Devizes U15s have just returned from an enjoyable and successful tour to the Toulouse region of France.

The squad were based near the town of Mezin, who were excellent hosts, and a high standard rugby was played against three teams who had obviously learnt the lesson of the previous tour when the Devizes forwards had out muscled their opponents.

The first game against Marmande, a large town with a successful professional team, was a great experience. It was played in a huge stadium and the Devizes boys had to adapt to French age-group laws which meant that scrums were non competitive.

As this is normally a major Devizes strength a powerful weapon had been taken from their armoury. The first half saw a Marmande side in full flow and it took courageous defence for Devizes to hold them to three tries.

The half-time team talk brought about a different strategy and Devizes adopted a pragmatic approach where the Devizes forward power was concentrated into the ruck and maul.

The second half was a totally different game and it was Marmande's turn to cling onto their lead. Try as they might, Devizes could only break down the ferocious Marmande defence once, an excellent try by centre Tim Brain who smashed through the defence after good work by half backs Matt Bevan and Harry Williams.

Following a late cancellation of the planned second fixture a game was hastily arranged by our Mezin hosts against a joint side consisting of players from Nerac and Agen.

In a 12-a-side format on a reduced pitch Devizes ran out comfortable winners with tries by Matt Bevan, Orrie Brassington and Ryan Collins-Thomas.

The final game against hosts, Mezin, was the curtain raiser to a senior level cup final.

As a result the boys enjoyed a large crowd and Mezin were able to hold the Devizes forwards and their fast and skilful backs were a handful throughout. Although Mezin scored early in the game, and shortly after were awarded a penalty in front of the posts that was duly converted.

Late in the half Nick Farrant, playing out of position at flanker, managed to force his way over after good work by Josh Gould, who made the initial break. Devizes turned round only three points behind. In the second half, stand off Harry Williams pushed a penalty just wide and Mezin stole the game with a last minute try.

Devizes expect to host either Marmande or Mezin when they tour the West Country next Easter.