U14s Rucking all over the Jocks

U14s 2002 Scottish Tour 19th-21st April 2002
Maids Rucking all over the World Part 1

Knowles accused of incarcerating party in Edinburgh dungeon.
"They should have stayed at the real one over the road, then," Knowles later commented.

Sadly, the tour was later marred by an almighty row - Richard Robinson at the karaoke. Frequent police raids were another regrettable outcome of what was otherwise a happy trip. Top businessman Keith Knowles was arrested for organising a trip for the touring party to a dungeon - causing confusion with the real Edinburgh Dungeon across the road. There were also complaints from the CPS (Cow Preservation Society) at the amount of leather trousers being worn. Three tourists, Nicola Stefan, Sarah Hocking, and Keith Knowles were later arrested.

A charge of poisoning the party was also levied by Edinburgh police at Classic FM boss Roger Lewis. Witnesses testified that he was seen buying nachos with foul pink clotted cheese, at the Edinburgh-Cardiff game. He was let off with a caution. Chief prosecution witness Lloyd Adam admitted eating the whole lot before complaining about them for the rest of the tour. Another witness, Peter Cannon, was discharged - he was unable to give evidence because he was eating his 56th tour burger.

The three opposition teams in the Wilson Quaich event were Ross High, Penicuik and Haddington, who were all large, physical and committed. Maids had promised all 27 of their players equal game time and the gamble paid off handsomely. Maids were outstanding in all three games, showing a mixture of skill and courage. Joe Thomas calmed Maids' nerves in the first match against Ross High with a try after a brilliant opening passing of play. David Hodgson converted. Maids then had to hold out against severe pressure, helped out of a tight corner when from a line-out near their line, a superb back row move saw Tom Kay, then Tim Johnson, then Andrew Jones, carry the ball 50 metres to lift the siege. There was also remarkable courage from Tom Hocking and Chris Richardson, who were both up against a much bigger opponent. Hocking and Richardson were calmness itself, and refused to let Ross attackers pass them. Alex Cannon and Ryan Christian, both on prime form on tour, scored tries in the second half, with Cannon converting one from the left-hand touchline with a remarkable kick. The final score was 19-0.

The final phase of the match saw Penicuik desperately pressing for a consolation score and frankly, a referee who was determined to allow them one. Ollie Styles showed outstanding leadership at this stage, organising a remarkable goal-line stand by Maids in which the whole team defended brilliantly. Sadly, the referee got his wish, awarding Penicuik and try when the ball-carrier clearly lost the ball as he placed on the thigh of a Maids defender. The final score was 17-5 to Maids.

After that, Maids turned the game. Tom Kay broke the stalemate with a run of stunning power, typical of his whole tour. Hodgson kicked the conversion and the match was made safe when skipper Thomas, battling injury and exhaustion, scored down the right. He was presented with the Quaich later by the president of Ross High, who were to prove outstandingly hospitable hosts. Scottish & Newcastle Breweries generously sponsored lunch and drinks for both teams. Alex Cannon was the referees' choice as Maids best player of the tournament. Yet all three front row players. Pat McSweeney, Ashley Hanks and Jack Robinson, wing Elliott Hawkes or hooker Mark Williams could have been in contention, with Hanks making his first appearance since a serious shoulder injury.

Luckily, some top quality acts, straight from sell-out shows in Madagascar, then took the stage. A duet as accomplished as Travolta and Newton-John (Reg Travolta and Doris Newton-John, that is) in the shape of Peter and Sarah Hocking, belted out their interpretation of the old classic "Don't go Breaking my Heart". Then Tom "Who are you calling Old Tom, Jimmae" Kay brought the audience to a standstill with his rendition of "Lovin' Feeling", the old hit for the Kray Brothers. "Maggie May", a rendition of the Rod Stewart hit performed here by the O'Sheehan Sisters, was broadcast live by Vodafone to a massed live audience (Mandy and three others in their lounge in Maidenhead)

Maidenhead played brilliant and courageous rugby, organised by Ali Bruce or Tom Lewis at fly-half. They scored through the superb Kay and they actually "won" the second quarter of play with a try by Jack Robinson. In this second quarter, Maidenhead were totally dominant despite fielding a less experienced side and onlookers found it the most inspiring passage of play of the season. Luke Knowles and Ryan Christian were among a whole raft of players to make stunning efforts.

Maids continued to press in the final quarter, inspired by captain Mitch Batten and by the running from deep of Andrew Hogan and the passion of Chris Adam. Maids created chances, were over the home line three times but were not awarded the touchdown; they also passed up several chances after creating overlaps. They took their foot off the gas late on and conceded two converted tries for an entirely lop-sided scoreline of 29-12, no reflection on the run of play.

The standard of play, company, organisation and hospitality, not to mention Keith's excellent staff at the tour base, left everyone looking forward already to the next touring instalment.

Chris Adam , Mitchell Batten , Alasdair Bruce , Alex Cannon , Ryan Christian , Andrew Foot , Ashley Hanks , Elliott Hawkes , Tom Hocking , Andrew Hogan , Dave Hodgson , Andrew Jones , Tim Johnson , Thomas Kay , Luke Knowles , Tom Lewis , Anthony Lewis , Patrick McSweeney , Thomas Morgan , Chris Parrott , Thomas Plumer , Chris Richardson , Jack Robinson , Sam Stefan , Oliver Styles , Joe Thomas , Mark Williams.

The parents and coaches on tour have asked to remain anounymous!