Rugby Colts Tour to
Hereford, 1970-71

During the last week of the spring term fifteen fourth form boys and four third form boys from St. Nicholas plagued the sleepy city of Hereford during a short rugby tour. After our long journey we ventured out to satisfy our appetites and explore the town.

The next day the local Wimpy Bar realised our potential and extra staff were brought in for our stay. In the afternoon we played Hereford High School and we should undoubtedly have won this game but for over-eagerness, and for the fact that the third formers were getting used to the fourth formers' play, so we were defeated 9-0.

On Tuesday morning our party jolted along in our dilapidated coach to Leominster. After a school meal we went onto the field with the knowledge that this team had defeated the Hereford School. However, we played our best attacking rugby of the whole season to thoroughly thrash them 24-6. Here the third year's shone. Barber played well in attack and defence, McClelland and Stockwell were both hard-working forwards, and Murtagh, who began by playing at wing forward, ended as a centre where he excelled. The game was marred when Hampson received a serious leg injury and had to attend Hereford Hospital for an examination.

After a visit on Wednesday to the Falconry centre at Newent, we defeated a strong side from the local Bishop's School the next day, and lunches were provided by the opposing school in a Chinese restaurant. After this meal we regretfully had to depart and begin our journey back to Northwood, after a highly successful and enjoyable tour.

B. NASH