Mark Wynn reviews the latest trip.

Our hardy band of brothers(and sisters) went over to Headingley yesterday to watch the opening fixtures in the Federation Shield, as with these events there was a good spread of club shirts with our Hornets group being a match for any other club, there was even 1 supporter from Oldham!

Thanks to Ena who booked the transport for us which turned up bang on time and dropped us off and picked us up right at the gate which was a big help.

Good view in the main stand at Headingley which to be honest could do with a bit of a make over.

First up was Tonga V Samoa which started with the best Haka`s you have ever seen!!! Tonga set off first then after a few seconds the Samoans started. The teams where about 10 metres apart and gradually got closer and closer arms,tongues and feet punching the air, screams and yells a plenty, it was great and the better than expected crowd really appreciated it.

The match itself was a real hammer and tongs affair with ball handling a premium, each side choosing to clatter ever harder into each other. Tonga`s Solomon Haumono proved the difference between the teams with his brutal defence and juggernaut charges in attack.

The main match was in some ways an anti climax as a very tired looking French team struggled to hold a young vibrant English side, this said though the try by Calderwood was a cracker and Olivier Elima playing the panto baddie the match was still more than watchable.

Our first and last try scorers comps where won by Chris,Scott,Ann and Craig.

Thanks to everyone who came and thank you to the club for donating the wine, car stickers and pens and to Mary and Derek Wynn who donated the tin of Celebrations which made up the prizes for the Try scorer comp.