Winchester Colts have just returned from winning the prestigious 21st RAF Akrotiri Floodlit Tournament in Cyprus.

The squad was the only civilian team accepted into this year's tournament; the remainder of the 32 teams came from the Royal Navy, Army and RAF.

The colts team was made up of mainly 17 and 18 year old players who initially found it very tough playing against bigger Servicemen, including several teams that mainly consisted of strong Fijians, in such a hot climate. Fortunately, the team was joined by three veteran players who bolstered the team in the physical contact area.

After the Colts lost their early matches due to not winning sufficient ruck ball against the heavier teams, the coach realised that they would have to change their tactics. He encouraged them to take less physical contact and kick the ball over the opposition's heads and then chase. This meant their youth, speed and agility would work in their favour.

From that point on they won every game and they beat the Episkopi Garrison side, which was mainly Fijian, 7-0 in the semis of the ESS Shield and comfortably beat Dekalia Garrison 35-0 in the final in front of several hundred spectators.

The team received formal presentations for their friendliness and sportsmanship from the RAF's under 21 Squad and 42 Commando; and won the respect of all the competition's organisers and officials. All this resulted in them receiving an unequivocal invite back to next year's competition.

The team was skippered by 18-year-old Patrick Burns from Peter Symonds College. Rory Thorne, also 18 and from Symonds, was voted the best overall player of the tournament, an outstanding achievement considering the experience of the opposition.

The tour would not have been possible without the help of the Computacenter, who supplied the playing strip, and the four other companies that provided support. Green's Wine bar supplied team tracksuits while Pegasus Security, Morrells Brewery and American Express all gave financial assistance.

Presentation night

Winchester RFC's senior teams attended the recent Presentation Dinner at the clubhouse.

Club president, Dai Henley, outlined what had been a more successful season than in recent years. The 1st XV finished fourth in London Division Three South-West and might have won promotion with a little more luck.

The 2nd XV finished second in the Hants Senior Merit Table, the 3rds won the Hants Merit 1 division, and the Veterans and Women's teams also had an enjoyable season.

Award winners Ist XV: Most improved player - Russell Churcher; Players' player - Adie Mort; Try of the season - Dan Waddington. 2nd XV: Most improved player- Andy Boughtflower; Players' player - Bruce Lockie; Captain's player - Ed Watts. 3rd XV: Most improved player - Chris Veal; Players' player - Pete Brittan; Captain's player - Matt Meaton. Veterans: Most improved player - Steve Barrow; Players' player - Dave Croft. Women's XV: Most improved player - 'Cricket' Brookman; Players' player - 'Squeak' Brooks. Club person of the year (for work behind the scenes) - Sandra Trudgett.