The start of April can only mean one thing: our annual minis tour to the south coast!
230 mini-Antlers and parents made their way to our base at PGL Osmington Bay (near Wymouth) for a 2 night break.

After an early start to board our fleet of coaches we (eventually) got away to OAKMEDIANS RFC for a fantastic morning of rugby. The light rain that followed us from Weymouth to Bournemouth turned into a deluge but our players were undeterred and put on brilliant displays against teams from Reeds Weybridge, Rosslyn Park and hosts Oakmedians (among others) in really tricky/sticky conditions.

Returning to PGL we all refuelled with a carb-heavy lunch (more chips anyone?) and then attacked the climbing walls and abseiling towers. Happily the sun broke through and we enjoyed a glorious afternoon watching all kids from U7 to U11 spidering about at some dizzying heights.

After dinner and a few well earned drinks in the bar we gathered for our annual tour court, presided over by tour judge and U11 head coach Terry Buckle. Fancy dress theme was ‘Nations of the World’ and it’s safe to say we looked an eclectic group.
TREDS awards were celebrated along with players of the day and a range of crimes and misdemeanours were ‘punished’ with pies in the face (including the judge himself- but what goes on tour must stay there..).

Sunday morning saw the tour party gather at LYTCHETT MINSTER RFC for our second festival of the weekend. A real test of fitness and determination for all. Happily, our teams drew on the teamwork and understanding developed at Oakmedians and on the climbing walls to deliver some stand out performances that will live long in the memory.

Big thanks to our sponsors Wovenlight and Neuro Rehab Practice, Andy Philby and his team for their organisation and well done to all who travelled for their stamina and great TREDS values displayed.

Rugby tours are an essential ingredient in Teddington RFC’s history and identity and like all good tours, this one has forged new, deeper bonds between our players and age groups that will pay dividends over the seasons to come. Roll on 2024!