Netherlands 2001
The 'Blue Sox’ XV tour squad headed for the Netherlands on their annual tour in November 2001. Thirty-six tourists of all ages and size made the journey. After the short plane journey the squad had a couple of hours to compose themselves before departing for Tilburg RFC for their first game.
Tilburg is only an hour away from Amsterdam but due to rush hour traffic the journey time doubled, the tour organiser being accused on more than one occasion of organising a ‘magical mystery tour.’
When the ‘Blue Sox’ arrived the match eventually got underway, only 30 minutes late. Tilburg put up a valiant effort but the ‘Sox’ were just too strong in all departments and ran out comfortable winners in a game that was played in true rugby spirit.
Tilburg were excellent hosts and the night in their club will not be forgotten for a while. Tilburg hope to visit Banbridge in the next couple of seasons and so we will be able to return that excellent hospitality.
Saturday morning, and the squad eagerly awaited the starting line up for the AAC Amsterdam game. Those who had not played on Friday night had had their appetites whetted by the fast free flowing brand of rugby on show.
AAC Amsterdam play their rugby at the Dutch National Stadium and the set up was very impressive. AAC had a couple of late cry offs so ‘Blue Sox’ players stepped in. Although a more mature side than that of the ‘Blue Sox’ Tom Cromie played in a front row containing Holland’s former hooker and prop.
Holland’s only ever Barbarian partnered Paul Cairns in the second row and Kris Eadie and Mark Lewis joined their International counterpart in the back row. Ian Scott and Gareth Kelly completed the compliment by joining the back line.
It was a great moment for the ‘Blue Sox’ players when both teams emerged from the tunnel onto the pitch cheered on by the crowd in the grandstand.
This match was a much tighter affair than Tilburg but the Banbridge team once again ran out winners.
Again everyone in the clubhouse had a very entertaining night afterwards.
Sunday was a day of sightseeing and reflection before the court was held on the stage of the Sports bar to the bemusement of a number of American football fans.
Monday morning and yet another tour was over as all 36 who were counted out safely made the plane for home.
The tourists were; A Bicker, C Broderick, P Cairns, B Clinghan, T Cromie, K Eadie, R Eccles, M Ewbanks, A Ferris, B Ferris, R Ferris, D Ferris, S Gilmore, A Hewitson, J Johns, G Kelly, W Kerrigan, M Lewis, I Liddle, G Little, J Maxwell, B McKevitt, M McQuitty, A Moffett, L Mulholland, D Neilly, S Oldham, J Porter, G Scott, I Scott, M Sneddon, D Tucker, Adam Waugh, Alec Waugh, S Wickie and R Wilson.
More pictures coming soon.
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