Would youthful nerves overwhelm HRC Touch at the annual Port of Rotterdam Tournament? That was the huge question as teams from Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Schiedam and a combined Eindhoven/Utrecht squad congregated at the Luke Ramsey Stadium, the home of Rotterdamse Rugby Club (RRC).
With the Dutch Cup only weeks away, it was the perfect opportunity for some players to perfect their skills, some players looked to impress and hopefully make the squad, and for others it was an opportunity for youth to get a taste of tournament conditions. For these youth players, it would be a question of whether or not they would find it too hot in the furnace. A question faced by Louis and Moses.
There is a reason why HRC Touch have been serial winners down the years – they never know when they are beaten. HRC Touch finished the tournament as champions with an impressive 23 tries scored, more than any other team. They conceded 13, which was more than Amsterdam and Rotterdam so this will be a slight concern for the coaching staff ahead of the Dutch Cup.
Overall, HRC Touch destroyed their opponents with some bewildering handling movements which usually had Irene at their heart. Not for nothing she was deservedly voted the female MVP of the tournament.
The closest rivals for HRC Touch was Amsterdam. They may have turned up without some iconic players but they never loose their identity. Some of their plays were sublime and they ran from anywhere and everywhere, quick feet, hands and feet producing some of the most thrilling Touch seen in the tournament. Yet they fell short.
When it came to basics, HRC Touch were some way ahead. It was the epitome of their attitude throughout the day. More often or not, this attitude resulted in some teams reading their obituaries by half time. Some of HRC Touch’s handling moves were mesmeric with the like of experienced players aiding their younger pups. Young pups such as Louis ad Moses who were joint MVP’s, never overwhelmed for a second.
When you’re strong, train hard, have depth throughout the squad, positive and on a run when everything just seems to work, you’re not in two minds. You don’t panic or force things too much. It’s an attitude that will bode well for their chances of retaining the Dutch Cup which takes place in Utrecht on June 6, 2026.
So with a huge grin, and wearing new jersey’s, HRC Touch proudly lifted the winner’s trophy, adding to an already impressive trophy cabinet. Let’s hope they can bring it home on June 6. With this form, confidence must be high.
