SHIPSTON'S fine staging of the famous 1930s monologue of Albert and the Lion in Blackpool's North Shore Working Men's Club proved to be less than ideal preparation for the challenge of Blackpool's vets side!

Lion Tom Wilson roared impressively as a thespian but was tamed on the pitch rather easily.

Young flanker 'JPR' Dyche found himself repeatedly head-butting a Blackpool player's fist early on and, In all fairness, the seaside travellers weren't at their best on a bleak, windswept pitch against a heavy home squad intent on proving that they could shove the Southern visitors around.

In a game best forgotten it wasn't until the second half that Shipston started moving the ball around, passing and receiving with some sort of fluency and really began to threaten the home side's line.

They were rewarded with a fine team try from Phil Grabbett and another from captain Andy Powell with Gary Flowers converting in a 32-12 reverse.

The second game at National Two Manchester proved to be a much 'nicer' experience in an 'outclassing 'sort of a way! Manchester's mixture of third, fourth and Colts players politely picked off the tired Shipston players when they became isolated from teammates.

The touring side's best moments in a 34-0 defeat, indeed they thrashed both local sides in the clubhouse contests, especially the singing, involved the uncovering of previously unknown acting/dancing talents.

Phil Dyche proved that if ever a remake of Singing In the Rain was in the air he would have to audition for Gene Kelly's role - though his brolly handling would need specific coaching.

John Rhodes (Old Father Time), meanwhile, would be the perfect choice for the Mad Hatter in Alice In Wonderland!

In truth, a great time was had by all and strong links forged between the rugby clubs and there was even some enthusiasm for a return visit next year.