DERBY City rugby league player Jon Doughty has hailed his Russian adventure as a “fantastic experience”.
Doughty was part of the Midlands Lionhearts squad that embarked on a two-match tour earlier this month.
The team experienced mixed fortunes on the pitch, starting with a 36-16 victory against a Moscow City Select side at the Red Arrow Stadium in the nation’s capital.
Greg Pearson of Birmingham Bulldogs claimed a hat-trick of tries, with club-mate Matt Dudley (2) and Clive Jackson (Coventry Dragons) also touching down.
In their second game against a Russia Select side, hosted by the rugby league hotbed town of Vereya, the Lionhearts were eventually well beaten 60-16.
The Midlands outfit led early on thanks to tries from Andrew Burton (Birmingham Bulldogs) and Jackson and they only trailed 20-10 at half-time.
Adam Clifford (Leamington Royals) crossed after the break but the Russians pulled away as the visitors tired.
The 22-man touring party, who funded the trip themselves, won the hearts and minds of both their opposition and the locals.
They delivered a coaching masterclass to local school children during their stay and also attended the Ahmad Tea Music Festival as guests of the promoter, as well as visiting some of Moscow’s most historic sites, including the Kremlin, Red Square and St Basil’s Catherdral.
“It was a fantastic experience,” said Doughty, who at 46, was the oldest player in the squad.
“I would love to do it again, even considering my age!
“I’m hoping I can be part of the new adventure next season, if selected.
“I was nominated tour captain, probably due to my ability to negotiate free tickets to attend the festival, which featured Elbow among others.”
Lionhearts tour manager Chris Spurr added: “The Midlands players should take pride in competing against a strong Russian national side for over 50 minutes.
“The players were a credit to themselves and to their clubs throughout the entire tour and should be pleased with their efforts.
“The experience for everyone has been fantastic and I am sure that it will be something that will remain with the players for some time to come.
“All the players and coaches would like to thank Russia Rugby League for being great hosts and very welcoming during our stay.”
Article source: http://www.yorkpress.co.uk/sport/11302439.Tributes_pour_in_for__lsquo_Mr_York_Rugby_rsquo__Pete_Warters/?ref=rss
Rugby league: Derby City man hails Midlands tour to Russia "a fantastic ...
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