Last weekend saw a junior tour to Norfolk as the U14s and U12s headed to the coast for some good-time beach vibes and Anglian hospitality. Friday night brought a familiar arrival as a life-sized cardboard rendering of David ‘The Hoff’ Hasselhoff appeared at the Castaways Holiday Park (a four-year trend now), much to the delight of U14s Head Coach Scott Toomey. Things escalated quickly with the arrival of a second, much larger cut-out - this time of U13 coach and U14 parent Dave Thornton, stein in hand. Fellow holidaymakers looked on, equal parts amused and bemused. From there, the evening followed a familiar tour pattern: karaoke, refreshments, and the promise of sore heads come morning.

Saturday saw the U14s travel to North Walsham RFC, where they were warmly welcomed by former Warly coach and committee member Richard Lawson. Fixtures against both the hosts and Norwich RFC followed, with the Warly boys quickly discovering that Norfolk’s youth rugby scene produces some notably well-grown opposition. In near-perfect conditions, Warly showed flashes of quality - strong carries from Seb, William and Max, excellent tackling from Alfie, George, Freddie and Player of the Match Adam, and lively running from Issac, Harrison and Hartley. While results didn’t fall Warly’s way, the spirit of the game was clear throughout, with players sharing shirts to make up numbers and celebrating each other’s efforts post-match.

Back at base, attention turned to the ever-anticipated tour court. Overseen by Scott Toomey and U12 Head Coach Tom Bolland, with U14 parent Russell Fortt acting as chief prosecutor, fines were handed out thick and fast. With a circus theme in full swing, the playground setting felt fitting - never has such a collection of clowns gathered outside of the annual Grimaldi Church Service in Haggerston. Charges ranged from ‘Fingers like glue’ and ‘Hands like feet’ to the most serious offence of all - ‘Forwards kicking the ball’. No one, including the officials, escaped justice.

With court adjourned, the final evening played out in true tour fashion, with pranks, laughter and a degree of collective endurance required from parents sampling the formidable Stroh. Spirits, however, remained high, and for the U14s the weekend closed in the same vein it began - together, and in great humour. For the U12s, Sunday was their time to shine with a trip to Wymondham RFC for their encounter with the locals. How did they get on? According to U12 coach Alwyn Hanekom, they ‘smashed them’!

A hugely enjoyable tour, made possible by the tireless efforts of those organising it. A big thank you to Scott Toomey, Tom Bolland, Carmela Di Prinzio, Richard Green and Najat Hannach for delivering such a memorable weekend, built on great company and a shared love of the game!

All photos: Tim Horsfall