 1999 - Cardiff 2000 - Edinburgh 2001 - Netherlands 2002 - Isle of Man 2003 - Czech Republic 2004 - Uxbridge 2005 - Estonia 2006 - Blackpool 2007 - Germany 2008 - Devon 2009 - Portugal 2010 - Irvine 2012 - Leeds