Paviors RFC

First thing in the morning on Saturday 4th January was very cold and frosty, the pitches at Burntstump were hard and puddles were iced up. But a hardy troop of 25 players and supporters of Paviors U15s met for a 20km walk to raise funds for their tour to Norfolk taking place in April.

The route started at the club, down through the country park, over the A60 and across the fields towards Papplewick. After a warm up organised for the lads by George there was a kit inspection and those missing obligatory hats had the chance to challenge each other to a game of rock, paper, scissors for the warmest and most colourful hat bought for just an occassion. Max was the lucky recipient and also the winner of longest and most inappropriate trousers.

We all soon started to warm up as we set off at a raring pace, initially set by Luke, but soon overtaken by the incredibly speedy Helen Spiers and Blue. The path through the woods and up towards Newstead Abbey was lovely although some of the team were lagging behind. We think they must have been taking in the beauty of the natural surrounding and architecture. The stop at Newstead Abbey for hot drinks, food and much needed toilet break was well appreciated by all and we were met by a few less hardy supporters in cars to cheer us on before the 2nd half started.

During the walk through Newstead and down the Linby trail those at the front set a great pace, and the lads at the back were having fun with ice sheets. The gap between the front and the back gave a chance for the adults to get served at the Horse & Groom in Linby for a quick reviver, before the last push.

It was then back to Papplewick (where we were passed by some very fast moving police cars), and then retraced our footsteps back across the fields. The forfeit of "last one back cleans the changing rooms next match" got the slow lads moving and those at the front wondered where the turn of pace had come from.

The only uphill sections of the route were across the fields and back up through the woods of Burntstump up to the club. Legs were aching, dogs were pulling some along, but some lads found a sprint finish so they weren't last one back.

Everyone made in back in one piece in time to watch coach George and the rest the 2nd team playing against Tupton. Hot Chocolate (or something a bit stronger) was welcomed by the weary walkers and everyone agreed that it had been a fun day. The aim is to raise funds for the tour and the challenge now is to collect in sponsorship from those who have already pledged and also from those impressed with the resilience of the lads on a very cold day. The other major benefit of the day was the team spending a whole day together outside of the rugby pitch to grow friendships and bonds that will help them when they are back on the pitch together.

If you'd like to add to the sponsorship pot, please contact any of the coaches / manager of the U15s. You can email me on andycareyrugby@gmail.com