WKD inaugural tour to Worthing gets off to a winning start

The first ever Tour by the West Kent Divas to Worthing got off to a winning start. Travelling with the bare minimum to cover both squads, the girls performed fantastically. See separate match reports for details of the games.
On Friday night the tour party assembled at River Side Holliday Park. The fact that all arrived was a miracle, as one of the party had followed a Black Kia Sedona thinking they were following a fellow tourer, all the way from the M23 to Butlins holiday park, also in Bognor. The omens were obviously in our favour.
Friday night saw some party games, which included sitting on people, which helps break the ice and fortunately nothing more. Helen provided champagne which Gwyn can confirm was very good, as Vanessa splurted a whole mouthful over Gwyn. What had he done to provoke that!
On Saturday the squad and parents assembled for the Golf competition. 12 parents v 12 children in what turned out to be a resounding victory to the adults 8 ½ to 3 ½ . It is some wonder that we managed to complete the round that morning as Leroy took 5 minutes to hit his first ball but is was obviously worth it as he completed the round in 38, equal with Gavin Piper. The best performing player was Fiona with 45.
On Saturday evening following a sumptuous Barbeque, beautifully cooked by Gavin and Paul, serenaded by excellent tunes provided by Phil a football game commenced with the predictable carnage. There was the Hand of God goal, the squashing of the 6 year old boy, the twisted Knee for Hannah and Megan. In hindsight noting how well those girls performed on Sunday, we nearly sabotaged ourselves but luck was on our side, as both were fit to play in the morning.
The arrival of Dave, Dominic and Phil certainly increased the Alcohol intake and the late night partying but as they say, what happens on tour, stays on tour (Oh Phil!).
On Sunday at the Festival, we discovered we had 2 Players less than planned, so some serious squad rotation was needed along with borrowing from other teams. We registered 12 players for the u13 tournament as per the rules and the rest would play u15 rugby to support the 3 older girls on tour.
The under 13 squad preformed fantastically and where the outstanding U13 team at the tournament and deserved winners of their age group, while also providing support to the U15 team. The U15 team also performed magnificently winning 1 match against Basingstoke and competing well against Aylesford and Ealing. Ealing where incredibly sporting and lent players to assist us, even when we played them.
At the end of the festival there was still some energy left for Alice, Amy Ceri, Cerys Fiona and Oaife (“Ether” our guest from Old Caterhaminas) to play a supporting role in helping Medway win the Shield final.
This tour marks the end of Amy’s, time with the WKD,s Under 15s as there are insufficient numbers at Beckenham currently to run an u18 team next year. We wish her good fortune wherever she chooses to play and hope she will return to Beckenham, when we have sufficient numbers.
The tour as usual had some winners and losers and, fortunately, no major injuries.
My abiding memories of this season were encapsulated within
U13 girls, resolute defence forcing turnovers, then excellent support, passing and offloading with fantastic running and finishing often without a hand being laid on them.
U15 girls, the commitment and Courage during their titanic battle with Aylesford which they narrowly lost, showed the belief and determination that will make them the team to beat next season.
Finally the support given by the other players and parents to all the girls on the field was fantastic.