U16 Rugby Tour To Rovigo, Italy
In October 1995 Newbridge College recieved an invitation from Mr. P. Mooney(I.R.F.U), to compete in an U-16 rugby Tourin Rovigo, near Milan, Italy. Having recieved the blessing of the headmaster it was decided to accept the invitation and send a squad of 4 staff and 23 players. The squad would consist of players from both the 1995 and 1996 Junior Cup Teams. The cost was paid by the tour party and a sponsored programme assisted in purchasing a strip and presentation etc.
We departed Dublin airport for Milan at midday on Thursday 2 May, arriving in a very wet and wind blown Milan at 3.30 pm. A further coach journey of some 4 hours brought us to Rosoluna more than a half hour from Rovigo, our base for the tournament.
The next day (Friday) saw us off to an early start to take in the glories of Venice. Saturday dawned and a somewhat sleepily dazed party had breakfast at 6.30am and we made our way to Rivogo for kickoff at 8.00 am. I never experienced such an early start in a tournament anywhere.
Our group in the competition consisted of 6 teams sub - divided into 3 teams. Games lasted 20 minutes and the winners of each subgroup played off for a place in the top six. Our first game was against L'Aquilla RFC Italy and we quickly showed our strenght with a great try from Stuart McKenzi- Smith. Other scorers were Diarmuid Kenneally and Alan Geraghty. At 9 am we met STEFANO RFC (ITALY) and we had another good win with scores from Stuart McKenzie-Smith,Alan Geraghty, Alan Lane and Rory Ruxton.
Having come top of our group we would play the winners of the other group the following day, for a place in the top six. After some rest and lots of liquid we met Bania RFC a strong looking outfit who had pulverised their earlier opposition.
We got a grip on this game early and much to their surprise we defeated them by four tries. We had a more leisurely morning on Sunday with breakfast, mass in Rovigo and an 11 o'clock lunch. Kick off was at 1 pm against Beneton RFC. After a slow start in dealing with increasingly larger forwards and better defensive backs we deafeated them by two tries. Rovigo, the local club were next were the next team we encountered. It was another tough contest with them scoring first with a penalty. Stuart again broke free and scored a good try followed by another from Henry Hegarty. The final score was 12-3, we were on our way to the final. The three teams in the other final group were the Northamptonshire schools, the Bridgend schools and Padva College (Jesuits).The eventual winner from this group were the Northampton schools and the final was set for 5.30pm.
This game kicked off with two rather tense sides engaging in an end to end battle of very exciting proportions. Slowly we got territorial advantage and extra possession and were rewarded with a try.
They replied within minutes with a fine try , score at half time 5-5. The second half was a nail - biting 20 minutes of missed chances and errors by both sides. The final whistle saw the score unchanged. Extra time you might think? No, this was Italy - a penalty shoot out - best of six kicks - we lost by a couple of kicks, "what a way to lose after so much hard work".
We had a quiet celebratary meal and the usual speaches and presentation with pronouncements of everlasting friendship in Rugby.
This was a first time only tour abroad for most of this party and I compliment them on their deportment and conduct both on and off the field of play. A most enjoyable experience which one could very pleasurably undertake again. They were a credit to their parents and their school.
Our thanks to the headmaster, teachers and parents who made it all possible. Our tour programme sponsors and particular thanks to Mr. Mick Fallon of Aer Lingus for his assistance in travel arrangements and his interpretational skills, also, a special thanks to Mr. Phil Mooney for his assistance and liaison but mostly, thanks to all members of A MILANO RFC ROVIGO who will not be beaten for warmth and sportsmanship. An excellent tournament.
Arivi Derci
