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Lions &
PUC - the new 'Auld Alliance'
Scotland and France maintained ancient friendships
despite the International team losing in the Stade de France
on Sunday 23 February. The 'Auld Alliance' was also tested
the previous day when the P7 tourists played PUC, the reigning
French Champions in a pulsating finale to the three match
tournament in Paris. It was a thrilling game in which all
the tries were scored in the first half by John Campbell
and Jamie Smith to a try from the PUC scrum half.
The second half turned into a frantic defensive
encounter as PUC desperately tried to come level. The match
turned on a magnificent try saving tackle from Alex Chisholm
and it epitomised the team spirit of the tourists. The rest
of the team rallied round and stopped what looked like a
certain try. The pressure continued and the Lions held out
despite Stewart Shaw managing to give us all heart failure
with an attempted clearing kick which was reminiscent of
his Dad's shank on the golf course! Fortunately, the final
whistle was blown and the Lions were triumphant 10-5.
It was a a fantastic effort for the whole
squad of 15 players who each in their own way contributed
to the success throughout the tournament that resulted in
a win against SCUF 20 -15 and a draw against US Metro 10-10.
The French play hard, tough rugby which is
far more physical than we are used to in Scotland. It caught
the Lions cold in the first match and it was not until the
second half when the boys managed to get to the pace of
the game and started to impose our fast moving rucking style.
It led to wonderful encounters where the Lions used mobility,
ball skills and continuity to the brute force and the considerable
skill of the French.
Click to enlarge
Our hosts PUC were gallant losers and tremendous
hosts and the Auld Alliance was strengthened at the dinner
in the evening. Rugby brings people together and forms lasting
relationships for parents and the players. We look forward
to them visiting Inverleith in Easter 2004.
This tour has taken the club to the next level
of its development. We are offering children the opportunity
to play rugby on an international stage and the confidence
that is flowing through the club must not be lost. Indeed,
the next generation of age groups must be as ambitions and
endeavour to provide memories and experiences of a lifetime.
Finally, a special word of thanks to Lindsay
Hamilton, Tour Manager whose single minded vision of this
tour was realised. On behalf of the parents and children
of the tour and on behalf of all the club, thank you for
your endless work on making the trip so special.
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