Two years in the making, four days in duration and with memories to last a lifetime Kippax  Welfare U 12's completed their Tour of France over the Bank Holiday weekend.

Ninety one people left Kippax at 6am on Frday morning and twelve hours later arrived at the Center Parcs resort of Le Lac d'Ailette. Despite some initial resistance at the gates we were eventually allowed in and headed for the cottages.

Saturday morning was free time and the team and supporters gathered at 12.30 to board the coaches and head for Le Cosec Stadium to the south of Paris. The estimated journey time of two hours rapidly turned into three and then fours hours as we saw areas of Paris we never even knew existed.

Finally arriving at our destination over two hours late we were presented with no time to warm up and three thirty minute matches to be played consecutively. The icing on the cake was the fact that we were playing mixed age groups running from 11 to 15 years old, with a number of well developed 'tashes on display.

Three battles later, battered and bruised the lads headed back to the clubhouse for sausage, wine and some typical French hospitality. Fortunately the journey back went far better than the journey there and once back to Center Parcs it was shower and bed.

Sunday was a day of rest and most of the team hit the Water Park for some well earned r 'n' r. Medals were presented to the lads early evening with a communal trip to the buffet followed by a few drinks and bed.

Monday saw us depart at 10am and the most productive coach driving of the trip got us to the Chunnel early and as a result we were back in Kippax for 7.30 pm.