High praise

for hospitality

at Bude

From Greg Pashley:

I HAVE just seen a copy of the Post dated October 22, 2009 in which you describe a Rugby match between Bude Colts and St. Paul's Manly.

Your report was very generous to St. Paul's as the score, 32 - 7, was a fair indication of the difference between the two sides. Bude gave an exhilarating display of running Rugby and were easily the most talented and entertaining team we played on tour.

At times during the game I thought I was back DOWN UNDER as the local boys unleashed yet another 'Wallaby' style backline raid on the hapless visitors from Manly.

More important than the match result was the wonderful spirit that both teams brought to the game. The running was hard, the tackling passionate but the play was fair. The atmosphere generated by the large crowd (most of the town it seemed) was electric as play swept from end to end. The scenes of both teams singing together in the darkening gloom, will live in the memory far longer than the match result. The strong fellowship and respect between the players was continued into the night, in celebrations back at the Bude Rugby Club.

St Paul's College, Manly would like to thank, through you, the Bude community for the generous hospitality which was extended to our players, staff and parents.

In a real sense it was the whole town of Bude that hosted our touring group for those three days in October. As well as families associated with the Bude RFC and Budehaven High School, I know that people from the town and surrounding areas, with little or no connection with rugby, answered the call and took in our players. I have been associated with a number of similar tours and I can honestly say that I have never seen such a degree of hospitality and generosity.

Our particular thanks must go to Jane Pettit from the Bude RFC who pulled the whole visit together. While we were in Bude she was at the club morning, noon and night looking after us.

Jane organised the billeting of players, transport, food and drink; in fact almost everything to do with our visit. Denise May, from Budehaven HS, who was our original contact, also worked tirelessly to make our visit a success.

In addition, she organised for our Football team to visit Bodmin, where they received the same high level of hospitality from Kev Moseley at Bodmin College and the people of the town.

A special thank you to 'Stewie' who looks after the bar at the Rugby Club.

The Manly boys had a marvellous tour and enjoyed excellent hospitality and sportsmanship from schools throughout England, from Cheshire in the north, to Shrewsbury in the west and Canterbury in the south-east.

However, without doubt, our visit to Cornwall was the highlight. We all want to return one day. Thank you Bude!

Tour Director

St Paul's College,

Manly NSW,

Australia.