The clubs first ever overseas tour

In April 2005 twelve players started out from Mathern to travel by car and cross channel ferry to the French town of Metz. Situated on the banks of the Moselle, Metz offered the perfect venue for the clubs first ever overseas tour. Arriving early Friday night it took just a few minutes to settle into the Hotel Moderne, before setting off for a night on the town. With Dave Heritage acting as interpreter, we soon found a local restaurant where we indulged in plenty of traditional food and gallons of the local favourite 'beer blanche', a pale ale flavoured with a slice of lemon.

Saturday started with a walk around the old town centre followed by a late lunch, this time in a traditional French Auberge. We then made our way along the banks of the Moselle to Stade St Symphorien, home of Metz FC, where we watched the French First Division game against Lens. The game and crowd were lively enough, but just before half time the stand where we were seated had to be evacuated for ten minutes, whilst a howling gale blasted across the gorund. Saturday night finished off with a visit to an Irish bar where Richard Kelley managed to set light to his t-shirt while trying to down a flaming sambucha, bought for him by a member of the local gay community.

Sunday saw a visit to the giant sports store Decathlon and a 'Grand Prix' at the local Karting Centre in the morning, followed by the highlight of the tour, a game against local side FC Vantoux. Members of the Vantoux team met us at our hotel and took us to the ground on the outskirts of Metz, where our cars were immediately sourounded by local boys asking for autographs of the famous players from Payes de Galle. The game was played in excellent spirit with Vantoux coming out on top in a seven goal thriller. Following the match we were treated to a barbecue and drinks before being taken back to town for a meal and another great night out. The welcome offered to us by Vantoux was first class and will no doubt remain in our memories for a long time.

Monday saw the long journey home and a return to Mathern in high spirits. The tour undoubtedly set the scene for a really good start to the following league campaign, with the excellent team spirit remaining a feature throughout the season.