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No easy way to go to Wales

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It is likely that Tigers players and fans of all generations have some painful memories of games in Wales. But it doesn't weaken the appetite for another return trip.Many an old boy recalls getting on the team bus ahead of club games in Wales only to realise a number of senior players mysteriously missing. Injuries, business commitments, or whatever, there were times when it was men against boys, and how the Welsh loved every minute of it.   They do indeed keep a welcome in the hillside, especially where rugby visitors are concerned, especially if they are English.   The Anglo-Welsh Cup has formalised those visits, but the tough education has continued. We’ve had some tough days for the kids – Ospreys in the monsoon at Bridgend and the Scarlets away when a young lad called Owen Williams made us sit up and take notice immediately come to mind, though not particularly for the right reasons.   There was also a trip to face Cardiff Blues at the Arms Park when Derrick Hougaard kicked the only Tigers points and a Tigers team which included Rabeni, Flood, Ellis, White, Chuter, Croft and Corry were well beaten.   The Tig has been on eventful visits to the Ospreys (for what seemed like 10 years in a row!), the Blues and the Dragons in Europe, and the Scarlets a number of times in recent seasons   We’ve also had our a share of wins and losses against English and Welsh opposition at the Millennium Stadium, including of course professional rugby’s first and only penalty shoot-out.   Tigers have never won over the border in the Anglo-Welsh Cup and have never won at the Arms Park. No wonder, they keep a warm welcome for English visitors!