Hope there's a laundrette nearby

Battling Lindisfarne and the elements

Match day. The worst weather we have experienced so far on tour and a real test of stamina as we took on the might of Lindisfarne College.

In driving rain, standing water and mud, the U17 XV put on a brave and determined display in the face of some powerful opposition. Handling was difficult to say the least and our natural advantage in the backline was limited as a result.

In the first 10 minutes, Epsom broke the gain line often as we made a much improved start to the game. Andy Matthews, and Conor Jones in particular looked dangerous, but the conditions made it difficult to convert our chances.

As the game went on, the power and size of the opposition forwards began to tell and eventually Epsom went down 17-0 - a disappointing result given the initial positives. Will Edgley's award of player of the match by the opposition coaches was well-deserved given his commitment at the breakdown and strong running with ball in hand.

Despite the atrocious conditions, the U18s recognised the importance of their match. Win it and we could come away from tour with a winning record; lose it and the reverse would almost certainly be true. The intensity of the preparation showed that we were not going to go down without a fight.

From the outset our defence around the fringes of the ruck and maul was excellent. Jordan Burns had his first outing at scrum half and his pace off the mark started to open holes in the opposition defence. From a tap penalty, the ball was moved left and quick ball from the ruck led to a try in the corner by Tom Harty, excellently converted by Bradley Smith.

Following another period of possession and territory by Epsom, some good pressure in the Lindisfarne 22 enabled Pete McCallum to pick up an offload and drive over from close range to score a well-earned try and take a 12-0 lead into half time.

With conditions in Lindisfarne's favour in the second half, the Epsom defence was tested to the full, but an excellent interception try by Alex Aves at a time when we were under sustained pressure pushed the lead to a more comfortable 19-0.

Lindisfarne came back strongly and after a series of attacks forced themselves over for what proved to be a consolation try as stalwart Epsom defence for the remainder of the match ensured that they got no further chances.

Despite the incredibly challenging conditions, this was an entertaining game viewed by an enthusiatic, if rather damp, crowd.

Following the matches, the boys were entertained for the final time by their hosts, while the staff were taken to a very fine restaurant/winery, Vidal's, for an excellent dinner. The Lindisfarne staff, parents and boys have been fantastic hosts this weekend and dinner with the staff rounded of an enjoyable visit.