The Hanboks embarked on their first ever tour of Guam to participate in the 3rd True GRIT tournament held over February 5~6, 2000. The format was 10's so naturally we figured we were good enough to tour with just eight players. The ring-ins obtained over there were top notch guys if a little short on rugby experience.
The tournament featured sides from Japan, NZ and Pohnpei as well as Seoul and 2 local clubs, Guam RC and Para Todu RC.
The format required every team to play each other once, plus one additional match depending upon seeding after the 5 pool games. Seoul started off with a hiss and a roar, beating Pohnpei and NZ Lunchcutters quite convincingly.
The first day's third and last match was against Guam RC and the boys were quietly confident. That is until Lovey Dovey's shout of anguish shot around the ground and he departed via ambulance with a dislocated knee.
Naturally the boys found it difficult to concentrate and Guam ran out 17-0 winners. Everyone's spirits were lifted however, when Nick re-emerged at the bar later in the evening, wounded and on crutches but not serious enough to prevent him being involved in much of the off-field goings-on.
Day two provided a 5-5 draw against the Senkai Beers of Japan, and a loss to the eventual Cup winners, Para Todu. This left Seoul ranked 3rd in Pool Play and up for a rematch against the NZ Lunchcutters for the Bowl.
It was plainly obvious that NZ had stopped drinking about midnight the night before while Seoul, as pure tourists, had kept it up to "whenever". The NZ Lunchcutters took home the Bowl 10-0 leaving Seoul with the Knives & Forks.
The more experienced players were great: "Taejon" Roberts and "Fonzie" Gray in the front row, "Lovey Dovey" van Gelder, "Viagraman" Smith and "Pianoman" Lewis in the backs, and utility Louis Vallernaud. The new guys, prop "Major Major" Simmons and 2nd row Mark Barnes came on in leaps and bounds.
The tour was notable for many amusing comments and outrageous behaviour. However WGOTSOT. Vallernaud now goes by the rugby name of "Inspecteur" while Barnes is "Scrapper" or "Dum Dum" depending on who you talk to.
Joe Day and Les Edwards refereed their share of games, helping out 2 other refs from Hong Kong. Five "better halves" and a "tin lid" also toured. And someone's 16 year old blonde daughter, but that is another story.
Guys, this is a very well organised tournament and the standard of play is right up our alley. Those who went would like to go again next year so please consider it a part of the 2001 agenda. The more players who can join us the better. It's also a great place to take your spouse and kids.
