Philippines Tour 2009

First Match Report from " Rugby in Asia "

Second Match Report from "Rugby in Asia"

Thanks to Philip Gittus of www.rugbyinasia.com for allowing us to use the above links

OLNEY STILL UNBEATEN IN PHILLIPINNES !

Olney Rugby club's incredible unbeaten record in the Phillipinnes remains in tact ,as our hero's return today (Sunday 3rd May) following two impressive victories over typically strong opposition.

Olney won their first tour game 51 points to seven, although home full back Phillip Eno was awarded Man Of The Match.

The second fixture was a closer match with Olney hanging on to win 30 points to 28, Doddsy has informed me that he was Man Of The Match. I also understand the home team had more than a few impressive Hookers.

Well done tourists, our international reputation remains in tact, Argentina awaits !

Many Thanks to Nick Deighton for supplying the following Tour diary

Olney RFC Tour - Philippines 2009

On 24^th April 2009 a party set off on what was to be a somewhat unique tour for a junior club. The tourists consisted of the old and the young, players and officials, the fit and the fat, one clumsy one and a worthy representation of the club in general.

Over the course of the next 10 days there were to be many memorable moments and several experiences which will have put Olney Rugby Club well and truly on the global rugby map, and will also have contributed to the development of rugby in the Philippines.

So to follow, by means of a brief diary here are a few of the more notable moments of the tour:

24^th April - Tour party meets at rugby club for breakfast. Kit divided out, tour shirts distributed, late arrivals suitably punished, coach heads off to Heathrow for the start of a long flight

25^th April – Change planes in Doha (Qatar) for flight to Manila. Landed in Manila mid afternoon to be met by Johnsie’s uncle. This man deserves a mention for guiding us through airports at a pace and dealing with coaches etc. A true star. Arrived at the Makati Palace Hotel an hour later, checked in and met at the first bar we spotted which happened to be 10 metres from the hotel entrance!! The Matrix Bar was to become a sort of informal base. Next stop: Rogues - a typically friendly establishment with pleasant hospitality at not too expensive prices. A most enjoyable introduction to the locals for many and just a late night for the rest.

26^th April – Sunday meat raffle at the Matrix Bar. Winners were not too keen to collect their prizes. Don’t think the locals had seen anything like it. After a long flight and a hard night it was nice to have a relaxing afternoon. A few managed to get to the Mall of Asia by Jeepney (Philippines bus), most took the opportunity to relax. Late afternoon up by the rooftop pool followed by a night of exploration in restaurants and bars. Stabbing incident, but this was an internal issue quickly dealt with. Particularly interesting female boxing in one bar using guest referees.

27^th April – Up at a reasonable hour ready for afternoon flight to Cebu. Evening in the Beach Club bar for bonding and singing session.

28^th April – Rum for breakfast. Early morning boat trip for seafood banquet at floating restaurant. Afternoon coaching at with orphans and junior players for Operation Restore Hope- the charity supported by the Cebu Dragons rugby club. Early evening court session. Meet and greet evening with members of the Dragons in Cebu.

29^th April – Rum for breakfast. A somewhat restful day swimming and relaxing by the pool. Players preparing for evening match against Cebu Dragons. 7.00pm kick off. Result after a hard fought contest Olney 61 – Cebu Dragons 7. Presentations later at the Out of Africa restaurant. Transport by moped to town for drinks later.

30^th April – Rum for breakfast. Snorkelling, boat trips, jet-skiing, swimming, cocktails by the pool. Some of the snorkelers got wet earlier than expected courtesy of a fat chap on a jet ski. Joe went swimming for the first time in 10 years. Got in OK but couldn’t actually get out!! Into shanty town for the cock fighting later. One tourist showed an eye for a good fighting cock and cleaned up on the betting.

1^st May – Rum for breakfast. Gather together for flight back to Manila. Matrix Bar court session followed by meal out and (no surprises here) a wander round some of the bars.

One or two starring performances in the Karaoke bar and one or two not so good.

2^nd May – Breakfast followed by shopping for some. Lie in for others. Travel to match against Manila Barbarians in the afternoon. A tough game, and full credit to all players for a well deserved win in extremely hot and humid conditions. Final score 30 -28 to Olney.

After celebrating well, including a bit of dwarf tossing, the touring party decided to stay up until the early hours coach took us to the airport for a 6.30am flight back to Doha and eventually, Heathrow.

To sum up, the tour was tiring but full of incident and memories. Thanks must go to Dean Henrickson, Marcus Johns and the tour committee for the organisation of the tour. Particular thanks to all our sponsors and to the clubs we played against to help promote rugby in the Philippines. Thanks must be expressed to the committee of Olney Rugby Club for their support of this tour and its fundraising efforts at a time when the purchase of Doffs field is of great importance to the club.