Rugby Tour 2014

Armed with our trusty Friends & Family railcard, we arranged to go to the top of the table clash at Rugby Town via train. A return ticket came in at a very reasonable £8 per head and was too good to turn down.

The day started at Gary Cooper's, a Wetherspoon's establishment in Dunstable for a hearty breakfast. This was followed by a couple of swift drinks and a cab to Leighton Buzzard to catch the train.

We arrived at Rugby railway station about 12:30 and quickly made our way up the hill to the Victoria Inn. The Victoria Inn is owned by the Atomic Brewery and of course carries a good selection of the brewery's fare. We tried the Strike (3.7%), a pale golden ale, the Half Life (5.0%), a pale ale and Fission (3.9%), an amber ale which is a re-brew of the Nuclear Test with more strength.

A short walk to the ground, to burn of some of the great beer on offer, in glorious sunshine saw the Mighty Blues draw 0-0 with Rugby Town. A game that either team could have won, with both sides creating good chances. Despite promising Chris Marsh, we would not mention his last minute sitter, it was a gold plated opportunity to grab all three points.

It was not meant to be and on the walk back to the Victoria Inn we talked about the chances for both sides and what an even exciting game it had been. Butlin Road is a tidy ground that Rugby Town inherited from former tenants Rugby United, formerly VS Rugby. One criticism would be a lack of toilets.

Back at the Victoria, went popped in the back bar to watch the Chelsea v Spurs match and discovered Blue Moon. A Belgian white beer from the Blue Moon Brewery, which is owned by MillerCoors, in Colorado. This white beer is smooth as silk and has a hint of orange and coriander and is very drinkable.

So back on the train to Leighton Buzzard, a quick sprinkle in the flower bed and a cab back to The Gate by 20:30. The perfect end to a great day out. We really should do this again...