The unrelenting wet weather finally abated on Saturday 21 February when the Master hosted a day at Twickenham but lowering clouds continued to threaten for some. England at home to Ireland. What would ensue? With the home side having played so well until the Calcutta Cup the previous week, we were set for an exciting match.

As we gathered in the Cardinal Vaughan car park, we were immediately offered a glass of fizz and the assurance that the Master was to wait on us, prepping and serving the most tantalising morsels and catering for every dietary need. Food seemed endless, as did the liquid refreshments and the Master had thoughtfully brought along a bottle of Bushmills, either to commiserate or toast if Ireland won. Who knew at that point?

And so to the match. Our seats gave a terrific vantage point as we watched Ireland storm into a 22-0 lead in around 30 minutes, by which time, a very small number of our group were belting out “The Fields of Athenry” amidst the good-humoured but understandably disappointed camaraderie of England supporters.

The result: 42-21to Ireland and so we retreated for our own post-match analysis, picnic and a few “jars”; some of us ecstatic and others shocked. Irrespective of which team won, it was a terrific day and the Man of the Match was the Master.

REBECCA NELSON