Day 9 - Game # 4 v Morrisville College

Rotorua turned on another beautiful day as we mande our way to the game at Morrisville College, which is about 90 minutes north of Rotorua. All the boys (except for Olly) were available for play and Robo had 29 willing players to choose from. After a fast start, Grammar led 19-0 and were looking to skip away to an easy victory.

However, our opponents had other ideas and they played strongly in the second half, which saw the lead change a few times. Unfortunately, the only major injury for the tour occured as Trey injured his knee and is unlikely to play school First XV this year. Discipline was lacking today, with numerous penalties given and two players receiving yellow cards (Jesse & Drew).The final score 31-29 to Grammar with Brandon Clews scoring in the last minute of play.

After the match, our travels continued through to Auckland and our last official function of tour. The Team Dinner was held at Auckland University Rugby Club and was hosted by Mr Scott Crouch. Scott provided some words of wisdom to the playing group on what rugby has provided to him. The tour awards were presented :

Most Improved - Dalton Goddard & Sam Milgrom
Best Player on Tour - Shanan Goodman

Day 8 - Rotorua

Day 8 commenced with a hearty breakfast and an early morning training session. Only injury from training was Dan as his back caused him some distressed. He is the second member of staff to seek Craigy's assistance - Crossy decided to tackle Nathan Harr at training in Taupo and came off second best with a sore shoulder. Crossy expects to be passed fit for tomorrow's game.

After training, the group headed off for the luge, which was a massive hit with all of the group. A few hours there allowed the boys the chance to purchase some sovenuirs and gifts for families at home - some of the mothers will be pleasantly surprised at the thoughtfulness of their gifts.

After lunch, it was a chance to recouperate in the thermal pool and have a relaxing afternoon before the final training run of the tour (which was not that flash!!!). Tiredness is creeping in; however, the team has one final game to lift for tomorrow.

Dinner tonight is a traditional Maori hungi which should please our hungry tribe of warriors.

PS. sorry about the lack of photos on the blog in recent days - it seems to take forever to upload pictures........I have taken plenty (nearly 600) and will be happy to share on return.

Day 7 - Game #3 v Taupo

Seventh day of tour started with wonderful conditions in Taupo, with bright sunshine. The boys awoke to some magnificent scenery with views of Lake Taupo and rolling hillsides. A late breakfast and departure time meant that many had a valuable sleep-in before game time. Prior to Game 3, the tour party were given a traditional Maori welcome by the opposition players.

The match against Taupo started with 3 quick tries for Grammar. In a game that was played in excellent spirit and competitiveness, Grammar scored 9 tries, with Peter Rhys Mathews grabbing 3 and Jake Barry scoring 2. Once again, the boys enjoyed playing on a dry field and under sunny conditions. After the match, both teams enjoyed the hospitality provided.

On the trip to Rotorua. all the boys gathered for a quick dip in the cold waters of Lake Taupo for a relaxing swim. The travel to Rotorua was one of the quietest so far and was greatly enjoyed by the drivers.

Day 5 & 6 - Taupo

Day 5 started in Hastings with the boys being collected from their billetts. After finding an indoor activity, the troop headed off to Taupo after a brief stop in Napier for lunch. The journey continued with the boys swapping their billetting stories, some of which were very amusing. The weather was not the best to travel in, however, everyone arrived safely in Taupo late Tueday afternoon. The boys quickly took advantage of the hot springs and settled in for the evening with each cabin having to prepare their own dinner.

Day 6 started like the previous days - cold, wet and windy as they enjoyed a 90 minute training session at the local school. The 7am start was not appreciated by all, however, a strong training performance was provided.

After breakfast, it was a chance to enjoy the planned activity - Trout fishing on Lake Taupo. Whilst the number of fish caught were small, it was an excellent opportunity for everyone to relax on the water and have a pleasant BBQ meal. Return from boat trip resulted in a light training run in preparation for tomorrow's match in Taupo. The hot springs were another hit with the boys today.

(note : I have photos but internet connection is a bit dodgy...will put photos up as soon as possible).

Day 4 - Game #2 v Lindisfarne College (Hastings)

Day 4 of tour began with the tour squad dominating 12 year-olds in a game of Dodgeball. After claiming a comprehensive victory, the boys undertook a solid hour training session under conditions similar to home - heavy skies with intermittant showers. Three days of sunshine was too much to enjoy.....

After training, the tour party travelled to Napier - once you have been to Napier, there is no need to return as all our endeavours for entertainment were thwarted. Eventually, the boys returned to the tour management accommodation watching movies, Super XV rugby, undertaking player interviews and catching up on some sleep before game time.

The game v Lindisfarne was held in conditions very familiar to school rugby on the Sunshine Coast - slippery field, low mist and drizzling rain. A tough and physical encounter was held, with scores locked at 14-14 just before half-time - tries by Mark Bruce and Olly Hopkins. A lapse in concentration at the end of the first half and a slow start to the second meant that our opposition skipped away, before Harry Masters scored the final try of the game. The final score was 41-19 to Lindisfarne. Drew Colliver was awarded best player for Grammar by the Lindisfarne team. Best of all - no injuries.