Mallorca Tour Report

By Robin Kiely

SWORDS RFC are renowned as a touring club and this year's trip to Mallorca proved no different with 25 members travelling to Palma last week. Flying out last Thursday, the tourists soon ‘acclimatised' both with the weather and watering holes, before Friday's trip to a water park, where the full touring party (bar one left behind) enjoyed a great day out. Prop Ed Flannery was acknowledged as being the closest to the top (and death!) on the notorious ‘Boomerang ride' and was also the consistent front man in the ‘four way down slope mat water races'.

Following the water action, Swords lined up against Rugby Club Ponent that night under lights, thankfully avoiding the hottest of the midday sun, and ran out 12 - 7 winners. Swords had Ponent on the rack for the first 20 minutes, pinning them in their own 22, but some stout defending - indeed there were big hits from all sides all night - the hosts kept them out. Forward Fiachra Coll broke the deadlock scoring a try 25 minutes in, from a five metre lineout. Matt Corbett caught and fed Coll, who peeled and stepped around two tacklers to score, where Richie Cowman converted.

Swords kept their 7-0 lead going in at half time - where the refreshments for both teams were provided by former coach Noel Hayden, suitably dressed as a waiter. Vodkas and orange all around! Pontent came to life in the second half - maybe it was their interval drinks kicking in - and had a try soon after, which was converted by former club member, Fede Sarnovich, the home side's captain on the night.

Swords responded with Coll and Corbett dominating the lineouts and it was from a set-piece that Swords got the decisive try. From a lineout outside the Ponent 22, Swords mauled to within a few yards of the line. Corbett broke and popped off to Eoghan O'Griofa, who went over to score. Cowman was off target with the conversion.

Ponent came back strongly, breaking from deep, as the excesses of touring started to show on everyone, and Sarnovich had a try under the posts controversially disallowed for grounding short. Swords regained control, setting up camp inside the Ponent half and should have had another try, but Shane Mulligan couldn't find Cowman when the score looked certain. The tourists held out for a 12-7 win, with Mal Bradley catching the eye in the pack and Leo Price and Jamie Gormly impressing in the backs, despite being forwards!

Ponent hosted a barbecue in the evening, before showing their guests the sights and sounds of Mallorca. Saturday was beach day, with a bit of beach rugby in some eye-catching swimming costumes, followed by a night out in Magaluf. Sunday was the ‘day of culture' with a bus tour of the historic city of Palma and a relaxing team meal. It was back to the beach on Monday for the ‘Beach Olympics', while Tuesday was a ‘free day', with the team flying home that night.

‘The host team were great for the week, especially Fede,' Swords vice-captain, Shane Mulligan, said. ‘They organised meals and lifts and everything, and it was all very much appreciated. ‘The top characters on the tour were Loic Guyomarc'h, who never got to go running or diving or cycling or any of the healthy activities he was expecting, and Eoghan O'Griofa for his general revellry.'

Next up for the boys in green, is the inaugural end of season and dinner and awards night, on Saturday, June 16.

For more tour photo's click here...