GRAEME'S BLOG DAY TWO PART III

After the games at BACRC we were invited to a reception and barbecue (“Asado”). Our hosts explained that we were the first people to use the new building in which this was to be held. When I say building, I really mean forty foot barbecue with a dining hall attached. Drinks and nibbles were served and the boys were sat down at three long tables the length of the hall. The clubs were alternated so that all the boys, at least to start, were integrated and forced to socialise. In truth there was no need to force it and the atmosphere was soon buzzing with talk and laughter. A long crossways table was set for the adults with commemorative table mats and ceremonial flags. Chorizo, morcilla (blood sausage), beef ribs, beefsteak and lambsteak were accompanied by a little bit of lettuce for Sudi and Chloe. Just when you thought it was safe to put your fork down, along came another slice of delicious flesh. Those that could manage pudding were offered ice cream and nuts.

The atmosphere was by now raucous with red and white wine and coca cola. Snatches of song threatened to break out but were interrupted by calls for silence and speeches. You know the sort of thing, welcome, brotherhood, game they play in heaven, zzzzzz. Well, the Chairman of Buenos Aires Cricket & Rugby Club held up a wallboard inscribed with the names of club members who had given their lives fighting for Britain in the 1939-1945 World War II. Their club had been founded by British expats building water and rail infrastructure for Argentina, was still based around feeder schools known as Collegios Ingles, and counted its shared heritage and connections with Britain as central to its identity. Rugby is about people, he said, but also about institutions, and both needed to work at maintaining and deepening their relationship. In perfect English, of course, it was a powerful and affecting address.

Maidenhead held their own, naturally,Head Coach Gareth Andrews-Jones replying in Spanish and thanking BACRC for their remarkable hospitality. Alex Avery and Leo Smith, also in Spanish, presented prizes to the BA men of the matches and the referees. Chairman Michael O'Flaherty (in O'Flaherty) extended a reciprocal invitation for a tour to England in 2012. And that was that.

Well, no. As the adults repaired to the main clubhouse for coffee and George and Marcelo toured around with bottles of J&B whisky for those who wanted it, the boys cleared out the new building and set it up for a party. Plans were begun as to how MRFC really could host an inbound tour in 2011/12. We mean to do it. Drifting in in twos and threes appeared what were unmistakeably teenage girls eager to practice their English. By 11 o'clock the joint was jumping and the somewhat bleary Maidenhead grownups were invited to munch on a few beef rolls in the barbecue annex while their young charges showed their hosts some dance moves next door. Naturally this was all quite chaste and sober. Around one am the adults crawled gratefully onto the coach and left the boys to it.