Final message from NZ

We have all just checked in at Queenstown airport for the long trip back to London via Auckland and Los Angeles. The boys are in good spirits after an excellent end of tour dinner last night and a relaxing morning in Queenstown. The weather has yet again been superb and some boys went on the luge whilst others relaxed around the magnificent Lake Wakitupu. The scenery is amazing and it has been a great break at the end of a long and enjoyable tour.

It has taken a huge effort from a lot of people for the boys to experience this trip and they have done everyone proud with their hard work on the Rugby field and also their behaviour off the pitch. We are all very proud of them .

I hope you have all enjoyed the blog and I want to thank Adrian Norris and all the boys for keeping it up to date .

The tour has been a great experience and we all hope that the boys benefit from it on and off the pitch.

Thankyou to everyone who has helped with fundraising and also to the great support we have had from parents over here in NZ- it has made a huge difference.

See you when we touch down in London.

Regards

Wilko

Day 19 - Final day

The final day of an epic trip has come and everyone is feeling exhausted, however that is of course a good sign. We decided to finish with something to remember the tour by and we thought that a awards dinner would be the perfect way to highlight some outstanding efforts throughout the touron and off the pitch. The organisation of the evening was left up to Mr. Richards. He thought that due to our theme the hotel restaurant would be the best setting. Our theme, which was picked up at the 1stXV match against Geraldine, was jackets/blazers turned inside out. At 7:30 everyone rocked up in some outlandish costumes and the evening started with a buffet.

After a splendid meal the awards got under way. Mr.Kibble kicked off with his speech and awards. He highlighted efforts on the pitch to Chris Campbell as top try scorer of the team, Harvey Hanifan as best player of the tour, and off the pitch Max Valler as best tourist and you could see why with his costume. To round off precedings he decided to award a prize to the best dressed and Charlie Hopkins took it much to his teammates delight. Now it was Jonny Macmillans turn to say a few words. He obviously offered many thanks towards the coaches and to highlight his coaches efforts the U15's had bought a ball each and signed them. Now it was Charlie Hopkins turn to kick off with the seniors speeches. I emphasised about the efforts that had been put in behind the scenes. Also to give the coaches some memrobilia we had collected money off each boy and bought presents for all the staff involved in the trip. Now the awards started for the seniors and the efforts of top try scorer (as decided at Geraldine in a race) was Lawrence Okoye, next was top tourist and this was awarded for his positive attitude as Ollie Dickerson, last but not least was best player and there were many candidates but Tom Nicholls clinched it. The night was then rounded off by a conclusion from Mr.Wilkins.

I would just like to again highlight many thanks to all involved in some organisation of the tour whether thats coaches or parents and to the boys for making this a memorable trip for everyone involved.

Charlie Hopkins

Day 18

Today was the day of the triple challenge involving a helicopter ride, white water rafting and jet boating. We were all kitted out in full wet suits by 8:00 am before being taken on the helicopter ride in groups of 6. For most of us it was our first time in a helicopter and it was definately very exciting and enjoyable.

The white water rafting was exhilerating and thorougly enjoyed, at least by most as some of the under 15s had near death experiences after falling out of their rafts during the fastest rapids on the course. After the rapids both squads went into the sauna some for a considerable length of time as the rafting left us freezing and we all needed to thawe out.

I think most would agree that the jet boating was however the best travelling at 50 mph in the middle of a very narrow gorge it got the adrenaline pumping for sure.

We then went into a town and most of us enjoyed some seriously big burgers.

Definately a day we will not forget and a superb way to finish an excellent tour.

Day 17

After massive night out at Geraldine Rugby CLub the boy, girls, men and women on the Whitgift Tour were off for another adventure on the last stage of their epic tour.

A few sore heads and stomachs were easily cured on the journey to Queenstown with the amazing views at Lake Tekapo and Lake Pukaki... A special thanks must go to Eddie for his heroics in the freezing cold Pukaki Lake where he braved the ridiculous temperatures and won a bet as he stayed in there for 2 minutes.

We then set our sights on lunch at Omprama Town where the boys re-fuelled for the last drag of the coach journey... Travelling through the Wahau Gorge was something indescribable and will be unforgettable for the rest of the boys lives.

We then made haste through the Gibbstan Valley ( Valley of the Vines) and on to the Kawarau Bridge where the tour party were chanting for a scared and frightened girl to do the bungee jump but she was not persuaded.. we will not forget her face as she cried to get of the intimidating platform over the freezing cold river.

We then arrived at the Queenstown Lodge hotel and the boys are looking foward for their triple challenge and a couple of nights that we won't forget....:)



Jamie Stevenson

1st XV v Geraldine RFC Match Report

This was the final match of a wholly successful tour and it saw us come up against our first club team which saw a different style of play for us to try our hand against. They were less organised and much more scrappy than the school teams we played and was much harder than we expected. The game started relatively poorly and we went down to an early penalty and then an uncoverted try. We finally managed to assert some dominance and saw James Canty cross the line. We camped ourselves in their half then Jack Valler barrelled his way over just before half time. The second half was a simirlarly scrappy affair and they had attacks which were well defended then as the half came to an end James Canty crossed for another try after a quick tap penalty. The game ended 15-8 to Whitgift and it was a good final test for the tour.

Rob White

Day 16

Game day today so we just went into Timaru for a couple of hours to relax before the match. Standard. Played and beat Geraldine RFC just about, they were a tough outfit but we finished the "rugby" part of the tour well. After the match we all went to the club bar, had a few drinks and Lawrence and Marland decided to have a "face off" using the drinks, to decide who was the top try scorer of the tour. The game was called "The Centurion". 100mins, 100 shots of Tui beer. Easy game and easy stuff for the boys, no problems for either of them so they decided to have a 50m sprint on the rugby pitch, which Lawrence ended up winning.
Good way to end the night, wild celebrations followed Lawrence's victory.
Nice.

Whitgift School U15 - Mountain View School U16

The school welcomed us onto the grounds with a traditional Maori welcoming ceremony, in which selected pupils of the school sung several Maori songs. In respect to this we replied with a song of our choice to accept the welcome(Wonderwall - Oasis). We then moved towards the changing rooms and began our preparations for our final game of the tour. The pitch itself was situated in a beautiful scenery, with the Southern Alps on the side and on the other the hilly forested plains of New Zealand. The day began with good conditions for a game of rugby; the ground firm, however a strong wind from the south.

Whitgift won the toss and decided to kick against the wind and the game commenced, evenly between the two sides. Whitgift then had a penalty, which was quickly taken and passed out to Luca who stepped multiple players and scored under the posts. After the first try, the game lifted off and many consecutive tries came henceforth and we were dominating the game for the majority of the rest of the first half. Tries scored with strong running from players and great support play by the team. At half time the score stood 40-0 and various substitutions were made, however the main aim of the second half was not to drop our standards and loose our momentum, which unfortunately occurred in the second half of the match against Shirley Boys.

In the ssecond half we were receiving the kick and with a good take from Agim, allowed us to advance onward and break through the oppositions line, once again. Furthermore we managed to control the second half in the forwards and the backs, permitting us to practice new skills and moves, which would help future games against harder oppositions back in England. Fergus was then substituted for no.8, George in the centres, Eliot to prop, Barney to flanker, John to second row and Rory and Greg to wing in the quarter of the game making a large impact and adding some 'fresh legs' to the team. Subsequnetly to this George scored three tries beating various players with his extreme speed and Greg also running in a superb try. Regrettably in the last few minutes of the game we also let in onew try, nonetheless however we successfully defended off the opposition for the final few mintues, with great defence at fullback by Joe Choong, ending the game with the final score as 64-5.

All in all the match was a triumphant result with great work from the forwards in both rucking and keeping the momentum of the game on the front foot with hgih intensity, but also strong running and skills within the backs. All things considered a magnificent way to finish the tour on such a high note.

Final Score: 64-5

Tries

Luca Petrozzi
Harvey Hannifan
Chris Campbell
Fritz Kirchenr (2) - Captain
Charles Gutteridge
George Smith (3)
Greg Westcott

Conversions

Mathew Clark 7/9



Fritz Kirchner

Christchurch to Geraldine Day 15

At the start of the day we had to arrive at Shirley boys school at 8:30 in the morning from our billets where we began our journey to Geraldine. After about an hour from leaving Christchurch we arrived at a small village called Methven for a short break. After passing various mountains and plains we decided stop again and take a team photo, posing infront of the southern Alps. Further along the journey we passed through the spectacle that is the Rakaia gorge. This was tremendous. Finally we arrived at Geraldine but we were about 5 hours early so we decided to go to Timaru for lunch, staying from 12:30 till 3:00. At 3 we headed back to Geraldine where we were able to spend an hour in the town before heading over to meet our billets. My billet lives on a farm which is a great experiance, earlier on we fed the familys deer and later on we are going hunting.

Leigh Robinson

1st XV Squad v Geraldine RFC

1st XV v Geraldine RFC, Geraldine Timaru. on Tuesday 4th August at 3.30pm

Y. Mensah-Dika
J.Thoroughgood
P.Johnson
J.McDougall
A.Sawyer
C.Hopkins Captain
B.Razis
J.Valler
S.Cornford
T.Nicholls Vice Captain
M.Kirchner
J.Guassardo
W.Smith
J.Canty
J.Wilkie

Replacements
E.Peglau
J.Ellis
M.Hilton
O.Dickerson
C.Crane
L.Okoye
M.Yarde

Day 14

Match played today against Shirley Boys High School, a seemingly tough side from the videos posted on the internet of their play. A strong side was put out against them, which despite a slow start fought for a good well deserved win. Great food was presented after the game which all the boys enjoyed. A quick journey back with the billets was followed by a dip in the local pool which was a good laugh, Max managed to escape the star wars convention. A large gathering was held at one of the kiwi boys houses where a lot of drinking and singing went down. It was a good night which was topped off when the Shirley Boys team did a rather drunken haka in front of the boys, which was then drowned out by the chant of "JL, JL".
An early start in the morning was not welcome but the boys went off home with their billets safe and sound.

Injury Update 26/7

Jamie Stevenson's rehabilitation is progressing well. He is now fully weight bearing, and range of movement is almost 100%.

Alfie Sawyer's knee injury is progressing well. He has gained strength, and feels that the knee is more stable. He is targeting the final game vs Geraldine RFC to make his return.

Both McDougalls have played in the most recent match vs Nayland College with no ill effects.

Guy Newman has suffered a concussion, playing against Nayland College, but his symptoms have not required any hospital treatment, but will not be able to play now for 21 days.

Day 13

Today we were free to go with our billets. It was a surprisingly warm day for our hosts Shirley boys u14 game which may of given us a very insightful look into the way the opposition play. This was where most of the u15 fortunately met up. After a hard fought game many billets and hosts returned home for a well deserved shower.

The afternoon was spent in Christchurch with our host families, Christchurch being a relatively small city compared to cities in England with a population of only a quarter of a million even though it is the biggest city in the south island, we walked through town (without many crowds) looking at the amazing city with its markets,cathedral and other attractions like a classic Christchurch tram ride. Therefore a very eventful but relaxing day of the tour, so that we were ready for the big game the next day.


We then returned to our host families house greeted by a delicious diner and a comfortable bed for well needed sleep ahead of the game against Shirley boys high.

Chris Campbell

1st XV vs Shirley Boys Highschool, Canterbury

A nice day in Shirley, sunny and warm which is not typical for this part of New Zealand. The match day starts with the gathering of both of the teams at 11:30. the u15's head to the changing rooms while the seniors go for a relaxing 45 minutes walk through Shirley. The team heads back to the pitch to support the u15's and start changing in their kit. After the a first half of supporting our u15 team we head to the changing rooms for are team meeting and prepare mentally for a sharp warm up before a rugged game. 2:30 kick-off the match starts with some hard hits from the kiwi side but we get into the mix quickly. Shirley manage to put some points on the scoreboard quickly but we come back to the try of Lawrence Okoye running to the opposition backs without any problems. the game was tied until the finishing of the first half but our forwards conducted some good lineouts with driving mauls that were constantly put down by the opposition but the reff didn't have eyes for that. As we started the second half in a strong manner we scored from our first lineout with our prop Eduard-Paul Peglau (ME) followed with another two tries of his one assisted by one of his best friend and captain Charlie Hopkins and another one assisted by his trusty pack of forwards with another driving maul. Two beautiful tries were scored by Marland Yard (Marvin) and one amazing try by Jack Munnery (Munners) assisted with a betiful pass of Lawrence Okoye (Oky Oky with his little Jonah Lomu haircut). The game finished with the amazing score of 41-15 for our team and i didn't bored you with my beatifull report.
Your one and only
Eddie Peglau

U15 Match Report Vs Shirley Boys High

On a sunny Christchurch morning when the sun was high in the sky, we woke ready for battle. So far it had been a pretty enjoyable weekend, some of us had met up and some had just relaxed at home. We knew that this game was the make or break match of our tour. This was our time to prove what a fantastic team we have, whether it be a win or a lose.

We arrived at Shirley Boys at 11 o'clock with our billets, we then separated and went to our allocated changing room. A tough talk from Johnny, our captain and a few words of encouragement from Mr. Webb and Mr. Kibble had us ready for what looked liked a very hard game. After our warm up with Mr. Munro we all felt that there was no turning back now, this is where we made our mark on Whitgift rugby.

Kick-off.

Matt kicked off for us and as soon as the ball reached the Shirley number 4, Whitgift forwards proved to us how much they've developed on this tour. Both teams battled in the first few minutes but we definetly had the upper hand. We were first on the score board thanks to Luca's darting run into the corner. Unfortunatly Matt couldn't convert. As another minute passed we took our foot off the pedal and Shirley scored a soft try. 7-5. Whitgift heads were still up, no giving up today lads! We later pressurised the Shirley defence, they cracked. The backs saw holes and pierced the patchy guard of the try line. After a quick ruck we got a penatly on the five meter line and Johnny charged at a gap... TRY! The boys were ecstatic. Confidence was boosted. We later had a fantastic chance to add to the score board, Rory sped down the wing with George right next to him, but when Rory was tackled we were out numbered and the ball was turned over. A chance missed. Before the break Shirley kicked a penalty and levelled the score.

Half-time, 10-10

We had everything to play for, pride, respect and for our team! We couldn't let this slip through our fingers. We had decided to make no substitutions as the starting team had proved they could do more. Shirley made four or five subs, a new winger, almost a whole new back row and some fresh legged centres.

Shirley kicked off. Elliot took the ball immaculately and set up a strongly driven maul with some hard work from Chris and Johnny. Mr. Kibble said Shirley would play as if it were their last game. They did. A few charges from their number 8 cracked our defence and left our blind exposed. This was exploited by further attacks, leading to the first try of the second half. 15-10. "Chin up lads" and the like were the types of shouts we were getting from the sidelines, we couldn't let anyone down. We were on the back foot. As we kicked off, Shirley kept on going on at the blind then cutting in late. Shirley's next try was one that everyone will want to see on video. Their strong running number 17 broke through a hole and threw the most obvious knock on (or forward pass as it was gathered by their winger) in history! They ended up scoring a try which shouldn't have counted. The heads of our team dropped. Shirley kept on attacking, we couldn't handle it. Again, after a break from the main runner, another contreversial pass was thrown then knocked on, somehow they managed to score. We were annoyed! From there we were getting injured and tired, being on tour was taking it's toll on us. In the end, Shirley put 34 points past us in the second half. We were all dissapointed "but we can't blame the ref", its just a part of the game. Although we lost, we had some exceptional performances from Chris our number 8 and Pagey our fullback.

Fulltime, 44-10.

Let's just hope we can construct on this as a base and work to improve our second halves as a whole. A big thanks to everyone who came to support us and thanks to Webby and Kibbs for putting up with us on there stupidly long coach journeys!

Jason Bird and Elliot Mack