Day Four: A near miss, champagne fizz and a fond farewell

Cardiff's tactical response unit has been stood down after surveillance drones spotted the Dalziel Dragon tour bus, The Dragon Wagon, leaving the Welsh capital. 

Interpol remain on high alert, however, after a distraught pedestrian reported seeing notorious photobomber, Wallace Sedgeworth, peering out of the bus's rear window. 

Police have warned motorists to expect delays with road blocks now in place along the northbound M6.

The Dragons began the day by checking out the Novotel, leaving their rooms in ship shape condition and hotel management breathing a deep sigh of relief.

The owner of a silver Ford Focus parked in the hotel car park will be similarly reassured by our departure. With coaches John, Euan and Big Kenny passing a ball around just before we set off, Kenny fumbled, spectacularly stumbled and there was only millimetres between a calamitous collision that would've condemned said motor vehicle to a nearby scrappie. Kenny assured the squad that he'll now be taking out fully comprehensive insurance for the next impromptu passing session. 

Kenny reflects on a near miss.

Onwards, we travelled to the £144 million doss house, The Millenium Stadium, for a guided tour. 

Fascinating facts and anecdotes, expertly regaled by our tour guide Beth, included the story behind a lucky dressing room painting, access to the press area and the fact it only costs £3.50 to open the colossal roof. In comparison we heard how it will set you back £22,000 - £92,000 for a year's hire of a hospitality box, with all the champagne you can drink thrown in. 

Showing keen attention to detail, Arran Blyth verbalised the burning question on everyone's mind; 'What happens if you drink more than 92 grand worth of champagne?'

 

You can take the boy out of Lanarkshire . . . 

With the sound of success ringing in our ears we now conclude what's been a truly fantastic tour. The boys and coaches have had a ball here and thanks to you for following our adventures and for your valued support. A year of hard fundraising by so many people has paid off - and shown this great young squad that if you put your heart and mind to something the sky really is the limit.

See you tonight at the Dragons' Den. Interpol roadblocks permitting. 

Day Three. Birthday celebrationzzzzz

Several of the coaches became stats on the tour crime count this afternoon. In the cauldron-like atmosphere of the Millennium Stadium - complete with pyro technics, bone-crunching rugby and a rousing rendition of Delihah by X Factor muppet Rhydian - Craig, Kenny and Wallace were among those clocked punching out the z's. 

In fairness, the closed roof does induce a sleepy cosiness conducive to a cheeky power kip. Unfortunately, for the afore mentioned trio, fairness has never really factored highly in the considerations of the Kangaroo Court. 

The stadium is not the only thing that comes with a high-tech thatch in this part of the world. The Millennium pints also have a distinctive ceiling - prompting Marc to ask a crucial question before parting with kitty cash . . .

"Are the roofs oan these pints retractable anaw?"

A fantastic afternoon was had by all at judgement day in an electric atmosphere - setting the scene nicely for a certain young Dragon's birthday. 

Aidan Beggs turns 12 today and we marked the occasion with a celebratory dinner at Pizza Express in Cardiff Bay. Many happy returns Beggsy - we hope  this has been a birthday you, and the rest of the team, will never forget.

Stay tuned for tomorrow's guided tour of the aforementioned doss house . . . .  Sorry. Stadium.

Day Three: Blood sugar and full-blooded rugby

The day kicked off with a light breakfast of Easter eggs, sausages and bacon. Indeed, the only thing to match team morale this a.m was the squad's meteoric blood sugar levels. 

That potent double whammy was to come in handy, though, as the lads stepped off the Dragon Wagon at Penarth RFC in Cardiff.

Like yesterday's hosts, Penarth proved formidable opponents, turning out a well-drilled and skilful young side who were quick to knuckle down to business. The Dragons, adapting to the steep learning curve that is their first venture into 15-aside rugby on full size pitches, absorbed attacks well, showing good organisation and solid shape in many spells. 

Overall, this was another challenging encounter but the lads' exemplary attitude both on and off the pitch bodes extremely well for the future of our club. All players have been a credit to themselves and families during our two fixtures.

Special mention to Rhys Campbell who's been having another truly smashing time. He won the man of the match accolade. 

His appetite for tackling has only been matched by his love of the hospitality buffet. 

Following a typically eloquent vote of thanks by Ian 'Sue Barker' Lilly, squad choir master and tour team captain Rossy Duguid made another fine speech today, thanking the Penarth opposition for a great game. Hopefully both Ross and Ian can overcome their crippling shyness soon. 

The dulcet tones of our tour anthem, We Are Warriors, continues to echo around a rainy Cardiff City this afternoon. And as we now head to Millennium Stadium we can only hope the famous roof is suitably   reinforced for the onslaught of the Dragon Wagon choir. 

Huge thanks to Penarth RFC for another memorable and hugely enjoyable morning of rugby and camaraderie. 

Happy birthday Aiden Beggs and stay tuned for update later on Beggsy's birthday dinner. 

Day Two: Big game and new pals

Prynhawn Da (good afternoon) from Cardiff on Day Two of our tour.

The day started with mass confusion when Jinking Jack Gemmell announced at breakfast he only likes 'two' types of tea. 'Whit? . . . there's more than wan?' stated puzzled coach, and life long Nambarrie man, John MacDonald. Gemmell became the latest to join the growing list of tour offenders for his love of Earl Gray. A heinous offence indeed.

From breakfast we made our way to the Doctor Who experience. Like any young rugby player when faced by Daleks, space monsters and other such bogey men, our lads displayed their inner steel - and took to cuddling random strangers. The judging panel's still out on who won that tour dare, although Rory Thomas gains top marks for his brass neck. 

Huge thanks to our hosts Llantwit Fardre for their warm welcome to our lads this afternoon. 

The influence of former player and Welsh international Neil Jenkins is obvious at the club with our opposition putting in an incredible performance, oozing skill and discipline. The Dragons learned many lessons from a challenging encounter which will only serve them well in their future careers.

Our squad are currently enjoying the warm hospitality of the club before we watch and support their first team. A lasting friendship between the clubs has undoubtedly been forged today. 

Other highlights today was the game's captain, Ross Duguid, leading the troops in the tour anthem, We Are Warriors on board the Dragon Wagon.

Worryingly, though, kit man Marc Hannah has emerged as a serial offender after neglecting to pack his club shirt and tie. 

We fear the worst for Marc at the next Court hearing.

The Dragons have landed

The Dragons have landed!

After a comfortable and, miraculously, jam-free journey on board our very own Dragon Wagon we have arrived in a sun-soaked Cardiff City.

Meanwhile, KFC at Lancaster services are desperately trying to repopulate their chicken sheds after our finger-lickin' good lunchtime stop. Jack Lilly is the latest to receive a summons to the Kangaroo Court after a truly fowl post-lunch emission on board the bus. 

With Ian Lilly morphing into Sue Barker and running a sports quiz on the latter part of the journey, the miles whizzed by and we arrived bang on schedule. 

Ian Lilly moments after emerging from the Dragon Wagon toilet sporting a new hairstyle.

The lads are currently chowing down in the atmospheric surroundings of the Novotel, a former warehouse near Cardiff Bay. All enjoying the fare, banter and team spirit. 

Evening meal to be followed by some R&R, an xBox tournament and team meeting before lights out. 

Stayed tuned for updates on tomorrow's action-packed schedule, including our match against Llantwit Fardre, kick off now 12noon, and a trip to the Doc Who experience.

Fines will be imposed for squad members and coaches found cowering behind couches.  

Mystery guest's rousing send off

And we're off! Our mystery guest, Piper Scottie Duguid, provided a rousing send off this morning as our tour gets underway.

Big thanks to Scottie - brilliant stuff. Wisnae a dry eye in the house and the squad suitably fired up. Boys also looking great in their new kit and the excitement palpable on the coach as we travel south.

Ironicallly, Marc Hannah, kit supremo, is first to breach tour guidelines with non-regulation gear. The kangaroo court will undoubtedly take a dim view of that and similar offences.  

Stay tuned for updates on our tour - and Marc's punishment. The pink onesie has been mooted.

The final countdown - and a mystery guest!

The final countdown is on!

In nine and a half hours we muster for the tour of a lifetime.

Make sure you set your alarm clocks!

Also, we have a special surprise for our tourers leaving first thing.

Here's a clue - if you're feeling sleepy our mystery guest will blow off the cobwebs! 

Special prize if you can guess who before 0830! Answers on a postcard - or just leave a comment below.