Sunday came with little expectation. We had a play off for a place in the Cup final against Cheshunt again and found ourselves defending for the whole match and conceeding two trys. So we would not face Bath in the Cup final. Instead we had a round robin contest against the remaining teams for the Challenge trophy. After the dissapointment the lads immediately picked themselves up and played some stunning rugby with flowing moves and determined drives. 6 trys were scored against Bletchley, three by James Garland and one each for Lewis Remmington, Josh Howland and Tom Grey.Tired and cold with several pairs of boots falling to pieces and cramp setting in the boys went again against Yatton. Yatton failed to use their impresive 13 because we kept the ball with our forwards and pressured their backs making them turn back in to our heavy mob. However we over ran a moe and allowed Yatton to run hard at us and we turned around down 0-5.

This was a must win match and we started the second half well and won ball. An attacking scrum saw a beautiful try executed by James Garland from first phase play with a great pass from Ben Matanle taken at pace by James Garland who burst through the defence untouched and at such speed that the full back never got close and touched down 5-5.

We then had some defending to do as Yatton came back. Now they were winning ball and shipping it to their 13. Three times he ran at our line and three times Daniel Till nailed him in to the touch line saving certain scores. The Yatton heads dropped as a result of this fantastic effort and this left the stage to James Garland to burst through the defence, kick ahead and touch down for the winning score. A great and spirited end to a fun weekend of touring rugby. The boys enjoyed climbing the stage in front of the flashlights to receive the trophy. Several photos will follow.

And what about the lighter side of Touring?....what goes on tour stays on tour but a lot of fun with great lads who behaved impeccably and represented Whitstable RFC proudly and with much credit.