This year’s tour venue was sunny Somerset, Butlins Minehead to be more precise, where we were joining in a Leicester Tigers organised tournament. 6,000 happy people checked in on Friday, for a weekend of netball, football and junior rugby and there were even some girls ruby teams! Steady boys!

After a long 5 hour bus journey we arrived at Butlins, all we had wished for… entertainment, slot machines, bars, nightclub, bowling, burgers, pizzas, ice cream and a kebab shop all under one roof! It was going to be an interesting weekend!

Rugby started on Sat and we were in a group of 4 with our first game against Brixham. A 6 try rout in the 20 min game was a great start but we stuttered a little in the 2nd game against Lutterworth, going a try down but managing an equalising score to finish 1 try a piece. The crunch game against Shrewsbury was up last, with the opposition on 2 wins and Chinnor on 1 win and draw, it was winner takes all for Group 2. Chinnor soaked up a lot of pressure but managed a score just after half time and then held on against a strong Shrewsbury side. A good mornings work on pitch lead to an afternoon of recreation by the pool, playing mini golf and trips to the local Morrison’s!

After a late night for some (tour rules apply!) we assembled for breakfast and counted the injuries. We were awaiting the conclusion of the Group 1 game and this confirmed Abergavenny as our semi final opponents. Expecting strong Welsh opposition we started well, turned over the ball from our kick-off and scored in the corner. The game was being played at high intensity and our boys were ferocious at the breakdown, really knocking the wind from the Welsh sails. We scored again before half time and Abergavenny were a constant threat but our defence held and a third try sealed a final appearance. A special mention for Jack Sewter’s try saving tackle on a massive Abergavenny centre brought a massive cheer from the crowd!

Next up Pontpridd! Another strong Welsh team who had yet to concede a try in the tournament. This was to be the most competitive challenge yet with some huge forwards and quick backs we would need to be on our game and teamwork vitally important. As with well matched sides, it was a stop start game with lots of set pieces and with defences dominant, chances were going to be rare. Ponty were edging the scrums but not using the ball and Chinnors defence although at times scrambling, was excellent. Ponty had more territory but failed to unlock the Chinnor defence. Half time no score. Chinnor started the second half well and gained some territory from which Mendi scored in the corner. Big cheers from the crowd. Ponty came back, but the Chinnor boys with their noses in front, closed out the game well. Final whistle and the celebrations started as the bench invaded the pitch in a rather unrugby like fashion!

Every boy played his part in our tournament victory playing or supporting their team mates, we made the most noise at the pitchside and really created the Chinnor club “on tour” atmosphere. Well done to everyone and a special mention to the Dads who helped organise the tour and also joined us in Minehead. Special mention to Nick for his superb leadership of the group and to our coaches for their tactical genius!

Please add your tour highlights in the comments below!