Amsterdam 2016 (Richard Mahony)
Another year, another new team, another great experience. The squad assembled on the Friday night for our
annual dinner at The Van Cleve hotel, although most of us had taken the Friday afternoon off work, John Moss
(99) had actually been on the road, quite literally, for a while, he left Victoria coach station on the Thursday and
arrived first thing Friday morning, superb commitment.
After a lovely dinner there were the annual speeches from Alan and Rod, during which Rod made clear that the
club is struggling for funding at which point the ever generous and charismatic O'Keefe brothers offered
sponsorship support to next years trip, completely out of the blue, a brilliant gesture and set the tone for a
cracking weekend of rugby and catching up with old mates and getting to know new ones.
The group traditionally moved on to The Grasshopper, where some were thirstier than others! An early night (or
morning) for the squad, quick breakfast and we were off to the stadium in our new kit. Huge thank you to the key
sponsors (Greg Cox http://www.quint.co.uk and Danny and Joe O’Keefe http://evolveestates.com) for providing
the playing strip, bags and casual kit, it does make a huge difference being in the same colours and makes us all
feel more of a team, and let's face it, 15, 35 or 50 everyone loves a bit of stash!
We started against a local Dutch team and a bit rusty but captained by the powerful running Greg Cox, the silky
skills of Tommy Dann, and the gas of James Haste we managed to secure a 14-12 win. Although we are playing
veterans 10’s and 10 minutes each way it does take it out of you but thankfully we have quite long gaps between
games. This is the best bit of the weekend, the down time, sitting with old friends discussing the school, old
players, teams, memories and moments, and of course everyone has a Rod Speed moment to share.
We were much better in our second game, taking the ball at pace and moving the opposition around the field
with control and precision. Running out easy winners against another Dutch team, James Haste was predatory on
the wing, our Dutch friends, including over 60 international appearances between them were as committed as
ever, Captain Cox rumbled over for another brace and the 3 new additions from the Millfield Badgers were
thriving in the fast flowing rugby.
Our 3rd game was against the previous years finalists so we were not short of motivation for another tough game.
Playing with greater intensity and drive we pegged back but put them to the sword with ruthless efficiency, James
Lally was to the forefront carrying with destruction, supported by the unstoppable Joey O'Keefe and the Duracell
bunny that is John Moss. After day one we were 3/3 and injury free and confident heading in to day 2.
Saturday night is a steak with the Academy team, a chance to properly mix with the young superstars, we sit
together, share experiences and talk tactics, this could be how to play the game or how to drink your pint,
depends on who you're sitting with!
Again, for some an early night, for others not so early…
Breakfast, refuel, rehydrate, then on to the bus for day two. Our first game was critical, against our yearly
adversaries The Dam Busters. It's fair to say we were in the game from whistle to whistle, the difference proving a
sloppy early score in either half, eventually losing 12-7. It was a close game against an evenly matched team, the
effort was outstanding from top to bottom, we had a chance to win it at the death but the pass didn't go to hand
and our hopes of making the knock outs became slimmer. So, we had to beat a team consisting of Premiership
gas man Richard Haugton, Ben Gollings and three Tuilagi brothers… alas the challenge proved too much and
playing half back against 3 of the biggest tacklers to play the game can only be described 'tricky'- if I go that way I
get Henry Tuilagi, that way we get Alex and the other way you get Alessandra, tough choice!
It was disappointing not to make the knock out stage but a thoroughly good effort from all players involved and of
course the wisdom and knowledge of the great Head Coach Adam Vander.
The benefit of being a vet is that you get free rub downs, and in true Millfield style we flooded the massage tent
to ease out the aches and pains of two days hard graft. Getting knocked out early has a silver lining, the team met
on the forecourt for a bonding session over a few beers and a lot of friendly banter. It was great to have former
Montpellier 1st XV captain and Incredible Hulk Patrick Chenery with us leading the way.
There is always a sad time on day 2 where some of the group head off to the airport, hugs and bear hugs all round
and a theme of “I'm going to really train for this next year!” seemed to be the lasting words. The remainder went
in to Amsterdam following the court session led by Judge Cox, who shows no remorse for any misdemeanour.
All in all, a brilliant weekend that reminds you why Millfield was so special, most of us have played rugby for a
long time, but rarely do you find the culture of teamship where playing for a group means everything to everyone
in every match, this weekend allows you to get close to that feeling again with OM's of all ages that all
experienced the same thing.
It goes without saying that there are a couple of important cogs in the wheel, Captain Cox, Alan and Angela, Rod
and Marian and Head Coach Adam Vander and his right hand man James Haste (top try scorer). Thank you.
My favourite quote came from Captain, Greg Cox, we were chatting and he said that Rod had commented he was
playing well. “Mahony, I've been waiting 20 years to hear that again”. Suddenly all the effort, time and energy
seemed so worthwhile.
I'm going for a run, see you next year...
Amsterdam 10’s 2017 will take place on 27th and 28th May
Most of us will stay the Sunday evening returning on the red-eye Monday 29th May
See you there….