The Blackswans swoop into Tranent!
Stratford Blackswans from Ontario, Canada visited Ross High RFC on Friday 15th and Saturday 16th March 2013.
Four years ago Daniel Wilson (at the time S2 pupil at Ross HS, and Ross High RFC member)and his family moved across the pond to Canada. Before Daniel had even left Tranent, he was already contacting the Swans asking if he could play rugby with them upon his arrival in his new home.
The swans took Daniel under their wing, and since then he and his family have become integral to the club.
It was this connection between the countries and clubs that allowed the idea of a Rugby Tour to Edinburgh. Heather and John were at the heart of the fundraising effort, and after many a packet of foil and spaghetti dinner the plane tickets were bought.
The Swans were heading to Edinburgh, with an adult men’s team and an Under 19s team.
After sampling the night life in Edinburgh, a trip to the home of Scottish Rugby, Murrayfield was the order of the day.
What could follow an International Stadium, the biggest stadium in Scotland? A trip to Tranent and Ross High RFC!
In what can only be described as the wettest pitch since the South Africa – France World Cup Semi Final in 1995, the Ross High RFC Un 19s were lead out onto the pitch by Tranent’s very own piper Mr Grant Walker. To the sounds of “Flower of Scotland” and choir like tones of the Swans singing "OCanada", the game kicked off.
The match was as much dictated by the rain, wind, snow and mud as it was by the ferocious tackling and desire to play running rugby. Both sides playing extremely well, but Ross High were able to adapt to the local conditions much quicker, and soon were a up by a brace of tries. The Swans never gave up, and tackled and scrummed as if they were the Canadian team, and were duly rewarded with a try of their own. Though some will say Ross High won 35 – 5, if you ask any of the player what the remembered about the match, it will be the weather, speed of the game and the tackling from both sides.
Following the Un 19’s, the adult took to the field, which resembled a scene from “T in the Park”, not the tents, but the mud and huddled spectators under umbrellas.
A quick thank you to the 100 plus spectators that turned out to cheer both sides for both matches, some sitting on deck chairs!
The adult game ran to similar lines to that of the Un 19’s, though at one point it looked more like an American Football Game with the number of rotating substitutes, such was the desire from all to get some match time.
With the Ross High team running out victorious 42 points to nil, with notable performances from players such as Chris Miller, Steven Ashurst, Steven Ketchin, Mr. Doig and Mr. Gill.
Following showers from Antarctica, all the players and spectators got together in the clubrooms for some well deserved soup and curry. Thanks to Sharon Peel and John Tinlin for the refreshments. Also, huge thanks to Wilson Ross, who as ever answered the call to referee.
Speeches were made and gifts were exchanged, but all agreed the biggest thanks had to go to those Ross families who were billeting some of the signets and allowed them to make Ross High their home for the weekend.
Saturday brought the final day of the European Six Nations Championship. The Welsh had their numbers swelled by Scots and Canadians, and a good time was had by all. Tour Courts a plenty, songs and fun was the order of the day, and into the evening. Another thanks to Sharon Peel and Julie Beveridge for making sure everyone was well fed throughout the day.
Although Ross High won both matches, rugby and friendship were the two winners of the two day extravaganza in Tranent. More photo's will follow.
This tour forms the third part of four International visits to Tranent this year.
Ross High played host to Merewether HS from Newcastle Australia in January for the fourth time in a row. Though defeated in both the rugby and hockey matches, a fantastic weekend was had by all.
Ross High RFC played host to their Welsh friends from Markham RFC in March. The visited was the 41st meeting of the two clubs, and the 40th in Scotland.
Ross High again hosts Holy Trinity College for the second time on Saturday May 4th. With Hockey (12pm), Football (2.30pm) and Rugby (5pm) all planned, it is sure to be an exciting day.
