Ex-Daventry fly-half, Giovanni Barboglio has acted as a catalyst forging a strong relationship between the All Blacks and his former club, Rugby Borgo Poncorale.

In 1996 Borgo Poncarale first team last made the trip to Daventry and with the Italian club playing host to a number of Daventry players over the years, it was an occasion which has been long awaited.

On a yearly basis since Barboglio has returned to Italy, Borgo Poncarale have invited a number of Daventry players to compete in a testimonial match in his honour.

Saturday was Daventry's opportunity to repay the Italian hospitality. Daventry were aided in their efforts by a generous contribution from match day sponsors, Shepherd Construction.

Borgo Poncarale Colts made the long trip over to Daventry last summer for a highly competitive game and the Daventry supporters were hoping for a similar display from the first team.

Despite the soaring temperatures, this was an intense, fast-paced game with the All Blacks producing some of their best rugby of the season. But the Italians were typically strong, in particular in the line-out and the driving mauls.

Young second row Mark Hyde grabbed the first try of the game following sustained pressure in the Italian half and strong inroads into the Italian defence by Jason Cooper and centre Ricky Haynes.

Borgo Poncarale were quick to level the score with powerful forward play and fast hands leading to a well-worked try.

A loose pass picked up by Lee Collett led to the next Daventry score. Collett gathered the ball in his own half and sprinted clear for a breakaway try.

A speculative kick from scrum-half Gareth Dudgeon created another score for the All Blacks when winger Lee Collett coasted between the uprights.

Borgo Poncarale refused to lie down and the big hits continued to fly in. They were rewarded for their endeavour with a further try in the corner.

After an intelligent backs move from the base of a scrum, the Italians stormed up the left flank with delightful offloading and awareness of space, only stopped by the tackling of Luke Jones.

The visitors were rewarded with a try from a well constructed rolling maul by the organised forward pack.

Daventry centre Luke Jones' strong running and ferocious defence led to him being announced man of the match by both sides.

Chris Mansell then grabbed his first try after Luke Jones popped up a neat offload. Tony Goosen and Dave Brown combined well to put Mansell through for his second try.

The spirit of the match was carried through late into the evening, with fun and games at Stefen Hill. Daventry players are looking forward to the next testimonial 'Barboglians' match in Italy later this month.

Training for the 2008/9 season will begin at 7pm on Thursday 5th June. Players of all abilities are welcome, as are spectators and potential sponsors.

Daventry scorers: Mark Hyde, Lee Collett (2), Chris Mansell (2). Conversions: Kevin Moore, Gareth Dudgeon, Mark Hyde. Visitors' scorers: Caretta, Bosetti and Bonomo. Conversion: Beretta.