A total of 72 Monmouth Rugby Club members returned from a week of rugby missionary work in New Jersey with all four games played resulting in victory. Their reception was most hospitable in Red Bank - a rather wealthy and picturesque part of the State- and with Manhattan a mere 40 minutes ferry ride away for the obligatory sightseeing. Cultural aspects included viewing the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia by some, although one tourist was heard to argue that he had a clock which was older than all of the USA, as well as breakfasting heartily most days (around noon that is!) on eggs and more eggs. The Rugby was whole-hearted, some would even say physical and fierce, but in the end it was our ball retention skills that won through negating the 'up and at them' approach of their hosts. The opening game was the hardest against New York Old Blues when it took a while for the visitors to settle, gradually taking control and extending the lead to win 27-12. The lack of showers given the hour was more than compensated by the excellent all-weather surface and the post match entertainment in a nearby hostelry. Two further days of socialising were not the best preparation for the Saturday 'tournament' prefaced by a very entertaining ladies game between local club Monmouth County RFC versus new club Brooklyn. Next the 'Veterans' showed their former skills to play perhaps the most stylish of rugby of the day's events albeit at a slightly more gentile pace than hitherto, coming out 42-15 winners and fortunately with minimal injuries which was rather important given that some of these players were to double up when the Druids were to complete the day against the hosts' 2nd XV. The piece de resistance was the 1st XV game against the crème de la crème of the County and it took some time before the battering runs by the hosts were finally curtailed and then split asunder. Given the lack of sleep of the visitors, the heat of the day and the immensely wide pitches Americans seem to habitually play upon, the eventual victory by 49–10 was testimony to skill and technique over muscle and fitness but should Monmouth County make the return journey to Wales as is hoped they can be expected to have learned from their 'old country' meets 'new' experience and will no doubt become more of a force to be reckoned with as their skills develop. The spirit is certainly there already. The final game of the day brought a further victory by 15-10 for the Druids and this was quite a highlight given that by now breakfast and meaningful refreshment was a good 6 hours previous and as mentioned above, some had already played for 60 minutes when the veterans turned out. All in all a highly successful trip, graciously received by the Mayor of Monmouth County and hospitably welcomed by their Rugby Club and the Oyster Point Hotel with particular thanks to organisers James, Jock and Byron and the many sponsors they obtained. Talk has since progressed to the possibility of next touring in Italy but first there is the Players Awards Evening to attend in the Club-house this coming Saturday and then the AGM on 16 June. Roll on next season and then another tour!
