An ‘inebriated’ AEI took to the field on a sunny day in Tiel, Holland in an attempt to overcome a much stronger dutch side on their 2002 tour to Nijmegen.
The dutch forwards, using their superior size and strength forced through a number of tries. AEI, no matter how incapable (twas the alcohol Sir!), broke the Tiel barriers using their backs to create an overlap on the right allowing Richard Pinks to score in the corner (!?). Neil ‘Jocky’ Corbett missed the conversion which had to be taken from the less-than-easy touchline position.
Even with great pressure bearing upon them, the AEI pack moved forward with great help from replacements Nick Goodey and veteran Dave Pritchard. The backs had a number of good runs throughout the game with amazing eye-ball coordination from Tim Sly and Tony Chronnell.
The second half saw both teams defend well, not allowing one try to be scored. The game finished with a 24 – 5 scoreline which did not reflect the all given by AEI. The aftergame activities involved dancing (see Terry Bott), singing (shhh!) and stripping from AEI’s very own youth contingent (you know who you are). The locals saw our resilient boys take to the bar games with a vengeance, but many lived to regret it.
Many a dutchman were confused to see two virgin tourists playing rugby in the nude! The captain AND ‘man or the match’ Mr. Andy Clark along with the committee should be congratulated for organising a truly memorable tour. AEI wish to note the following: “We would just like to apologise…watch out Rugby, because we’re back…and we’re sober!”
Gareth Raisbeck