One of the longest running rugby tours in the world is set for it’s annual appearance in Falmouth and Penryn over the Easter weekend as the Old Dunstonians visit.

The visit is the clubs 78th tour of the region and they will play Penryn first team at 5.30pm on Good Friday and Falmouth RFC the following day at 2.30pm.

The matches are usually well contested games, with a one or two pints sunk in celebration after the matches as old friendships are renewed with the players and supporters of the Kent rugby side.

In fact some players from ODs are so keen to come to Falmouth and Penryn that they have travelled from Australia and Bermuda.

Paul Murphy says the ODs have had a good season this year and that they are looking forward to the games.

“Numbers are healthy for this our 78th Easter tour,” he said.

“Both old familiar faces and, encouragingly, plenty of new first-time visitors, will be heading to Cornwall.

“We’ve had a reaonably successful season, with a healthy league position, and making the semi-final of the Kent Cup, where we lost by a point to Canterbury, who sit top of National 3.

“Once again, the addictive draw of the annual pilgrimage sees Chris Reeves travel from Bermuda, and George Ross all the way from Australia, just for Easter tour.

“In addition, OD stalwart, prodigiously thirsty tourist, and local favourite Pete French celebrates his 50th birthday on Saturday, which promises to add another ‘reason to be cheerful’ to an already festive day. We look forward to another fine weekend meeting the challenge of three tough games in three days, sharing that special camaraderie -that comes only with Easter Tour - with fellow ODs and locals alike, enjoying the unique hospitality of a town we have come to know so well, and most importantly catching up with old friends.”

For a full picture special and reports on the ODs games against Falmouth and Penryn, pick up a copy of next week’s Packet.