Following several months of planning — “Yes, we are” and then “No, we aren’t,” and then finally, “Yes, we are going” — the Tour left Chicago on October 3rd for London. Our old friend Rob John made an appearance and proved what we knew when he was in Milwaukee: that it still takes only three beers to get him loaded. It was good to see him, though, and arrangements were made to meet with him when we returned from the Emerald Isle. Our plane for Ireland left in the early afternoon, including a short hop to Dublin.
October 6
The match with Suttonians RFC proved to be tougher than expected. Thanks to our Welsh friends Alex Roberts, Wayne Wilcox and Peter Thomas, we were able to field a team on the tour. Wayne Wilcox became indispensable for the entire tour since we lacked a hooker. The Irishmen were excellent hosts. They sponsored a dance the first night, a song-fest the second evening, and a post-game dinner and party the third night (including the famous “broom-handle race”).
October 7
We took a slow sightseeing bus down the coast to the ferry in Rosslaire. This included stops at Waterford (the rich bought crystal), a castle, and the side of the road for the comfort of the beer drinkers. A court session held on board made the ferry crossing shorter, but it was early morning before everyone was settled at the hotel.
Another slow bus — pit stops at historic pubs the cause — brought the group to Gorseinon RFC and its famed faggots and peas.
October 10
We arrived in Cardiff the day before and discovered the match against the Old Illtydians RFC had been rescheduled from Saturday afternoon to Friday evening. The game was played in the rain on a field covered with four inches of water.
October 13
Monday found all tour members back in Gorseinon in time for an evening match against Gowerton RFC. The host team won 28–4, then treated the visitors to showers, a good buffet dinner and a lively sing-song.
October 14
Gorseinon’s arch rival, Loughor RFC, hosted the Harlequins for a night of good cheer and plenty of drink. It was our great pleasure to meet Mr. Ivor Jones, former British Lions captain and President of the Welsh Rugby Union. We presented Loughor RFC with our club plaque. We had received their plaque on a previous trip of Mr. T. Brian Davis (BIGI).
October 15
The first big match of the tournament was with our host, Gorseinon RFC. Although our playing was good, we just did not have enough for the determined hosts. The final score was 25–8. The party following the game was much more memorable! A fine meal was put on by the ladies of Gorseinon RFC, and then a great sing-song was conducted with the assistance of Pontardulais RFC Choir. The singing lesson was just great and gives us something to shoot for.
October 17
We had a chance to renew old acquaintances with Swansea University RFC. They had just been in Milwaukee for a match in September. Swamp Fox Hunter, Roger Neal and the whole gang were all there. This proved to be most unfortunate for us! Roger gave us two forty-minute clinics in the art of attacking rugby from the fullback position and that was the extent of things. The final was 32–4. Only a try by Joe McCook from a penalty at the ten-yard line gave us anything to smile about. After the match we were well hosted at the Mumbles RFC clubhouse. It was good to see our old friend Stan Addicott, and we spent the better part of the night trying to convince him to come to Milwaukee the following summer.
October 18
It was Saturday and nearly the end of our two weeks. What could be more fitting than to see one of the best teams in the world? The match between Cardiff RFC and New Zealand was just such a perfect ending to our tour. New Zealand won a hard-fought game 16-9, but it was a treat just to be there. Following the game, many of the members made their way to Old Illtydians Club and some made their way back to Swansea for a final good-bye. On the train back to Swansea some of us had the pleasure of meeting Mervin Davis, a great #8 who, due to injury, was never able to realise all of his greatness.
October 19
The final day. It was off the pub trail and onto the plane, at least for some of us. The bus to London was eventful to say the least. We were a little late, due to a couple of pit stops (more girls than guys!) at the side of the road, and then a slight mix-up at the airport (typical rugby tour finale). At the airport we had a mix-up again as to where to get on the plane. Then the plane had been overbooked and some of the party had to wait for the next flight. They ended up going through New York. Getting to Chicago was a little delayed, although most of the guys got to Milwaukee barely in time for work the next day.
Although the record for the tour was not very good, the friendships and the experiences gained will not be forgotten.
Special thanks to those that participated in the tour, especially the wives that came along and had to put up with the pubs and all. Also special thanks to Mike Smith Travel for the great connections and consideration.
