HASLEMERE RFC TOUR TO BENIDORM 23RD – 26TH APRIL 2009
The matadors duly met at Gatwick airport and promptly set about breaking the unofficial limit of 3 pints each before flying. The President himself just about adhered to this limit but he had to try to talk coherently to the check in staff so that was probably wise. On to the plane then with Club Captain HJ sandwiched between the tour trannies (2nd team hierarchy Daryl and Zorro) for the 2 hour flight which passed mercifully without incident although several members who had overindulged had a sneaky nap on the flight. Arrival at Alicante airport went fine with a delay while the trannies changed into ‘something more comfortable’; then on to the hotel which was actually some way from Benidorm – a fact for which many were later grateful.
Thursday night was spent mostly in a karaoke bar where the tour rookies Ben and Zak excelled themselves with some support from senior members including Digby whose classic version of Cracklin’ Rose will not easily be forgotten by those who witnessed it; indeed, the President is still suffering flashbacks and has started to see a psychiatrist as a direct result.
A refreshing swim Friday morning (it was freezing and not flattering to the male form in the genital area) was followed by a very silly and great fun all afternoon drinking games session on the balcony of the beach bar. This was attended by all except the trannies who, it was rumoured, found a couple of eunuchs with whom to hang out.
Friday evening and night is a blur for most but the President was in bed by midnight and Digby spent the night walking round Benidorm with no shoes on.
Saturday was the rugby part of the tour and we began against the hosts, Denia, who cheated by having a set of backs who were a) young and fast and b) sober. They duly beat us 5-1 in tries. We then managed to narrowly lose 4-3 against a very sociable St Andrews team who failed to push the Haslemere pack into reverse despite the combined HRFC front row age of 161 (Swannie/Daly/Burley). Kesteven then beat us rather easily but by then we were more concerned about Jason Woodger who, it turned out, had torn his Achilles tendon.
On to the beach hotel then for the prizegiving and festivities. Your correspondent missed all this as he was with Jason in the hospital, but a good time was had by all and HRFC ended up the winners of the tournament by virtue of stealing the trophy which now resides with pride in our trophy cabinet.
Sunday was a day of recovery although 2 members managed to lose their passports at the airport – Messrs. Ruffe and Powell. The latter’s was found on the coach and returned to the airport in time but Poo Poo had to see the police who, for some reason, wanted him out the country asap and provided a letter to UK customs which did the trick.
The remains of the tour made it to the Mill Tavern and finished off the kitty in fine style.
Next year is Beziers near Montpellier in Southern France so watch this space – this was the best tour for some time and places will be a premium next year.
Tourist of the year – Nathan
Biggest drip on tour – Digby
Dead man on tour – David Burley
Rookie of the tour – joint – Zak Woodger and Ben Kelly
Photos can be located by clicking this link...
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