The fine and noble tradition of end of season rugby touring is as healthy as ever. Whilst the Vale Junior teams have been to Scotland to make new friends, the adults have taken the road south to the heart and home of the sport.

The charming and prosperous Warwickshire town of Rugby, (like a big Haverbreaks) would have commanded our attention for its history alone. However, this trip came with more emotional value for the travellers, as it is the birthplace of our much missed friend, Paul Antcliffe.

Tour shirts were, for the first time since Swindon '98, designed in the Vale's cherry and white, albeit updated a little, and each sporting ANKS 15 across the back. A vision made all the more impressive by the largest Trojans touring party in memory. Forty six hardy souls, each man an ambassador for the club, brought the party to the Midlands.

The playing staff were enhanced, both in number and talents, by five guests from Denbigh RUFC, North Wales. This welcome addition was arranged by former Vale player Leon Guerke. There was also guest appearances from Vale old boys, Henry Higginson and Allan Brown.

The weather was kind, but, on the pitch, the home side were not. An early try was racked up before the Vale shook off the effects of a committed night out, and rose to the occasion. A dazzling sixty yard slalom by the elusive Guerke, provided the lean Welsh winger Tom Wynne with the space to finish. He celebrated early as he crossed the line to delight the crowd. E.J. Marchment showed his determination by making the hard yards, knocking down defenders like skittles.

Passages of flashy play came and passed for both sides. Saints had their 'best silver' on display, as their speedy backs outstripped the Vale defences to establish a lead. Mark Bower got his name on the scoresheet with a try in the left corner. Half time arrived with the Vale's eleven 'impact players' all eager to join in. Team manager Paul Peters and DoR Dan Rainford shuffled the cards shrewdly. The fightback was on.

The versatile Higginson, at scrum half, injected pace and initiative to the energised back line. His try under the posts was first class. The combative Harry Fellows endured a finger-wagging from the referee, following some lively exchanges in close contact. A friendly it may have been, but Harry is still Harry.

Despite the Saints' undoubted menace in possession, the Vale had their own special moments too. Coordinated forward play gave Brown a near miss when held up over the try-line, but Captain Jamie Antcliffe triumphed by sheer brute force in the left corner.

The final Vale try came from labyrinthine mind of Vale talisman, Andy Powers. Countless phases of play in the Saints' twenty-two metre area, ended with a ruck on the try-line. Powers manoeuvred his way into position at the base of the ruck with the ball at his feet.

Would he pass it out to the waiting line, all hungry for a chance to shine? Would he pick up and dart left, or maybe right? Powers had only one aim. He saw that the ruck of bodies was only three feet high, and he launched himself over the mound of perspiring humanity. Be it Gridiron showmanship or just a comedy Superman impression? Either way, it brought five points and a lively response for the faithful. A final deserved try from prop Freddie Bartle put the final coat of gloss on the afternoon.

The match result went to the home side, with no argument from the visitors. The Vale's stand-out performer was Leon Guerke, showing the youngsters that being of veteran age does not mean compromising sporting talent.

The gratitude of the party was expressed to R/St. Andrews and our Sunday hosts Barkers Butts RUFC. Particular respect is due to the Trojans' organising committee: Paul Scott, Paul Mason and, at the helm, David Hughes. His commitment and energy propels and steers the touring ship, season after season. Long may it continue.

Playing Contributors. F. Bartle, M. Mount, R. Skelton, S. Stewart, G. Pierce, H. Fellows, P. Scott, A. Powers, K. Banga, J. Antcliffe, T. Wynne, M. Bower, R. Martin. L. Guerke, M. Thackray, D. Cernyw, E.J. Marchment, D. Hughes, A. Brown, M. Donoghue, D. Hodgson, P. Peters, A. Melville, A. Hill, R. Dewar. D. Robinson, H. Higginson,

Non Playing contributors: P. Mason, P. Bartle, D. Bolton, M. Bolton, P. Bolton, D. Hughes, S. Ecclestone, R. Briggs, D. Rainford, J. Stevens, N. Jones. S. Smith, J. Skivington, G. Roberts, S. Briggs, J. Whitty, P. Jackson, J. Winder, B. Lees, P. Watson.