This tournament was based at the De Mar Polo Grounds in San Diego with the field converted into rugby pitches with quaint plastic palm trees as goal posts. The Americans showed they had no understanding of the insatiable social appetite of several thousand Golden Oldies but they learnt quickly.

The welcoming function was held in the San Diego Padres baseball ground, an impressive venue but lacked atmosphere. None the less, the boys managed well, turning several rooms of their motel in ‘team rooms’, a tradition which has carried on.

Bob Anthony is the custodian of a wonderful light bought in Las Vegas which, when turned on, means the bar is open and this is now one of the cornerstone social aspects of any Old Tassie Devils tour.

In San Diego, the team encountered yet another Japanese side which new player Greg Graham took a liking too, being able to carry many of the little Asian guys on his back which they seemed to enjoy.

The second game was against the Christina Young Men of Dublin. This was a most enjoyable match but was sadly marred by a serious injury to Graeme Jackson who required surgery. Fortunately, he received first class treatment and was able to get back on his feet later in the year. Our Irish opponents showed great sportsmanship and concern for Jacko and his wife Jeanette in the best spirit of the game. The match also featured a 90m try by our oldest player Bob Newman prompting our opponents to burst into a rendition of Danny Boy – beautiful.

The final game was against the host club, the San Diego OMBACS – an enthusiastic bunch who had little understanding of what the true nature of Golden Oldies rugby is about.  Thankfully through their experience with the OTDs, they now know better! The festival featured a trip to Rosarito in Mexico while team captain Paul Smith and wife Judy looked the part in a Mustang convertible.

The grand finale dinner was a memorable affair on the flight deck of the retired aircraft carrier, USS Midway.

Written By Bob Anthony