BRIDPORT Rugby Club’s under-15s and under-16s have completed their French voyage.

The Daggers’ young stars returned late on Sunday from their tour to Lège-Cap Ferret on the French Atlantic coast.

On their first day, the boys were met with a howling gale climbing Dune de Pilat, the largest sand dune in Europe.

The first Blues contingent was sand-blasted in horizontal winds and drenched to the bone. 

However, Bridport’s second group of intrepid explorers reached the top in brilliant sunshine with spectacular views across the bay.

READ MORE: Bridport tour to France gets green light after fundraising efforts

Bridport then turned their attentions to the rugby.

Loaded up on paté, baguettes and potato dauphinoise, a novelty to the Bridport stalwarts, the Dorset boys stood up well in the combined training sessions.

Training was a mere hors d'oeuvre for the two riveting international games held on Lège-Cap Ferret’s vast stadium pitch in bright sunshine but with a biting cold wind.

The under-15s were slow to start but fought back, winning the second half but going down 19-12.

The under-16s game was a thriller, end to end, Bridport converting their three tries.

In the dying seconds, losing 22-21, Bridport spilled the ball on the try line and rued that French interception try in the first half of what was a humdinger of a match.

Oysters were part of the post-match meal as both teams mingled in a fine example of Entente Cordial.

The tour would not have been possible with Morrisons for their permission to pack shopping bags over Christmas, the sponsorship efforts from the boys themselves and the welcome extended by Lège-Cap Ferret.

Bridport will repay that hospitality in April 2024. Bon chasse et bon chance!