International Action At ALSAA

April 8th, 2009

Swords RFC was a hub of international rugby last weekend as the club hosted three visiting sides on the same afternoon at ALSAA on Saturday. Although the senior first XV's Leinster League game with Wexford was called off, the club's under-18 side met Cwmbran and the Welsh men narrowly won, 21-10. And those in attendance could have been forgiving for thinking they were at the nearby arrivals hall at Dublin Airport, as more visitors togged out, this time from France and Italy.

Swords' renowned 'Golden Oldies' side took on Villeneuve de Marsan, who hail from Bordeaux, as well as Old Cesena, from the Italian city of Genoa, in a triangular tournament. The French side won two of their games, Swords won one, while the unlucky Azzurri followed in the national side's footsteps, by remaining winless.

With the action completed, all players and supporters enjoyed a memorable barbecue, as the hosts and guests exchanged souvenirs, pleasantries, songs and stories. 'Swords RFC were delighted to host so many sides on the same day,' club president, Richie Cowman said. 'It was a great occasion and big thanks must go to Paddy Corkery and Davy Cahill for putting it all together.'