2007 HRFC Blind Tour to Rimini

From Official Tour Reporter.

Harbury RFCs Official 2007 Blind Tour kicked off Thursday evening at the Old New Inn, Harbury where the theme was Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, an array of characters were represented including 6 oopma lumpas, an everlasting gobstopper, wonka bar and all 'winning' contestants and parents.

The destination was revealed as Rimini, Italy which was a great relief to many as a beach resort with 30 degree heat was a welcome change from last year where the plane flew over ice packs to Estonia!!

Local beverages were sampled during the Friday on the beach including the local delicacy of Grappa, which allegedly settles the stomach, unfortunately it settled the stomach of one tourist too much and a swift evacuation was called for.

Saturday was Rugby day and the opposition was a team from a local town of Peresso, locals came to view the spectacular feast of Rugby on show in the stadium played in extreme heat. It was almost an Historic event with Horation Kittendorf and 2 of his sons, Darryl and Tom taking to the field, unfortunately third son Ryan 'go home early' Kittendorf was still recovering from a major injury and could not play, but water boy is an important role on tour.

The Pesaro team were young and well drilled and quickly opened up a 15-0 lead, but once the Grappa/Nastro had been sweated out by the senior Harbury team and the forwards began to show their dominance led in the main by Team Captain Steve Oompa Lumpa 1 Kittendorf  quick scores followed  who fed the backs and Darryl 'oompa lumpa 3' Kittendorf and Steve 'Charlie Bucket' Alford scored the first of their two tries in the game.

The second half was very similar to the first with both teams showing flare and willingness to play good rugby from all over the park, further scores came from Matt 'Everlasting' Knight and Adrian' Slugworth' Exton one being a 20 meter push over try from a scrum. It should be mentioned that the Italian front row were allowed rolling substitutes to enable them to compete with the heavy weight front row of 'Head Oompa Loompa, Slugworth and Willy Wonka.

The final score of the day came from veteran Chris 'Mrs Bearegarde' Stacey who sprinted over from 5 meters to score his first ever try for the club, Last kick of the game came from club sponsor/supporter Graham 'Mrs Gloop/Nobby' Foster who was gainfully employed as water boy and specialist kicking team member. The kick was a swirling/looping/curling attempt which sailed straight through the posts (harbury kickers take note during next season!!) Final score was Peresso 50 - 32 Harbury.

The partying and sing songs went on into the small hours where the Italian hosts bought their speciality to the table, good food and wine. Harbury bought a beer bong!!

Sunday was spent relaxing on the beach with the nearby Adriatic lapping at the shores and with a constant stream of Nastro Azzuri being supplied and a club Kabbadi Tournament which entertained hundreds of spectators during the day great fun was had by all.

Thanks are to be passed to John 'Willy Wonka' French and Ken 'Head Oompa Lumpa' Robertson who yet again organised an amazing tour which will be remembered for years to come, anyone wishing to come on next years tour are welcome (any playing/drinking ability) and direct debits can be set up for easy payment.

Thanks are also to be passed to The old New Inn for kicking the tour off well, The Graham Fulford Partnership and The Shakespeare inn for sponsoring the event and supplying Tour tops and Kit bags.

Regards
Wonka Bar

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- Pictures to Come Soon -