Bridport under 16s Rugby tour special

BRIDPORT Rugby Club under 16s squad revelled in a trip of a lifetime on their tour of South Africa.

The Blues youngsters filled every minute with a different experience, sharing in the country's culture as well as developing on the rugby field against some of the nation's top youth sides.

It was tough going in the four tour matches, which all ended in defeat, but the boys improved in each game and are sure to learn from the South Africans' tactics and style.

But the trip, made possible by £40,000 worth of sponsorship and fundraising, was about much more than an odd shaped ball.

In their action-packed itinerary, the squad climbed Table Mountain, visited Cape Point to see baboons and rock rabbits and Simonstown to see penguins, seals, whales and dolphins.

There was a VIP trip to Newlands - home of Western Province rugby team - where the Blues rubbed shoulders with the stars while they worked out in the gym.

A guided tour of Langa Township made a very strong impression on the boys, especially in the schools, which was a very moving experience.

After playing Gordon High School in Somerset West they left behind three sets of shirts provided by Bridport Football Club and rugby balls provided by Crewkerne Rotary Club, which will go to township teams.

In Stellenbosch, the team was entertained to supper by former Springbok Neil de Beer whose rousing words greatly impressed the team.

They also explored the wildlife with evening and morning game drives, finding lions, elephants, giraffe, rhinos, springbok and wildebeest along the way.

Further along the Garden Route the team went underground in Kango Caves and went whale watching by speedboat in Plattenberg Bay.

Those who wanted to - and most did - had the opportunity of trying some unusual pre-match meals, including ostrich, springbok, kudu, crocodile, snails, calamari and other sea food.

Coach Jim Wedge said the boys really did experience the trip of a lifetime.

"The team have grown up as players and people along the way.

"They have met new friends, have touched and been touched by several different cultures and seen for themselves how the Rainbow Nation is developing.

"The team would like to say thank you to everyone who contributed to a wonderful trip, which will stay in the hearts and minds of each one of them for ever," he added.

In addition to a massive fundraising effort over the past 12 months, the team was sponsored by numerous organisations, great and small who provided three sets of rugby jerseys, rugby balls, medical equipment, track suits, ties, blazers and polo shirts.