On Sunday, April 6, members of Hawick Trades RFC set off from the Volunteer Park on a seven-day three-match tour of Cyprus.

After a five-hour flight and an hour bus journey the party of 44 arrived at the Hotel Jasmine Limassol.

First Match
After a light training session on the Monday and a relaxing afternoon, Trades embarked on their first match against Akrotiri RFC (RAF). The game was a stiff test for the Light Blues after their long journey. The opening period was played at 100 mph and the Trades were up 17-5 at half time from tries by D Willison, G Davies, M Landles and a conversion from C Rodgerson.

In the second half Trades settled down and tries by Pender, S Domingo, Irvine and Davies, with conversions by Gray, Rodgerson and Lauder made them winners by 43-24.

Time for hospitality
With overwhelming RAF hospitality, a great night was had.

With two free days until Trades’ next match, entertainment was had in the form of a trip round the island and one of the highlights of the tour was the Bobby Bell bye bye bash, a tribute dinner held in honour of Trades ex-president Rob Bell, who is going to pastures new next season at Mansfield Park. He will be sorely missed next season. With a trip to Paphos and a live link-up with Radio Borders, there was never a dull moment.

The next two matches
With a few sore heads, the Trades played their second match against Dhekelia Garrison. The Light Blues ran out winners by 68 points to 22 with tries from Murray (2), Scott(2), Willison, McDevitt, Davies, A Domingo, Jack, Raynor and Palmer, with conversions by Rodgerson, Lauder and McDevitt.

A trip to the NAAFFI stores to stock up on cheap drink and cigars saw another great day experienced.

Friday was another free day with a man o’ man competition by the poolside won by “Miss” Mark Russell, singing provided by Brian “The Voice” McGinn. the night was rounded off with a “hut” where rum and milk flowed freely.

Trades’ last match was very much a one-sided affair against Episkopi RFC, Trades winning 86-14 with tries from Landels(3), Gray(2), Irvine(2), Scott, Gibson, Palmer, Willison, Murphy, McGinn and Murray, with conversions by Rodgerson, Palmer and Lauder.

Special Thanks
On the Sunday night the tour party returned home tired but very happy. Special thanks to Rob Palmer and the tour committee for a job well done.

With all the changes about to happen in Hawick rugby, it’s good that a forward-thinking club like Trades have an excellent set-up to pull off a tour like this. Already there are plans for another trip in the not too distant future. Any players, young or old, who wish to play rugby and tour are more than welcome at Hawick Trades.