We arrived at the Rugby Olympique Yerrois(ROY) with the Shetland boys taking on the best that the French could offer. With the vocal support from the Shetland girls and the the passion shown by the Shetland boys, they managed to draw the first game against Rugby Club Plateau Briard (RCPB),

with a flurry of four tries each. Special mention must go to Ivar Shannon on his splendid try, which saw him side step and weave his way through the RCPB defence

and score a well deserved try. Tries also came from Ross Card and Bryden Baronet.

The next two games was a huge eye opener for the Shetland boys. Faced against highly talented French teams, Rugby Olympique Yerrois(ROY) and Paris Université Club (PUC),

Shetland boys gave it all they got. Losing both games against a well drilled and experienced French side the Shetland boys realised what it takes to reach the standard of the French. Mention must go to Finlay Leslie with his 50m solo run and outpacing the French defence to score a brilliant try.

After a great feast and French hospitality, the group traveled to Plaisir Rugby Club, to take on the French junior female rugby players.

This was mainly a development exercise for the Shetland girls as they all had very limited game time and experience. Playing against some talented French girls gave the Shetland girls a lesson in running rugby. The girls showed heart and determination and never gave up.

Praise must go to Sula Maclennon for some remarkable defence and ability to attack when needed and Petra Varga who showed some unbreakable defence. Emma Burgess scored a gracious try without much effort and baffling the French defence.

The team had a great time playing rugby and specially meeting new friends. I'm sure they will come away from this trip better, stronger and mature rugby players.

Shetland Rugby Club would like to thank all the sponsors, Northlink, Grieg Seafood, SpecSavers, UCO and to all the local companies who helped us raise the funds and give the Shetland Junior Rugby players the opportunity to play rugby in France.