Day 3 - Travel day Hamilton to Hastings (Lindisfarne College)

Day 3 was travel day as the Rugby group travelled from Hamilton to Lindisfarne College via Taupo.  An interesting trip with the lead bus deciding to take the scenic route leaving when leaving Hamilton, leaving the other buses puzzled as to what was happening.

After finding the right roads, the buses travelled through session at Taupo with a quick stop for breakfast. We continued travelling to Taupo where we held a quick training session at the local rugby grounds. Once finished, the boys headed into the main area of Taupo for a quick bite.

The road from Taupo to Lindisfarne College was mountainous with many twists and turns. Once at Lindisfarne, the boys meet their billetts and left with haste. The tour management group are looking forward to 2 nights of peace and quiet, whilst sampling some the finest restaurants in Hastings.

Game 2 tomorrow.

(sorry...no photos today).

Saturday 31 March - Day 2

 Day 2 of tour had a very early start with training session at 7.30am. After a quick team run, breakfast will the next challenge - 30 teenage boys diving in for anything that looked edible. needless to say, they put a huge dint into the fruits, youghurts and raw bread (a Sam Milgrom classic).

A short bus trip through Hamilton to our first game v Hamilton Boys High. The boys were stunned when they approached a field that was not flooded or muddy and was firm underfoot. The game started out well with 3 quick tries to Grammar, however, some lapses in concentration and the game was close. In the second half, the Grammar boys kept playing to their strengths and the game resulted in a 55-19 win. Highlight of the match was the Billy Slater-like try scored by Trey.

Best players for the match were Shanan, Trey and Nathan Haar. After some free time and ice baths, the boys enjoyed a BBQ dinner, prepared by Chefs Cross & Riggall before heading off to the Super XV match - Chiefs v Waratahs.

Friday 30 March - Day 1

From early begginings we headed on the bus with beats curteous of DJ 40/20 (Wilba) getting the boys righteous. After the first fine of the tour going to Robo as he forgot to actually take one of his bags out of the car.  We arrived at the airport and strategically got through customs with Trey's Guns still intact and untouched from foreign hands.  During in-flight entertainment, Harry (Genia) Masters was well- prepared and beat half of the unforgiving passengers on the plane at the classic arcade game PONG.  After arriving safely from our flight, we boarded our buses to Hamilton. 'On arrival, Mr Riggall tested out Mr Cross' diet and reaction time by squezing him between two 12 seater buses. A quick stop for dropping off bags before we went to Hamilton Old Boys Rugby Club for an enjoyable roast dinner. This was a good chance to relax after a day of travelling and meet some of our opposition for tomorrows game. Truman is struggling to keep the Lion in his possession as it is a sought after trophy by the rest of the touring party.

Tour Chapel Service - Wednesday 28 March

This morning, the Rugby tour party joined with the Netball tourists to attend the traditional pre-tour Chapel service, hosted by Pastor Jon Taylor.

The congregation listened to inspiring gospel readings, thoughts and prayers before adjourning for the BBQ breakfast. Once fed, all the students were addressed by Mr Ian Brown, who reinforced the importance of touring can have on young lives.

As we get closer to departure, the feeling of excitement grows each day and was evident, especially at Tuesday's afteernoon training session. The boys trained strongly as a team, looked sharp in their drills, yet took the time to ponder "Where is our kit?".

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