The Final Match

James Tozer writes: "Following a leisurely morning of cereal, croissants and cutting-edge video analysis, we arrived at Club Rosario by 11.30. We were immediately impressed by the standard of the clubhouse and pitch, both of which belied the club's colonial roots. Unfortunately, the beautifully kept first team pitch was declared waterlogged - apparently a groundsman spotted dew on a few blades of grass by the corner-flag - and we were forced to relocate to the reserve pitches, another half-an-hour's drive away. These facilities were clearly less cared for, with parts of the pitch closer resembling sandpaper than turf. Unconcerned, we prepared for our last match for months, and the make-or-break game of the tour.

As customary, the 2nd XV assumed the curtain-raiser role, stepping out first into the sunny Rosario afternoon. The game started in the worst possible fashion, leaking a cheap try through missed tackles, but the 2nds soon equalised with a well-worked backs move. Both sides exchanged scores throughout the first half, with Jamie Wilson's precision goal-kicking grafting out a slight advantage. The second half continued in similar fashion, with an evenly-matched game creating a nail-biting finish. Sam William's late try clinched the victory in a real dog-fight: 34-29. James Tozer was awarded MofM for his tireless defence / chip-and-chase skills.

The XV faced a formidable opponent in Rosario's first team, but began the contest in the ascendancy, with Shane Adams' mazy run almost opening the scoring. Rosario made the most of a half-chance to take the lead, somewhat against the run of play, before quickly consolidating their advantage with two further scores. A Hartley-Russell penalty and Oram try reduced the deficit, but further dominance from the home side was asserted before half-time. Paddy Cavanagh-Butler continued his fine try-scoring form, adding to his tally despite carrying an injury, but in the end the local team proved too strong, running out as 48-17 victors. The XV must be commended for their resilience on this game, with the side ravaged by injury - 5 starters ruled out, 7-8 of the team carrying knocks and a record 8 substitutions used - and showed good commitment to match a well-organised, physical team for long stretches of play. MofM went to Dom Steele for his imperious work in the line-out.

With spirits refusing to be dampened by the events of the afternoon, the squad made the most of Club Rosario's hospitality, with cervezas in tow, before a bite to eat at McDonalds and a deep, deep sleep at Castle Imperio.
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