#13|Australia & New zealand (2005)

44 boys | 27 days | 12 fixtures

PLAYED: 12|WON: 6|LOST: 6|DRAWN: 0| CO-EFFICIENT: 1.56
PTS FOR: 205| PTS AGAINST: 169| PTS DIFF: 36|BONUS PTS: 18.72

perth - Canberra - Sydney - Christchurch - Wellington - Wanganui - auckland - brisbane - cairns - singapore

tour itinerarY

TOUR RESULTS

WIN %: 50% | CO-EFFICIENT: 1.56|BONUS PTS: 18.72

PLAYED: 12 | WON: 6 | LOST: 6 | DRAWN: 0
PTS FOR: 205 | PTS AGAINST: 169 | PTS DIFF: 36

1st XV results

WIN %: 16.7% | CO-EFFICIENT: 0.23|BONUS PTS: 1.40

PLAYED: 6 | WON: 1 | LOST: 5 | DRAWN: 0
PTS FOR: 67 | PTS AGAINST: 147 | PTS DIFF: -80

2nd XV results

WIN %: 83.3% | CO-EFFICIENT: 2.89|BONUS PTS: 17.32

PLAYED: 6 | WON: 5 | LOST: 1 | DRAWN: 0
PTS FOR: 138 | PTS AGAINST: 22 | PTS DIFF: 116

Tour Awards

The following Tour Awards were made at the Tour Dinner:

• Most Improved Player: tbc

• ARGE (All-round good egg!: )tbc

• Matthew Pattison Memorial Award for Best Tourer: tbc

Tour Squad

MASTERS

Chris Jones (Head of Rugby, 1st XV Coach)
Hopes for the tour: To enjoy a relaxing and peaceful tour, whilst watching the boys playing some of the best rugby of their lives
Interests: I enjoy watching and playing most sports. Watching science fiction especially Star Wars. The odd curry for time to time.

Peter Luck (Deputy Head Teacher)
Hopes for the tour: That all members of the party develop a better understanding of themselves, each other and those we will be privileged to meet on tour.
Interests: Every facet of sport whether watching, competing or training, also photography cooking, and all things scientific.

Maureen Leech (Keeper of the Purse)
Hopes for the tour: That we win all our matches and use the experience to win the Daily Mail Cup
Interests: Cooking, rugby and travelling. giving gentle words of encouragement from the touchline!

David Leech Jnr (Coaching Staff)
Hopes for the tour. To compete with some of the best school’s rugby in the world. To meet new and exotic people and hopefully disprove the saying, "you can take the boy out of Essex but...". 
Interests: Modern languages, history, English literature, swimming and many other diverse topics. 

Philip Friel (Assistant Coach) 
Hopes for the tour: To meet new people, see new places and catch up with some friends along the way. To go unbeaten would be a nice bonus. 
Interests: Away from rugby I enjoy playing golf, reading fictjon and keeping contact with my friends via fluid lunches and dinners! 

David Leech Snr (School 1st Aid)
Hopes for the tour: Friendship through sport. I look forward to renewing the friendship of previous tours and making new friends at new fixtures. 
Interests: Fine wine, fine foods and good company. Solving the mystery of Schrodingors Cat. 

TOUR CAPTAIN

#20: Dan Johnson (Capt, No. 8)
Age: 18| Height: 6' 1" | Weight: 14st 71b
Hopes for the tour: I am looking forward to revisting Australia and New Zealand in my senior year.
Interests: Apart from rugby I enjoy staying at home, listening to classical music and yoga. 

TOURING SQUAD

#1: Michael Barr (Centre)
Age: 16 | Height: 5' 11" | Weight: 12st 81b
Hopes for the tour. To test my rugby skills at a new level and just enjoy the chance of a lifetime. A tan would be nice tool
Interests: All sports in particular watching and playing rugby and football. I also enjoy listening to music, mostly R&B and Hip Hop. 

#2: Andrew Bartlett (Winger)
Age: 18 | Height: 5' 8" | Weight 11st
Hopes for the tour. I hope to improve my game whilst enjoying the sights and sounds of Australia and New Zealand. 
Interests: Rugby, gym work-outs, extreme sports (tiddlywinks), outdoor activities, flying. 

#3 John Browning (Winger)
Age 18 | Height: 6'3" | Weight: 14st 21b
Hopes for the tour: To go unbeaten, to experience different styles of rugby and different cultures
Interests: I enjoy playing most sports especially rugby, cricket and football, as well as going out with my mates

#4: Tom Burns (Back Row / Second Row) 
Age 17 | Height: 6'3" | Weight: 14st 21b
Hopes for the tour: I hope to Win every game and pick up as much experience as possible I want to play against the best, see their Haka and come home unbeaten.
Interests: I like to watch and play most sports. Going out with mates and having a laugh. 

#5: John Carter (Wing)
Age 18 | Height 6' 2" | Weight: 13st
Hopes for the tour: To explore the southern hemisphere and improve both my rugby skills and knowledge.
Interests: My interests outside of rugby are football, athletics and train spotting (seriously). I also enjoy going on numerous dates with my girlfriend Holly Valance. 

#6: Andrew Cassidy (Prop)
Age: 17 | Height: 5'10 | Weight 14st
Hopes for the tour. To meet new people, experience a different way of life and to make new friends.
Interests: Playing cricket and other sporting activities, socialising with my friends and having a laugh. 

#7: Matt Dwyer (Loose Head Prop)
Ago: 18 | Height: 5' 6" | Weight: 14st 61b
Hopes for Tour: To have an experience of a lifetime and to develop my rugby skills to a much higher level.
Interests: Rugby, fishing, socialising with friends and girlfriends, keeping fit, going down the pub n clubs, listening to music, pulling girls!

#8: Lee Fitzmaurice (Prop)
Age 18 | Height: 5'11" | Weight 15st
Hopes for the tour: I hope to have a great time with my friends, improve my rugby and experience the cultures of the other side of the world. 
Interests: Rugby, football, music, driving, skiing, socialising with friends and more rugby! 

#9: Sean Flannery (Outside Centre/ Wing)
Age: 17 | Height: 6' 4" | Weight: 16st 101bs
Hopes for the tour: I hope to go unbeaten and experiencing different cultures. To develop as a player and to eat as much steak as possible. Interests: Rugby and athletics, watching American football, listening to all types of music and the occasional Guinness. 

#10: Joe Forde (Lock / Number 8)
Age: 17 | Height: 6' 4" | Weight: 16st 101bs
Hopes for the tour: I hope to go unbeaten and experiencing different cultures. To develop as a player and to eat as much steak as possible. Interests: Rugby and athletics, watching American football, listening to all types of music and the occasional Guinness. 

#11: Matt Garvey (Second Row / Number 8)
Age: 17 | Height: 6' 4" | Weight: 16st 41bs
Hopes for the tour: To play against the best teams in Australia and New Zealand, to witness the Haka first hand. 
Interests: Most sports, football, rugby, snowboarding and cricket. Watching AFL especially Essendon and Australian women. 

#12: Jack Gash (Scrum Half / Half-Back)
Age: 18 | Height: 6' 1" | Weight: 11st 61bs
Hopes for the tour: To win every game in style, racking up a number of tries and scoring a drop goal.
Interests: Playing tiddlywinks to a very high standard and to follow my father and remain unbeaten. I also enjoy bird watching and the occasional Guinness (extra cold). 

#13: Dan Gillard (Flanker)
Age 18 | Height 6' | Weight 11st 7lb
Hopes for the tour: I look forward to testing myself against the biggest and strongest opposition across the globe. I want to improve as a player
Interests: I enjoy playing all sports especially rugby and football at which I play semi-professional for Thurrock

#14: Michael Giordmania (Hooker)
Age 18 | Height 5' 10" | Weight 14st 5lb
Hopes for the tour: I want to enjoy rugby and become a better player. To learn about other cultures and to re-enforce the playboy in me!
Interests: I enjoy playing rugby and going fishing (spending some time with nature). I believe I am one with nature!

#15: Dennis Gleeson (Second Row)
Age 18 | Height 6' 3" | Weight 14st
Hopes for the tour: To complete the tour undefeated and to make new friends through rugby, and to the challenges that playing in Australia and New Zealand will bring
Interests: I enjoy most sports; socialising with my friends. and telling really funny jokes. 

#16: Peter Gribbon (Loose Head Prop)
Age 17 | Height 5' 7" | Weight: 14st
Hopes for the tour. I hope its a very successful tour both on and off the pitch! 
Interests: There's nothing quite like chucking around a few weights with friends and socialising over a protein shake, and the odd visit to the gun shop goes down well! 

#17: Matthew Holton (Three Quarter)
Age 17 | Height: 5' 10" | Weight: 12st 61bs
Hopes for the tour: To experience different cultures whilst playing rugby and going undefeated against quality opposition. Interests: Playing and watching football and rugby, socialising and hanging out with my mates Big Sock and Burnsynator. 

#18: Nick Horton (Scrum Half / Fly Half)
Age: 17 | Height: 5' 7" | Weight 10st 41b
Hopes for the tour. I look forward to a once in a lifetime opportunity, to play against the best opposition, go undefeated, and be ready to win the Daily Mail Cup next year.
Interests: Rugby union, Rugby League, football and sleeping. I also enjoy being tall. 

#19: James Jenkins (Full Back)
Age  | Height 6' 2" | Weight 12st
Hopes for the tour: To play against the most physical, intimidating teams, and to win. To improve my performance and enjoy another countries culture along the way.
Interests: fitness, sports, cinema, socialising, restaurants, listening to music and drinking. 

#21: Chris Jones (Full Back / Wing)
Age 17 | Height: 5' 9" | Weight 11st 81bs
Hopes for the tour: To gain a one-off experience of shattering the Australian and New Zealand teams we play. 
Interests: Playing rugby and football, eating lots of food and socialising with my mates. I'm also fond of the pretty ladies' 

#22: Damian Jones (Flanker)
Age  | Height 5' 11" | Weight 12st 101bs
Hopes for the tour: To have the time of my life and score a wonder try!
Interests: Football, rugby, NFL baseball, films, all music, my girlfriend and most important my computer. 

#23: Richard Jones (Prop)
Age 18 | Height 5' 8" | Weight 15st 10lb
Hopes for tour. To play to a high standard, and to see Australia with the team. 
Interests: Rugby. guitar, sports. cartoons 

#24: Greg Kersey (Second Row)
Age: 18 | Height 6' 3" | Weight 13st 61bs
Hopes for the tour: To win every game going unbeaten throughout the tour. To see different cultures from the other side of the world. To enjoy the trip of a lifetime.
Interests: Watching and playing rugby. Going out with friends and enjoying life. 

#25: Damian Larrett (Second Row / No 8)
Age: 18 | Height 6' 4" | Weight 15st 31bs
Hopes for the tour: To gain valuable experience and view different aspects of cultural life, meet new people and have a great time with my mates.
Interests: Taking part in Sport - rugby, cricket and many others. Socialising with mates. 

#26: Andrew Luck (Wing)
Age: 17 | Height: 6' | Weight 11st
Hopes for the tour: To experience different cultures and to play against top opposition in order to gain experience for next season.
Interests: I enjoy rugby, football and athletics. I also enjoy socialising with my mates. 

#27: Danny McEvoy (Fly Half / Centre)
Age: 18 | Height 5'10" | Weight: 11st
Hopes for the tour: To experience different cultures, and touring throughout Australia and New Zealand. To go unbeaten on tour and have an experience of a lifetime. 
Interests: I enjoy all outdoor sports. I like socialising but don't like Mr Friel's fining system. (jokelll) 

#28: Blaine McKie (Centre / Full Back) 
Age: 17 | Height 6' 1" | Weight 13st 9lbs
Hopes for the tour: To go undefeated on tour whilst testing myself against some of the best players from the other side of the world, and to return home raring to go for the new season. 
nterests: Rugby, golf, fishing.... and Danny Reid's parties!!! 

#29: Tom Morris (Second Row)
Age 17 | Height 5'10" | Weight: 13st
Hopes for the tour: To experience different cultures and play against the biggest opposition in the world and gain experience needed to win the Daily Mail Cup next year.
nterests: Playing and watching rugby, take-away food, sleeping and going out with my mates. 

#30: Matt Murphy (Outside Centre / Utility)
Age 18 | Height: 6' | Weight: 12st
Hopes for the tour:  I am looking forward to experiencing the different cultures in the southern hemisphere. 
nterests: Rugby, of course, golf socialising, listening to "Head Candy" music and boogying on the dance floor. 

#31: Martin O'Brien (Centre)
Age: 17 | Height 5'10" | Weight 13st 71b
Hopes for the tour: To experience different styles of play in different countries and play at a higher competitive level to improve my skills as a player. 
Interests: Most sports including rugby, cricket, golf and fishing. I also enjoy going out with the lads. 

#32: Matt O'Neill (Winger)
Age 18 | Height 5' 8" | Weight 9st 111bs
Hopes for the tour: To experience a different culture and to play against people who play a different style of rugby. 
Interests: Fixing my constantly broken car, playing the guitar, rugby and socialising. 

#33: Dan Reid-Ward (Flanker)
Age 17 | Height 5'10" | Weight 11st 61bs
Hopes for the tour: To play to the best of my ability and enjoy the diversity of new cultures. Also to make best buddies with a koala bear.
Interests: Playing and watching rugby, going out with the lads, throwing legendary parties. And being ginger. 

#34: Dean Roberts (Full Back)
Age I8 | Height 6' 0" | Weight 12st
Hopes for the tour: To have an experience of a life time and not get injured!! 
Interests: I enjoy playing most sports (especially rugby & football), socialising and having a good time. 

#35: John Robinson (Prop)
Age: 18 | Height 6' 1" | Weight 16st
Hopes for the tour: To experience a different cultural lifestyle and develop into a better player through this experience. 
Interests: I enjoy playing golf and rugby. I also enjoy going out with friends and having a laugh. 

#36: Bradley Schofield (Scrum Half)
Age: 17 | Height 5'10" | Weight 11st 61b
Hopes for the tour: To be successful, to be 1st choice in my position and to have a good time. I also want to buy one of those hats with the corks on strings. 
Interests: I enjoy going out with my mates, playing rugby and other sports. I also enjoy snowball fights. 

#37: Simon Shirley (Second Row)
Age 18 | Height 6' 1" | Weight 15st 101bs
Hopes for the tour. To have a great time with my team mates, to play against the biggest teams in the world and to improve my ability as a player and as a person. 
Interests: Most sports, socialising with my friends, listening to music and outdoor activities. 

#38: Matt Slade (Inside Centre)
Age: 18 | Height 5' 10" | Weight 13st 61bs
Hopes for the tour: To win all our games and to carry on my try scoring record. 
Interests: Rugby, weights, protein shake! Also the occasional social session with my mates. 

#39: Anthony Staples (Hooker)
Age 17 | Height 5' 7" | Weight 13st 2lbs
Hopes for the tour: Learn about different cultures and play in two of the world's greatest rugby nations.  
Interests: Rugby, sports, travelling

#40: Dan Tucker (Flanker)
Age 17 | Height 6' 1" | Weight 11st 71bs
Hopes for the tour: To experience a different way of life and meet new people. 
Interests: I enjoy watching and playing various sports including rugby and football. 

#41: Ali Villapane (Openside Flanker)
Age 18 | Height 5' 10" | Weight 12st 31bs
Hopes for the tour: I look forward to travelling and experiencing the different cultures playing in the southern hemisphere. I hope to meet a kangaroo!
Interests: Rugby LOL! Listening to RnB music, socialising, pumping weights and fit chicks! 

#42: James Wale (Hooker)
Age 17 |  Height: 5' 10" | Weight: 14st 21bs
Hopes for the tour: To experience a different culture and ways of living, and to play against two of the strongest rugby nations in the world. 
Interests: Snowboarding, rugby, going out with friends and all sporting activities. 

#43: Joe Wilson (Fly Half)
Age: 18 | Height 5' 9" | Weight 11st 51bs
Hopes for the tour. To win every game and gain back the kicking responsibilities (which were stolen!!!), to have the time of my life and to find out if its true what they say about Australian girls.
Interests: Going out with mates, playing all different sports. 

#44: Paul Wilson (Second Row / Back Row) 
Age: 17 | Height 6' 3" | Weight 15st 71bs
Hopes for the tour. Playing in two of the world's best rugby playing countries will give me experience and befit my game. Also mixing with other cultures will be interesting.
Interests: Rugby, football, clubbing and eating!! 

match reports

1st XV

24th July - Perth:  vs Western Australia U19 (8-17)

The second game of the day saw Campion's 1st XV, weakened by losing three younger members to state age rules, narrowly lost to Western Australia under 19 team, 17-8. Conceding tries at the start of both halves, Campion had greater possession and territory and responded to WA's first try with a brilliant Bartlett breakaway try. The WA team were rifled by Campion's persistence and faded from their awesome start to the first half. This was our first game for four months and against an under 19 state team we can look forward to a very successful tour.

2nd XV

24th July - Perth:  vs Guilford GS (17-0)

Campion's 2nd XV beat Guildford Grammar 17-0 with tries from Tom Burns, Andrew Luck and John Carter. Although Guildford came back well in the second half strong defence from the Campion team prevented them from scoring and held on to their first half lead.

26th July - Canberra:  vs Marist College (18-26)

Teams from the Marist College in Canberra (an independent Catholic with 1500 boys on roll) provided stiff opposition for the tourists. The school is regarded as one of the top Australian school teams with 9 state representatives and two under-18 internationals. The 1 st team lost 18-26 with tries scored by Blane McKie, Andrew Bartlet, and Dan Johnson. In one of the most exciting, but toughest, games they have faced the squad distinguished themselves with resilience and invention.

26th July - Canberra:  vs Marist College (5-7)

 In an even close game the 2nd XV matched their opponents’ single try but failed to convert losing 5-7. Paul Wilson scored the try showing great strength and determination. In surprisingly British weather, the 2nds dominated play but were unable to convert possession into points.  Like the 1st team both clearly deserved to win games where they had the majority of the play.

28th July – Sydney:  vs St Paul's college (17-19)

The second match was against St Paul’s College who have always provided stiff opposition but Campion started with strong running and 1st minute try by Dan Gillard. A score from Dan Johnson brought a significant lead at half time. However this was countered by a significant number of substitutions by the opposition, who then started to press hard, scoring several times. The usual reply came from Andrew Bartlet that set up an exciting finish as Campion defended a narrowing lead. With minutes to go St Paul’s scored an equalising try and, as the conversion was controversially given, they snatched the victory 19-17.

The tourists have played exciting rugby in the last six days against three strong oppositions teams. They now have a period of recovery. Thankfully injuries have been few and far between, although yesterday Matthew Slade dislocated finger while Andrew Luck has a forearm cast for a suspected fracture.

28th July – Sydney: vs St Lukes (28-3)

The tourists have now transferred to the Sydney where they have enjoyed their first proper taste of an Australian winter. Bright blue skies and warm temperatures greeted them as they took to the Manly Oval. Our host school, St Lukes, provided the first opposition. They have played us previously and have been gradually been strengthening their rugby but were unlucky to meet a team that was long overdue for a significant win of 28 – 3. The flood was started by two tries from Matthew Murphy with others scored by Dan McEvoy and Danny Reid.

2nd August - Christchurch: vs St Bedes (0-30)

Our first game in New Zealand, against St Bede’s, was always going to be our toughest game. They play fast, no-nonsense rugby and were significantly bigger than our team. We were competitive from the very start and remained so through to the end of a 30-0 defeat. The disappointment was limited by the fact that we had played committed rugby throughout but the strength of the opposition was exaggerated by allowing them to punish our handling errors. Much of the second half saw St Bede’s defending for considerable periods but breakaway tries extended their lead.

A great deal was learnt by the team which finished with many lower sixth players on the pitch. They will all be aware that the last Campion team to lose on that pitch went on to win the Daily Mail Cup.

2nd August - Christchurch:  vs St Bedes (22-7)

Played simultaneously to the 1 st XV, the 2nd XV were also greeted by the traditional Haka but for their game it was St Bede’s successful Colts team. The Campion team have been successful all season with only one defeat before the tour and a narrow (5-7) defeat in Canberra. But today they played rugby that approached their best. Intricate passing movements with strong, straight running brought two early tries for Matthew Murphy. Nick Horton made a good impression with a try and Man of the Match but unfortunately will miss the rest of the tour with a broken finger.

The forwards also dominated play and Danny Reid scored towards the end of the first half. Unfortunately the momentum did not continue in the second half and the only score was by the opposition but it was too late to change the fate of the game with Campion winning 22-7.

5th August - Wellington: vs Bishops Viard School (12-10)

Arriving at Bishop Viard School, just outside Wellington NZ, it was clear that the opposition were not going to disappoint in their reputation for the size and power. The school warmly welcomed us with formal greetings and Polynesian dancing and singing. The openness and warmth of their welcome knew no limits and has been the highlight of the tour so far. All this could not hide the fact they would offer some of the stiffest opposition that we would meet on the tour.

In the Ist XV clash the sides were very closely matched. Again the tackling was immense and strategies had to be used to maximise wing play. There were few weakness in the opponents backs and the team did well to contain the charging runs of their forwards. The crucial difference in the Campion display was the near-complete absence of errors. Quick and correct decisions were made by the likes of Joe Wilson, who also made some huge tackles. Joe Forde played a superb game and replicated the charging forward play of the opposition. A try by Dean Roberts brought level scores by half time and in the second half a try by both teams would have equalled the scores except for the successful conversion of ours, following a push over for Greg Kersey. Holding on to the 12-10 lead was the priority for the team and this they did successfully .

5th August  - Wellington: vs Bishops Viard School (39-0)

The first game saw the clash between the 2nd XVs. Clash was the appropriate word with tremendous tackles from home team causing our boys to reassess tactics. Soon swift passing and intricate back play brought rewards for this successful side. With tries from John Robinson, Martin O'Brien and Chris Jones they soon dominated the match.

This was the best performance of the tour for this team and they deservedly won 39-0.

The game was unfortunately overshadowed by the tragic injury to the captain of the Viard team who badly injured his ankle in a tackle early in the first half. We wish him a speedy recovery.

7th August 2005 - Wanganui: Wanganui College (12-45)

The story was very different for the 1st XV. They again played some excellent rugby but it was only on match day that the makeup of the opposition became clear. Wanganui City College offer scholarships to outstanding players from across Australia, Samoa and Fiji. As a result the team which was effectively U19 boasted Fijian schoolboy internationals and a superb Full-back from Samoa who played in the Honk Kong sevens earlier this year. That said, Campion battled hard against a top quality team and although Matt Slade and Matthew Murphy both scored it was near impossible to stop the amazing display of running rugby from the team of islanders. (45-12)

The team played some excellent rugby and emotions were high at the end of the game which marked the last match in a Campion jersey for many of the side. 

7th August 2005 - Wanganui: Wanganui College (27-5)

Again the 2nd XV showed how they have matured as a team with a comprehensive defeat of a Wanganui Barbarian side. Matthew Garvey typified the strong forward play by Campion's pack in the early stages. The opposition struggled to contain them and Garvey had soon scored twice.

Although a reply followed later in the first half the fluidity of our whole team looked like we would overrun their defences in the second half.

Chris Jones scored off the wing and Bradley Schofield added a second giving a 27-5 win to add to the four other wins from this touring side.

Tour Memories

The tour in 2005 to Australia and New Zealand is one tour that will never be forgotten. Whether it was the matches, the socialising or the singing on the coaches all of it will be remembered for all the right reasons.

After an extremely long flight we arrived at our first destination, Perth. Here the 2nd XV played Guildford’s 1st XV, and the 1st XV played the Western Australia U19 state side. The 2nd team won quite convincingly, but the 1st team lost in an extremely close match. Once the games had finished the socialising began. A house party was the setting of our first night out, and we partied like it was our last. Especially Dean Roberts.

Our second stop took us east and to the Capital, Canberra. Here we knew that our opposition, Marist College would be very strong. We were right. The 1st XV faced 9 state representatives and two under-18 internationals. However we did more than just hold our own. In the end they just managed to score the vital points needed. Even though the result did not go our way, the performance was phenomenal.

Once again the game and presentation finished, which allowed us to have some fun. This time it was a garage party, and here we battled in friendly banter. We found ourselves in a competition between Campion and Marist (Pommes vs Aussies) where each team / nation took turns in chanting. In the end it was a one horse race in which we proved to have the more inventive lyrics.

Next we travelled by Coach to Sydney. Here we played St Luke’s and St Paul’s at the Manley Oval stadium. The 2nd team dominated St Luke’s 1st XV. However our 1st XV lost, this was possibly due to the tiring schedule of 3 games in 6 days.

Whilst in Sydney we got the chance to climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge, which Jonah thoroughly enjoyed. Here we got a fantastic view of all the surroundings especially the Sydney Opera house. Sydney’s nightlife was fantastic. The place we all visited was the Three Wise Monkeys. However Robbo lost his wisdom that night. He awoke next morning with an eyebrow missing.

After playing in Australia we crossed the Tasman Sea into Christchurch, New Zealand. Whilst here we experienced not only new cultures but also new much colder temperatures. Here was where we played St Bede’s. Here, for the first time we witnessed the Haka, which was a truly fantastic experience.

The 2nd XV won, which was a very physical game, there was a lot of hard tackles coming from both sides. However our quick play in the backs caused them a lot of problems. This led to Nick Horton scoring a superb try. The 1st team were unfortunate; no matter what we tried we could not score. St Bede’s were a truly strong side, but we matched them in physicality, but they were able to execute where we could not.

The next day was an early one; we were taking the train north to Picton, where we would get the ferry to the north island. The train journey was very scenic, and it showed us just what a beautiful country it really is. We finally reached Picton where we stayed the night. Here we experienced great weather, and that night we went to the Cinema. It was a good time to just chill out and relax, and enjoy the movie. The next day we caught the ferry, where we either stood outside and spotted dolphins or sat downstairs playing poker. Either way it passed the time.

Finally we arrived in Wellington; here we got the coach to Bishop Viard School. We knew that this school was mainly Maori, and this gave us a huge culture shock. The people all involved with Viard, whether it be the billeting families or the staff, were by far the friendliest people we met all tour. These people were fantastic.

The match day was a bit different compared to any other we had experienced. This was due to the fact that we were given a Maori welcome. There were speeches made from both teams, they sung a Maori song and performed a dance for us. The whole thing seemed a bit surreal, but it was very enjoyable.

The match itself got under way with the 2nd team kicking off first, again the second team won. It was a great performance, and every game the seconds played together the stronger they got. Here also brought the first 1st XV victory. This did not come easy though, the team had to work for every single point. In the end you could see that every player had given they’re all, and they deserved that victory.

That night there was another house party; here we had ago at trying to learn the Haka ourselves. The next morning is probably the most memorable one, not because we were leaving but because of what happened. We were due to leave at 8:30 but the Coach did not turn up to 9:15. So we had some free time, in which we put to good use. We decided to have a ‘Dance off’. The boys from Viard performed their Haka and we replied with The All Black Haka. Then once in a circle the dance moves truly appeared, there was JC break dancing, Garvs Office dance and Brad and Martins lawnmower dance.

Now on the coach we headed for a place called Wanganui City. Here we would play our last game together as a squad. Wanganui was indeed a small and quiet area. The school had a lot of good players on scholarships from places like Fiji and Samoa etc. So as you can imagine they were very physical.

Once again the 2nd XV played fantastically well. It was a performance to be proud of. This meant that the 2nd team had gone unbeaten throughout New Zealand and only lost one game all tour.

Then once the second team finished the 1st XV played. This is where we faced the strongest team all tour. The 1st XV lost, however we took from this a valuable lesson. For those boys who returned to Campion, this is the level that we now know we have to set ourselves. On the last night in Wanganui we decided to visit the staff hotel, and share their bar. This was the day that England won the Second test in the ashes. So we had a little celebration, amongst ourselves.

After leaving New Zealand, we returned to Australia. Here we stayed in Cairns for a well-deserved rest and recovery. Whilst in Cairns we had two-day trips, the first one being white water rafting and the second was scuba diving at the Great Barrier Reef. Both were an awesome experience. The rest of the week was filled up with shopping, social drinking and sun bathing.

In conclusion I believe that the whole experience is one that will stay with us forever. However it would not have been the same without certain people, especially one person in particular. So thank you John Carter.

Finally, we would like to say a huge thank you, to all the staff, and people involved in the tour, for making it such a huge success.

Matthew Garvey