It is that time of year when the Clifton Minis pack their bags and go travelling. With passport in hand, dictionary and money for the Severn Bridge it was off to the bedrock of Welsh Rugby. The old sides of Neath, Swansea, Llanelli all within spitting distance of Trimsaran RFC where the West of Wales International Rugby Tournament was being held.

There are too many games to mention the details of each game so instead here is a summary of the weekend:

Happy and smiley boys who had as much fun on as they did off the pitch. The bond between the players, both old and new, is a wonderful thing to see. Comments from parents on how they have bonded, particularly the new players is a credit to them.

Just when you think they cannot play any better or pull any more magic out of the bag they surprise us all and show us how creative their play is.

The coaches left the boys figure it out for themselves and work out their own game plans. This is part of our player development and they not only planned their games but executed them to precision

The boys played outstanding rugby and without doubt the best rugby that I have seem them play. Shattered from Tour fatigue they came back in 2 games from behind against tough opposition to win. They did this by the belief that they have in themselves and their team mates, shear determination and focus.

Did any players make mistakes they did. We like mistakes and they were told to be creative and try things and if they fail work it out by thinking for yourselves which they did.

Sometimes they didn't work it out and those were the moments that really meant something. The boys supported their team mates and encouraged them. They know they have to deal with it as a team.

Clifton U12s have different player abilities but for whatever reason they are all very capable players who have all improved leaps and bounds this year. Seeing the improvement in a player and remembering what they were like at the beginning of the season gives more enjoyment than anything knowing how that individual has come on and is enjoying the game.

We played some very big powerful boys but this did not deter our players. The French side from Aix en Provence who brought an U11s and U12s side were the smallest of sides but most talented and vocal. Having beaten them by 1 try on the Saturday they told us in the bar afterward about "Le Revenge" plan for the Sunday. All I can say was the champagne tasted great on Sunday...

We made some good friends and might even tour to Aix next year to visit Inspector Cluzo (ask your parents about the Pink Panther!)

P.S. Its not about the winning it was about the enjoyment and seeing the smiles on the boys faces and the team spirit. But did we win??? Who cares?? The Clifton U12 boys....