From 2010 to 2015, an invitational team, borrowing heavily from the Accies Classics, played in the Amsterdam Veterans 10s tournament, under the banner of the “Silverbacks”. We asked one of our men on the ground for a precis of what happened and here it is…

Well, the first night on tour is one of legend. The amusement started in *REDACTED*, with *REDACTED* deciding to visit *REDACTED* and try his hand at *REDACTED*. It very swiftly became apparent that his *REDACTED* was inoperative, and accordingly he required to *REDACTED*. At that point *REDACTED* came to his rescue, suggesting that the only way forward would be for *REDACTED* to *REDACTED* and *REDACTED*. Fortunately, that had the desired result. Oh, how we laughed.

Returning to the field of play, it is fair to say that the Silverbacks enjoyed mixed results.

The first year was a disappointing campaign on the pitch, with Sunday’s 9.30am match against a Marauders team stuffed with former English professional players ending in a 48-0 defeat: not great for a 7-minute each way match. At that point, nursing brutal hangovers and bruised egos, the boys were ready to return to the pub; only to discover that it was one of those tournaments with multiple tiers, such that no matter how many times you lose you never actually get knocked out: you just drop down to the next again competition. Three matches later, enough was enough. In the semi-final of the Ashtray, the decision was taken to throw the game. Regrettably, however, it rapidly became apparent that our opponents, Millbrae (Ayr veterans) had exactly the same idea. The result of the match would turn on two of the “ringers” brought in to shore up the Accies that made up the spine of the team.

First, Scott Brown experienced what can only be described as a brain fart, got over excited and scored a try right at the off. The anguish of his team-mates was only appeased by his contriving to miss the conversion. Thirteen minutes later, Silverbacks were still 5-0 up, staring at yet another match later in the day. To our rescue came one Craig Samson, a great lump of a man from Dundee. Brighter than he looks, Samson nipped off the pitch and acquired one of Millbrae’s spare strips. On to the field he strode, shouting to the Silverbacks (who had remained in possession, desperate not to do anything with it, for the entire match) to pass him the ball. Scott Brown decided to redeem himself, and popped the ball up to Samson, who immediately scuttled towards the posts – pursued by the rest of “his” team, desperately trying to overhaul him. A surprising turn of pace saw Samson dot the ball down between the posts, before executing – we are sure for the first and last time in his career – a perfect drop kick to convert the try and win the match for Millbrae.

The ensuing hilarity was short-lived. The Millbrae boys had booked flights back home for the Sunday evening. Only three of them were staying. The result was a Millbrae/Silverbacks combined team would contest the Ashtray final. And lose.

Despite such inauspicious beginnings, however, the team would go from strength to strength. In 2012, the team made the semi-final. 7 points ahead of Millfield Oldboys with 1 minute on the clock, the Silverbacks broke from their own 22, with your correspondent in possession. On he strode magnificently, peerless and untouched as he approached the opponents’ 22 and the last defender. With a man outside screaming for the ball, the only sensible thing to do was to throw a dummy. Regrettably, the dummy was somewhat telegraphed; recognised instantly by the defender; and responded to with a dump tackle that turned the ball over and ended up with a try to Millfield. Into extra time we went, and you can guess how that turned out.

Undaunted, the team returned in 2013. This would be our year. Unbeaten in the pool stages, we came up against our old enemies, the Marauders, in the semis. Boasting several ex-professionals and a couple of sevens internationals, their talent exceeded ours by several orders of magnitude. However, they lacked cohesion and were prone to bickering. Their early lead was clawed back, and the Silverbacks were only 7 points down with seconds remaining. Some incisive counter-attacking by Accies legend Malcy McVie saw fellow legend and budding magician Duncan Wilson in at the corner. A brilliant touchline conversion from guest player Malcolm Clapperton saw the boys once again into extra time. This time, it would be different.

After 9½ minutes of stalemate and with the game looking like it would be decided on a coin toss, the Silverbacks won a penalty just inside the Marauders half. It looked nigh impossible, especially given the requirement to strike a penalty via drop-kick. But up stepped Clapperton. The ball soared towards the posts, seemingly inexorable. But gravity stepped in. The ball began to drop. Agonisingly, we watched as the ball dropped yet further, before hitting the crossbar, bouncing up, performing one lazy half turn, and dropping again – on the right side of the posts. The boys were in the final!

The final was a far easier affair. Buoyed by our success against the Marauders, our old friends Millfield Oldboys were easily dispatched. The Veterans Pier (the name of the trophy, for reasons that remain unclear) was secured, and an amazing night was to follow. For details, please ask someone who remembers. If you can find anyone of that description.

The Silverbacks returned to the ‘Dam in 2014 and 2015. However, despite recruiting strongly we were never quite able to repeat the glories of 2013. Long they will live in the memory.