Rugby win dedicated to Bram and Chris

7:14am Thursday 15th May 2008

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TEWKESBURY rugby club have returned after winning an international tournament in France - and dedicated it to Bram and Chris Lane, who died trying to pump out the clubhouse following the floods last July.

The 14th International Tournament De Papy's had been dedicated to the father and son by its organisers and each of the competing teams received a friendship trophy engraved Homage a Bram Lane' before the kick off.

Tewkesbury won all four of their pool games on the opening day, including a hard-fought 10-5 victory over hosts Dieppe and eventually made it to the final where they met old adversaries and friends, the British Club of Paris.

The Gloucestershire side led by 10 points to three at the break but had to withstand an early second half onslaught from the Paris side which had lost in previous finals and were determined not to let it happen again.

Tewkesbury were aggrieved when the referee allowed a quick penalty, resulting in an equalising score for Paris.

But with only minutes remaining, the Tewkesbury side, mindful of Chris and Bram, set up a rolling maul, leading to a late try and victory.

"Someone pointed skywards and shouted "That was for you, Bram", and the celebrations began," said a club member.

"No names are mentioned of the players and supporters on this tour. That is because in some way or another everyone gave all they could for the two names that were not there."

At the presentation dinner on Sunday night, Tewkesbury officials presented the President of Dieppe Rugby a commemorative stained glass plaque and Bram and Chris Lane received a standing ovation from the near-1,000 guests.