THERE was plenty of French footballing flair on parade at Biddestone last weekend, but it was a local side that stole the glory at the annual La Fleche soccer festival.
FC Chippenham Youth played host to RC Flechois from Chippenham's twin town of La Fleche, in what has become an annual exchange across the Channel.
Twenty youngsters from France arrived in Wiltshire on Thursday afternoon to be treated to traditional English hospitality fish and chips at Buckles and a reception held at the Town Hall. It was hosted by Arnie Highmore, Steve Lyons and Steve Manifold on behalf of FC Chippenham.
Gill Minter of the Chippenham Twinning Association was also present and Mayor Desna Allen greeted the touring players with a welcoming speech.
On Friday, a ten-a-side football tournament was held at Biddestone FC, with two teams from the RC Flechois taking on the best of British, including a pair of sides from FC Chippenham, one from Marlborough Town and a Chippenham All Stars outfit.
With 67 youngsters aged 14 to 16 taking part, it was no surprise to see FC Chippenham Under 16s make experience count to take the prize in the round-robin event.
But the continental visitors were still given medals by the Coun Allen for their participation in the competition.
The French youngsters did manage to taste victory before returning home though, winning the skittles challenge during their farewell dinner at Chippenham Rugby Club on Saturday evening.
Highmore, the festival's co-organiser, was pleased to welcome the La Fleche players and is looking forward to making the return trip to France in 2004.
"It was a cracking tournament played in the right spirit," he said.
"FC Chippenham's under 16 team just proved too strong for the others on the day. This is now an annual event and we alternate the visits.
"La Fleche have been over here three times now and we've been over there twice.
"Next year it's their turn to entertain us and we are looking forward to taking the lads over already.
"It's an excellent relationship we have with the French team."
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