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The Blue Nun Brigade

The Blue Nun Brigade

Phil Cooper16 May 2012 - 18:11

The 2 Strokes Tour

If you're very brave you can see photos in the Photo section! We want to thank Brian Sales for allowing us to publish some of his photos or our boys "in action".

Having returned from last years’ Kay’s Cary 7s with the most coveted piece of silverware - ‘Most Entertaining Team’ (off the pitch) the Brigadiers of 2012 were hopeful of achieving greater glory, this time on the pitch. The 2011 veterans’ ranks were bolstered by the recruitment of ‘2 stroke’ Mcmurray, ‘the bear’ Eustace, ‘Postman Pat’ Curtis, ‘Snitch’ Simpson and ‘Good Boy’ Jackson; which led us to believe victory was simply an inevitability.
The Brigade was first to arrive in Castle Cary early Friday evening extremely well hydrated and full of high spirits thanks to Ross Clark’s weed sprayer full of, well, spirits. As other teams arrived the Brigade sommelier ably supported by the other Brigadiers set about introducing the Brigade to the whole tournament, sharing Blue Nun, Thatchers (probably the best cider in the world) and other less drinkable concoctions to the gathered throng. A lovely Irish lady was serenaded with Alouette, a number of the Brigade decided that their own urine tasted better and was stronger than the local rough cider and (it is alleged) a number of other bodily fluids were exchanged, most notably in a caravan on the site dubbed ‘Dale Farm’ by locals. This entire exercise took until around 4am.
The Brigade got off to a slow start in their first game against Milborne Port Mad Dogs and despite a strong 2nd half showing lost narrowly. Our 2nd game saw another Blue Nun Brigade tradition upheld – the hospitalisation of one of our players. Up until this point, Mcmurray was known only as ‘1 stroke’ but following a crunching tackle on his opposite number and his subsequent injury, he was later named ‘2 stroke’. Anxious hours followed as Jack was examined by medical staff and then taken to Yeovil District Hospital where as this report is written, he remains. 6 weeks of rehabilitation will result in a full recovery. Big Nun Love for ‘2 stroke’.
Having run reigning Champions ‘Aniers’ close with what was arguably the game of the tournament, the Brigadiers went on to easily beat ‘Evercreech’ before the hangovers eventually kicked in and we were beaten by ‘Pie and Pints’ and BA Wales.
So to Saturday night. Court was diligently, honourably and hilariously presided over by Judge Petts with a number of Nuns having to disrobe and drink. The spots and stripes fancy dress theme inspired the Brigade to dress as gay sailors (it has to be said that Messrs Cox and Simpson took this a little too far) and it was without question the best Saturday night the tournament has ever witnessed. Watching nearly 400 people singing Bohemian Rhapsody (Kay’s song) perfectly in time together will live long in the memory of this reporter.
Sunday was supposed to be a day of rest, Savlon and almost certainly, antibiotics. But in a twist of fate the Brigade made the Plate Final, only to bravely lose against a significantly more sober Castle Cary 1st team. Once again the Nun’s received silverware (ok glassware) to probably the biggest cheer of the day as Mark Pamplin, Kay’s husband presented the team with its award.
As last year, we had four objectives when we started this campaign – to play with a smile, to make many new friends and to return home with happy hearts and great memories. It’s fair to say we achieved our goals.
Big Nun love to the squad... Joe Wilson, Paul Williamson, Rob Jackson, Simon Petts, Andy Burrows, Luke Simpson, Ross Clark, Jack McMurray, Jamie Woolford, Jack Cox, John Eustace and Iain Curtis. And of course, our supporters – Tour Mum, the sandbags, Chris Haines and Steve Woolford.
Till next time, in vino veritas!

Kay’s Cary 7s was launched in 2010 to celebrate the life of Kay Booker, who at just 39 lost her brave battle against cancer. A ‘Cary girl’, Kay represented women’s rugby both commercially and as a player, supporting Castle Cary RFC, Rosslyn Park FC, Moody Cows 7s, Bristol Rugby and England Women’s Rugby.

Kay’s Cary 7s truly celebrates rugby life; featuring some outstanding rugby and providing the back drop for hundreds of people to have a great time, make new friends and create lifelong memories. It also raises a huge amount of money for Macmillan Cancer Support. Next years’ tournament is 12th-13th May 2013. The Brigade will be there.

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