By Dragons Den
January 26 2015
So the European competition may be over for London Welsh, but these European away fixtures really are a treat for the fans.
Last weekend a group of around 25 supporters made the trip to the South West of France to see London Welsh take on Bordeaux Begles in the European Rugby Challenge Cup. The game took place on a pitch in awful condition which by the end of the match resembled something more akin to scenes from the battles, of WW1, at the Somme.
But to be honest for the travelling support most of the action of greatest importance took place, off the field, in the bars and pubs of the beautiful city of Bordeaux, with supporters arriving throughout the week, staying anything from a quick overnight flying visit to those staying for over a week.
One thing everyone was in agreement about was just how beautiful Bordeaux was, how friendly the locals were and how plentiful the bars and Pubs.
The Thursday before the match the advance party spent most of the day checking out the City and transport route to the ground, before heading over to meet the players, coaches and staff of LW at their hotel.
The main body of support arrived on the Friday morning and it wasn't very long before everyone was gathered in town preparing for the match and of course sampling the local wines and beer, before heading out to the ground on the tram.
At the ground the travelling supporters couldn't have been better looked after, being supplied with complimentary trays of snacks, cold meats and even some drinks on the house too. Something that appears to be the norm rather than the exception on these away European trips. The home support too couldn't have been more welcoming and friendly.
The atmosphere in the club house was great and we met up with the four guys from the Occies who had come in French dress and were also carrying with them a picture of the great Barry John
After the game and a few more beers in the clubhouse most made their way back into the City by tram, much to the bewilderment of their fellow passengers who must have wondered what was going on as raucous versions of Delilah, Hymns and Arias, even a rendition of Frere Jacques, for the locals and the now ubiquitous Yellow Submarine, were belted out.
The next day saw a bleary eyed band of supporters heading off to Sweeney Todd's for a proper breakfast and to settle in for the day watching the other European rugby game, whilst the London travellers, headed out on a tour of the City and a trip on the river before joining, those who had found it hard to extricate themselves from the pub.
Once again I'm sure everyone would agree it was another great away trip into Europe, and its these trips that make the whole disappointment of the Premiership bearable, and why from a supporters point of view we should always strive to play at the highest level.
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