Score: Rugby St. Andrews 7 - BBBRFC 32

This years tour to Rugby saw the BaaBaas maintain their undefeated touring record against Rugby St Andrews. 21 fine athletes with a heavy antipodean influence made their way to the hollowed turf of 'The Close'; the ground where it all began some 176 years ago.

It was a miserable rainy day but almost as if the almighty himself was looking over us the clouds parted for this important clash.

The BaaBaa forwards led the way with a solid performance up front. Late ring-in Ed Shakespeare kept thing solid on the loose head, while injury clad Jum Brownlie hooked. Jum pushed through his injury and even managed to score......at the local nightclub! Tight head was quiet man Hamish Gardiner. The combination dominated winning several tight heads and provided the backs with an abundance of ball.

The tall men in second row were Daniel Tuffery, whose line out skills saw him earn man of the match. He was joined by Craig O'Loughlin. Craig's unusual pick up line of "How much for your women?" and strange tendencies for fossicking through roadside garbage did not go unnoticed.

Flanking was Mike "Street Fighter" Allen, Earhun Butterick and our new choir master Trevor Byrne! All played strong supporting games. Trevor was rewarded for his hard running with a fine barging try in the first half. But nothing moved the team more than his emotional rendition of "Cockles & Mussels"

Mark de St Croix had a blinder at half back and was all over the paddock .A close choice for best on ground. and finished a fine third phase movement in the second half with a try. Any O'Loughlin and Ian MacEachen played five eight. Andy dazzled the opposition with his blistering speed and finished under the posts after a 60 meter run (Well that's what he is telling everyone - more like 20yards Andy!!) Poor Ian, thankfully his performance on the field came nowhere near his abysmal performance off the field . After 5 hours of shovel work he was incapable of closing the easiest of deals and then had his lunch cut by a dark horse team mate. Ian ...Ian ..Ian!!!!!

Centres Steve Jackson James Murray and Hippo Hall were constantly testing St Andrews defence. Hippo no doubt must get best performance on tour. Doing an all nighter and turning up to breakfast with a jug of Jack Daniels - great effort! Our wingers Jimmy Johnson, Brent Carson, Dylan Harper and Jules Samuel all had moments of brilliance in difficult running conditions. Fullbacks Angus Murdoch and Mark McKay proved themselves safe under the high ball. Angus scoring a fine team try which saw the whole back line touching the ball.

While the final score 32-7 was a solid victory, St Andrews came back hard early in the second half. Referee, Wayne "The Wanker" couldn't count past 15 and alas with 16 players on the field St Andrews, outstretched our defence to cross our line. We did recover quickly though, finishing the game with some good running tries in true BaaBaa tradition.

Unfortunately, however I have the misfortune of reporting a touring record being broken. The BaaBaas lost their first game of post match drinking draughts - Sorry guys but what did you expect when you put and Aussie & and Irishman in a game that involves an ounce of intellect!!!.

The match was played in good spirit and thanks must go to the St Andrews team for the warm hospitality - but who the hell thought off lemonade and peanuts for sculling? Special thanks must also go to Jules for organising another cracking tour. We all know if things ever go wrong he'll have a fine future as an historian and tour guide operator.

Final score: 32-7 Tries 6, Conversions 1 , Penalties 0 , Shags 0, Snogs 4.

Simon Slee