A party of 26 players, plus countless supporters, made the long trek to south Devon on Friday 9 April, for the 3rd annual tour of 'cream tea' country.

Our first match on Saturday was against Torquay Athletic. OLs made the short journey from their HQ to Torquay on a warm, sunny morning, to face the 'tics. Resplendent in tour shirts sponsored by T@lecom Ltd, OLs were soon under pressure as the hosts made a strong start, pinning OLs back in their own half from the kick-off. However, OLs were soon in the ascendancy, with the forwards on top form, supplying plenty of ball for Sam Forster to pull the strings at Fly Half. Six tries were scored before half-time, mostly through scintillating back-play, from Kieran Brophy (2), Jack Firth, James McSharry, Kyriakos Grammatopoulos and Jordi Pocknell, whose try was more direct in approach. Although 'tics never gave up, rugby is a difficult game to play without the ball; Forster converted all six tries as OLs went into the break leading by 42 - 0.

Sunday dawned too early for some, and the squad made the short journey to Topsham, for a 10.30 start. Despite our hosts being relatively short on numbers, they were top quality, with a group of large, speedy backs. Pictured are the squad in hoodies sponsored by www.edudatauk.co.uk

The first game was played on Topsham's sloping pitch, and to be honest, OLs failed to use the downhill advantage in the first half, as Topsham score two converted tries. Despite being dominant up front, OLs could not retain the ball long enough to threaten Topsham's line. Half-time saw a number of changes in the backs, which created more chances. OLs reduced the deficit following a mazy run from Prop (and would-be Centre) Sennan Scobie. A missed tackle allowed Topsham to restore the gap, but they were left hanging on at the whistle, after Sam Forster's strong finish in the corner. Unfortunately, OLs could not find the equalizing score, as Topsham scored a 21- 14 victory; Forster converted both OLs tries.

The rematch, saw a renewed effort from OLs, following their first ever defeat in Devon! The forwards continued to dominate, winning most of the set piece, but the backs found Topsham in great form, and chances went begging as OLs failed to ground the ball correctly on at least two occasions. Eventually, Sam Forster made a break and scored a fine try despite the close attention of Topsham's defence. He converted o give OLs a narrow 7 - 0 lead at the half. Topsham now had the elements and were rewarded with an equalizing score on the left flank. OLs were not daunted though, and strong forward play enabled Jack Firth to bundle the ball over the line. Forster again converted, but there was time for OLs to almost through victory away! Pre-empting the final whistle, OLs dithered from the restart and conceded a five-metre scrum from which Topsham's star back made a dash for the blind side. He was forced into touch a split second before grounding the ball on the corner flag, and the whistle went to give OLs a much-deserved 14 - 7 win.

Topsham were certainly the strongest team OLs have faced for a long time, and both sides look forward to a rematch next season!