SANDBACH Rugby Club chiefs have defended their players despite sordid images of their drunken exploits being broadcast on national television. ITV2 viewers tuning into the documentary fly-on-the-wall series Generation Xcess, watched members of the first team squad drinking as much as 22 pints of beer each, French kissing one another and simulating sexual acts together in the Wheatsheaf Hotel in Hightown and The Lion in High Street. Team coach Alec Burton, whose 18-year-old son Ally, was one of the main ‘stars’ of the programme, said: ‘I think they were a bit hard done by. ‘The production company bought the drinks for them and egged them on. ‘That wasn’t a typical night out. With the excitement of the TV cameras and an average age of 22, the youngsters didn’t need a lot of encouragement. ‘The programme-makers even paid girls £75 each to kiss each other. The lads were encouraged to do the same and you can guess which part was shown on television. ‘I am very disappointed the show did not present the rugby club’s values better. They followed some of the team to work throughout the week and filmed two matches but only one pass made it to the screen. ‘It was a case of lambs to the slaughter but you live and you learn.’ Club chairman Tim Smith said: ‘While it is clear some team members were playing-up to the camera, I have been led to believe certain individuals had also been offered inducements to behave outrageously and play-up even more. ‘I agree with and share concerns that what was shown did not set a good example, nor did it show the rugby club in the best possible light. However, I am content the standard of behaviour displayed is not indicative of the team’s normal Saturday night activities.’ In the wake of the programme on Thursday, an ITV spokesman said: ‘Crucially, this wasn’t simply a ‘shocking’ observational documentary. ‘We followed the team on a night of heavy drinking and partying to celebrate their annual Captain’s Drinking Challenge.’ | 
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