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Boro break new ground on tour

10/ 5/2008

LITTLEBOROUGH under 13s/14s embarked on their first ever tour when they travelled to London last weekend.

The team was based at the Thistle Hotel, Heathrow, and on Saturday faced Marlow in a match played in three 20-minute segments to allow team changes to be made.

The hosts had only lost two games all season, both against top clubs, and they ran out winners. The visitors gained some consolation when Matthew Goldthorpe rounded off a scintillating run with a try.

Adam Murphy, who defended stoutly, was named player of the match.

It wasn’t all plain sailing, as Jonathan Tharby and Isaac Campbell were taken to Wexham Place Hospital with suspected fractures. They later rejoined the group, duly plastered.

On Sunday morning a planned visit to Twickenham and the ‘Walk of Legends’ didn’t happen as building work meant the stadium was inaccessible.

The afternoon was spent at The Stoop Arena where the lads received top-class coaching from the Harlequins’ Academy coaches.

This was followed by ringside seats to watch Harlequins play Sale. It was a terrific match and a terrific win for Sale.

On the journey back a special award was made for the outstanding character on the tour, Isaac Campbell hobbling forward on crutches to accept the accolade.

Votes of thanks went to manager Wendy Lord for her organisation, and tour photographer Tony Fleming for his hard work. Not forgetting the boys who behaved impeccably and were a credit to Littleborough Rugby Union Club.