Setting off at 7.10am we travelled on the Grand Central train to Kings Cross where we were picked up by coach and transported to Heathrow Airport for our afternoon flight.

We landed at Logan International Airport in the early evening and made the short, 8 or so minute, transfer to The Boxer Hotel in the heart of downtown Boston. Nestled between the historic North End and storied cobblestone streets of Beacon Hill, the boutique accommodation was far smarter than what we have come to expect on tour and was in a prime location for bars & grub. Though as become apparent very quickly, nothing is more than an Uber ride away!

Day 2

An early start as we headed out to explore the City, taking in the Federal-style Beacon Hill neighborhood and its common. There was the customary group photo opportunity outside of Cheers before making our way down to Boston Harbor. A couple of jars in the Hopster Brewing Co. followed by a good feed in Hard Rock Cafe probably isn't the ideal preparation for a game but walking 7 miles is thirsty work!

Later that afternoon we headed to Boston College High School where we would face the Boston Irish Wolfhounds in an evening kick off. The opposition were a strong and athletic outfit of about 30 players (felt like 50 by the end of the game!). We were depleted due to injuries sustained prior to tour, tired and full as bed ticks (get your excuses in early lads!). However, that being said, we were loaned Joe Rugby and well in the game at half time trailing only 15-7.

We ran out of steam in the second half as our hosts rolled on their army of subs but not before Keagan Thomas doubled our points tally when he broke through the heart of the Wolfhounds defence to score. The game finished 48-14 at James Cotter Field and off we went to enjoy a night of hospitality at a local bar.

Day 3

On our last day in Boston the players headed off to Fenway Park, home of the Boston Red Sox, for a tour of America's most beloved ballpark. Jonesy & co. went whale watching only to come back empty handed other than a bout of sea sickness! And the Wiles clan made the 40 minute journey to Foxborough to visit the Gillette Stadium and the New England Patriots Hall of Fame Museum.

Sports entertainment was the order of the evening in the superb TD Garden as we took in some WWE Wrestling and cheered (& jeered) superstars like Brock Lesnar, Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins before sampling more of the downtown nightlife.

Day 4

Having enjoyed a great time in a fantastic city we said goodbye to Boston and set off on the 4 hour long trip to New York City. There was a stop for scran in Connecticut followed by some light entertainment from our host Dean Ryan on the bus. The Tour Virgins treat us to some songs that included a punk rock version of 'Knees up Mother Brown' performed by Stitch Taylor.

With the Skycrapers on the horizon we made our way through the Bronx and into Manhattan. Our hotel, the Holiday Inn Express Chelsea, was located on W 29th St and only a stones throw from Madison Square Garden and Times Square. A group of the lads headed straight out to a local tavern to watch the Joshua v Parker fight while others took in the Knicks at MSG and explored the sights.

Day 5

We got off the beaten track and hopped on the Subway to Coney Island on Easter Sunday. The beach neighborhood of Brooklyn, made famous by the 70's cult film 'The Warriors', was awash with revellers taking advantage of the glorious sunshine. After lunch at Nathan's we made our way down to the boardwalk with it's bars, shops and fairground.

The evening was spent exploring Times Square and its sights & sounds, with a bit of Country Music thrown in for good measure. The low tones of Josh Turner are still ringing in our ears!

Day 6

In a total contrast from the day before the temperature hit zero and there was several inches of snowfall overnight. We caught the subway to Brooklyn where we made our way back into Manhattan via the Brooklyn Bridge. We walked around the financial district before heading up to Central Park, which in the snow is a great sight. After pelting David Chester with several snowballs an afternoon was enjoyed running up an expensive bar bill in a famous American franchise.

Day 7

On the morning of our second game the full tour party headed to the 9/11 memorial and museum.

Following a relaxed afternoon our bus picked us up to transfer us to Rahway River Park Stadium in Union County, New Jersey. Again, there was no changing facilities or showers. Chester was fuming!

We'd lost Spence who decided to go and watch the Yankees but gained Matty Reay and three guest players - Pat, Walker Texas Ranger & Daniel - the latter claimed to be a Kenyan Sevens international! We had the better of the first half and despite going close on a number of occasions found ourselves behind at half time. The physical nature of the game meant that injuries eventually took their toll and the Mudturtles pulled away as the second half wore on. But not before Hamish Coghill, sporting a shiner from the first game, managed to bulldoze his way over for our only score. The game finished 26-5, but as we all know, you're not supposed to win on tour.

What can we say about the hospitality that followed other than it was first class. We travelled to Dowlings, a local Irish tavern, where we were greeted with free beer, great food and sing-a-long after sing-a-long. A great night was had and the Mudturtles proved to be fantastic hosts to the point of almost holding up our bus so we couldn't leave.

Day 8

With our flight later that evening the day was spent split up with everyone off on their own shopping expedition before reconvening for the Champions League Quarter Final between Liverpool & Man City. Following an over night flight we arrived back in blighty the next morning, with the prospect of the seven hour bus journey back to Hartlepool breaking hearts!

Two cities, 4 states and memories that will last a life time. Now that we've recovered we could do it all over again!

As with every tour there are lessons to be learned ...

#1 Never leave your Four Loko unattended

#2 Don't go whale watching and expect to see any whales

#3 One tour of Fenway Park just isn't enough

#4 Alright Alright Alright, always remember to take 'full advantage'

#5 More people are killed each year by coconuts than by sharks

Plus everything Banksy 'The Oracle' taught us!

And songs to be sung ...

Tour Anthems:

Blue Swede - Hooked On A Feeling
Josh Turner - Your Man
Neil Diamond - Sweet Caroline