This article was first published in the 1978 Yearbook.
In December 1976, talk was among the Westside Harlequins RFC that “it sure would be nice to make an overseas tour.” And at the time, that’s all it was — just talk. Little did those members know that their thoughts and dreams would come to pass in October of the following year.
October 1st through October 17th marked the dates of the first Westside Harlequins RFC tour to Ireland and Wales. Armed with 25 members and some additional players and supporters, the Harlequins started their tour of the British Isles. Despite several delays in Milwaukee, the plane finally left Sunday morning (October 2nd) for a most memorable flight to Shannon, Ireland.
Presentation RFC (Limerick)
We received a hearty welcome from Presentation RFC at Shannon Airport, and then with our hosts began our descent on the city of Limerick, Ireland. The members were housed in private homes and got a feeling for Irish life in general.
The match the following day was set for 5 p.m. In the morning we had a short practice at the pitch and quickly realized that the pitch also doubled as a horse’s run-about. Some of the players demonstrated moves never before seen — out of necessity!
We also demonstrated that we could not handle the ball. The match later that day was to tell a much different story.
In the match we dominated almost all phases.
Despite a low-scoring affair of 11–8, several opportunities were missed that could have made the Harlequin victory even more one-sided. Mike Landry and Chuck Coakley made several long runs that, had there been the proper support, could have been scores.
Joe McCook also played a stellar game, and some of the Presentation players may still be feeling the after-effects of spending an afternoon on the same pitch with Big Buddy!
The party following the match was most enjoyable. Our hosts were gracious and their wives provided an excellent meal.
Our stay was much too short in Limerick, and this should be improved upon in subsequent tours.
Youghal RFC
Tuesday (October 4th) we traveled to Youghal, Ireland via Cork City. The ride and the scenery were beautiful. At Youghal we were quartered at the Sir Walter Raleigh Hotel. Although not as relaxing as our accommodations the previous two days, we were in out of the cold.
The match on Wednesday (October 5th) proved to be a sterner test of our rugby abilities.
Had the referee shown up on time, the outcome may have been different. We had to settle for the Youghal RFC president, and he was not at all up to standards. The outcome was 22–14 in favor of Youghal RFC.
Enough said.
Off to Wales
Thursday (October 6th) we traveled along the eastern coast of Ireland to Rosslare. Despite several pub stops en route, we did not lose anyone. At Rosslare we boarded a ferry that would take us to Wales.
The ride across the Irish Sea was an experience that everyone should have at least once. Several found out just how tough and rough they were — some spent a lot of time in the “cookie toss” room.
Friday (October 7th) at 1 a.m. we arrived at Fishguard, Wales to begin our attack on the fatherland of the game we were professing to play. We arrived in a pouring rainstorm and there was nary a friend in sight. After several inquiries as to the whereabouts of the Frenchman Motel, we started off in the dead of night.
Two miles later we came upon our lodging for that night. Some immediately attacked the bar, others tried to dry out and get some rest.
Penclawdd RFC
About 11 a.m. that day the welcoming party from Gorseinon arrived to take us on the best portion of the tour. Led by Mr. T. Brian Davies (“Bigi”), we boarded a bus and headed for Gorseinon. A stop was made at the White Hart Pub — one of the oldest pubs in Britain.
Upon arriving in Gorseinon we received our accommodations and headed off to get settled. That night we had a very warm welcome from our hosts and everyone soon realized that they had found their second home.
Saturday (October 8th) we played a match with Penclawdd RFC. The Welsh play a much more attacking type of game and we were soon well aware of that. Center Mike Landry scored an excellent try on a long burst; flanker Tom Drysdale scored a try after a lineout following a classic move by scrum-half Dave Brienzo. Despite our efforts, the Welsh proved to be too much and the final outcome was 18–12 Penclawdd.
Following the match an excellent meal was provided at their clubhouse. We soon found out that we were no match for their singers, so we sat back and enjoyed the beer and song. We were saved complete humiliation by “The Wild Mountain Frog” and a great rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner.”
Gorseinon RFC
Sunday (October 9th) we were guests of Gorseinon RFC members for dinner and everyone had a quiet, peaceful day.
Monday (October 10th) we played our match with Gorseinon RFC. A short practice in the morning got us loosened up. By match time we were ready to try and even our record for the tour.
The match was well played by both sides. Chuck Cooper, Tim Lawler, and Joe Kloiber each scored tries, but the lack of a consistent kicker kept us from victory in this final match. The conversions, plus some makeable penalties, were the victory margin. The final score was 18–12 in favor of Gorseinon RFC.
A great meal followed the match, as the Gorseinon RFC ladies outdid themselves. Several pints followed, and along with the Pontarddulais singers, a most enjoyable evening was spent by all.
Tuesday (October 11th) we attempted to show our appreciation for the wonderful time we had by providing a meal and some beer for both Penclawdd RFC and Gorseinon RFC at the Gorseinon clubhouse. This gave us a chance to renew our all-too-short acquaintances from Saturday’s match and say our goodbyes. We shall definitely stop here on our next tour!
Thus ended the rugby portion of the tour — only one victory to show for our efforts, but a wealth of knowledge gained.
Llanelli
Wednesday (October 12th) several of us went to Llanelli to watch a match between Llanelli RFC and Cross Keys RFC. Several British Lions and Welsh internationals were performing in that game, and it was a must-see. You had to be there. Llanelli ran all over their opponents. Following the match, Coach Norman Gale of Llanelli took us to the locker room and several of our members met some of the players. Imagine meeting Phil Bennett and Derek Quinnell! Following the match we spent some time in the Llanelli club, where we met previous Welsh internationals and had a few hours of good conversation.
Heading home … via London
Thursday (October 13th) everyone departed Wales and went their own way. Several had already left on Wednesday for London.
Saturday (October 15th) several of our players had a match in London with a team from the Washington D.C. area. We won 28–0. In the afternoon most of the group met at Twickenham to watch the U.S.A. XV play against an English XV. We all cheered our best, but the Americans were not equal to the challenge and lost.
Sunday (October 16th) the entire group gathered at Gatwick Airport for the flight home. The famous London fog rolled in, and a short delay turned into 24 hours. When given word that no flights would leave until Monday morning, several of the tour left to spend the night at a motel. A few hardy souls chose to stick it out at the airport. When the plane finally rolled down the runway, it was discovered that one of the girls had been left behind.
A weary group impatiently made its way through customs in Milwaukee. Although very glad to be home, the entire group agreed it was a never-to-be-forgotten experience, and all were already making plans for the next voyage across the water.
