Straffen Ketten vs STHLM BERSERKERS RUGB

Last weekend the team went down to Brussels to practice and play a friendly game rugby against Straffen Ketten, Brussels only gay-rugby-team. They invite us for a practice session but also invite us to their release party of their calendar.

I must say I was very impressed how well organized and friendly theses people are. They were so kind and pick up us from train and different airports, and let us stay at their places. They really made us feel welcome.

On Friday, they guide us through the city and invite us for a welcome beer at their favorite place so we can start knowing each other better. The best way to describe the Straffen Ketten team is “the guys with the friendly smiles on their faces”. They are always smiling in a warm and friendly way. Ok, not on the rugby pitch maybe, but directly after.

The Saturday morning was rough due to all beers we drank. I must admit I did not feel 100% for rugby practice that morning. But after some warm-up and exercises, I was looking forward to a game. And what a game?! I thought that we should be crushed by them, due to how bad our first game was there we lost with 0-94. Instead of being crushed, we manage to give them a real though game. They only succeeded to make two tries (2 x 5 points). We lost with 0-10.

We were really proud of ourselves. This game showed us that we had learned a lot from our last game. Great job Berserkers! Thanks for a fantastic game, Straffen Ketten!
After the game there were beers and homemade pies / cakes / tarts. The food tasted great.

Then back to our hosts and took a shower before we went out for a dinner and then for the party. The party started 22:00 and it really did. Within an hour the club (Smouss) was filled with rugby players and other invited people. And the party was so fun, in every way...

On Sunday we all met up with a nice brunch with Straffen Ketten. Well, it was an interesting brunch. We participated in our first “Kangaroo Court”! It was both fun and embarrassing for some people… No names…

After this weekend I understand what makes rugby so special. It’s not only the rough game. It is the friends you meet and the joy of the game, and everything around it that you share with other rugby players. It is a “family” filled with love, laughs and lot of rough games. I am glad to be a part of this family.

I had mixed feelings when I left Brussels on Sunday. I was sad to leave all my new friends. And at the same time glad for all the new memories I got. Hope to see you soon.

Thanks Straffen Ketten for everything. We will host you when you come to Stockholm.

And a special thanks to Xabi and Fabrice for being such a great hosts. Let me know when you are visiting Stockholm. Hugs!!

NOTE: The teams together on the picture. We had to borrow some players from Straffen Ketten because we were too few. Love you guys!