#19|AUSTRALIA (2017)

34 boys |19 days |12 fixtures

PLAYED: 12 |WON: 11 |LOST: 1|DRAWN: 0| CO-EFFICIENT: 3.11
PTS FOR: 310| PTS AGAINST: 94| PTS DIFF: 216|BONUS PTS: 37.32

Perth - Melbourne - Canberra - Sydney - Brisbane - Gold Coast

Tour itinerary

TOUR RESULTS

WIN %: 91.7%| CO-EFFICIENT: 3.11 |BONUS PTS: 37.32

PLAYED: 12 | WON: 11 | LOST: 1 | DRAWN: 0
PTS FOR: 310| PTS AGAINST: 91 | PTS DIFF: 216

1st XV results

WIN %: 83.3% |CO-EFFICIENT: 2.98|BONUS PTS: 17.88

PLAYED: 6| WON: 5 | LOST: 1 | DRAWN: 0
PTS FOR: 207 | PTS AGAINST: 63 | PTS DIFF: 144

2nd XV results

WIN %: 100%| CO-EFFICIENT: 3.24|BONUS PTS: 19.44

PLAYED: 6 | WON: 6 | LOST: 0 | DRAWN: 0
PTS FOR: 103 | PTS AGAINST: 31 | PTS DIFF: 72

Tour Awards

The following Tour Awards were made at the Tour Dinner:

• 2nd XV Players Player: Liam O'Brien

• 2nd XV Player of Tour: Toni Odugbesan

• 2nd XV Unsung Hero: Callum Forster
  

• 1st XV Players Player: Harry Fisher

• 1st XV Player of Tour: Eamon Tiernan

• 1st XV Unsung Hero: Cuan Barbeau
  

• Most Improved: Finn Wood & Dylan Lanfear

• James Patterson Award (for Best Tourist): Harry Hussey

tour squad

Masters

#000: Micheal McDarby (Tour Manager / Head Coach)

#000: Rob Squire (1st XV Coach)

#000: Neil Jones (2nd XV Coach)

#000: Chris Smith (2nd XV Coach)

#000: Robert Pearn (3rd XV Coach)

#000: Aidan Lapena (Cultural Liaison Officer)

Tour Captain

#034: George Seager (Second Row)
Age 17 | Height 6’1” | Weight 80kg
Profile: Squad member since first year, 3rd XV mainstay for the past two seasons.
Hopes for the tour: "Play some top quality rugby, see some family and be with all the boys for three weeks. I suppose it would be quite nice to score my first ever try.

Squad

#001: Hubert Aleksandrow (Prop)
Age 18 | Height 6’3” | Weight 92kg
Profile: Squad member since first year. Campion 2nd XV.
Hopes for the tour: "Looking forward to capping off my Campion career with a fantastic tour, playing some tough rugby with a splendid group of boys."

#002: James Allan (Wing)
Age 18 | Height 5’ 8” | Weight 73kg
Profile: Been a squad member since first year.
Hopes for the tour: "To end my seven years of rugby at Campion on a high, hopefully bagging some 'meat pies' along the way, all the while experiencing a new culture.”

#003: Cuan Barbeau (Utility Back)
Age 18 | Height 6’ 0” | Weight 82kg
Profile: Campion School 1st XV
Hopes tor the tour: “I am hoping to not only develop as a rugby player, but also a human being, sampling another culture and, most importantly, some fine Australian cuisine.”

#004: Sam Butter (Prop)
Age 17 | Height 5’9” | Weight 81kg
Profile: The Campion School 2nd XV
Hopes tor the tour: “Australia isn’t a country known for its scrummaging powers. I plan to change that.”

#005: Josh Byrne (Second Row)
Age 18 | Height 6’4” | Weight 77kg
Profile: Essex Cup squad member from first year to fifth. Campion School 2nd XV stalwart.
Hopes for the tour: "To play as well as I can on tour, making some memories along the way. Ideally I'll be entering the tour as wide as Mr McDarby and as fit as Mr Friel."

#006: Eoighan Curran (Flanker)
Age 18 | Height 5’9” | Weight 75kg
Profile: The Campion School 2nd XV squad member since first year
Hopes for the tour: “Ambitions for the tour are to test myself against some strong teams and experience the Australian culture."

#007: Paddy Dear (Wing)
See below

#008: Ciaran Dennis (Scrum Half)
Age 17 |Height 5’10” | Weight 72kg
Profile: Essex & Mavericks RFC
Hopes for the tour: "To play some free-flowing, fast-paced rugby on a hard Australian track. Also to experience a new culture with good friends."

#009: Josh Duah (Wing)
Age 17 | Height 6’0” | Weight 79kg
Profile: Campion School 1st XV
Hopes for the tour: "Hoping more than anything to hone a few weaker areas of my game, in particular my left-hand pass, right hand pass, kicking game, tackling, rucking, mauling and communication skills off the field."

#010: Tom Fahy (Number 8)
Age 18 | Height 6’3” | Weight 84kg
Profile: Campion School 1st XV captain.
Hopes for the tour: "My ambitions for the tour are, firstly, to see my beloved Neighbours film set, and secondly to develop my team talks on new terrain."

#011: Harry Fisher (Flanker)
Age 18 | Height 5’10” | Weight 85kg
Profile: Campion School 1st XV, Brentwood RFC.
Hopes for the tour. "My ambitions are to test myself against some top schoolboy players on the other side of world and leave the shirt in better condition than I found it"

#012: Callum Forster (Flanker)
Age 17 | Height 5’9” | Weight 80kg
Profile: Squad member since Year 7. Campion School 2nd XV.
Hopes for the tour: "To experience a new culture while testing my skills in the southern hemisphere, and hopefully pushing for a 1st XV spot"

#013: Kieran Frederiks (Prop)
Age 18 | Height 5’7” | Weight 92kg
Profile: The Campion School 2nd XV captain.
Hopes for the tour: "To make the most of a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and have many lasting memories, along with playing some of the best rugby of my life."

#014: Jacob French (Scrum Half)
Age 18 |Height 5’8” | Weight 72kg
Profile: The Campion School 2nd XV, Jonny Wilkinson’s Hot Shots Academy
Hopes for the tour: “To try and reinforce my modest values and quiet nature while on tour. This will be particularly difficult given my superior rugby prowess”

#015: Alfie George (Fly Half)
Age 17 | Height 5’10” | Weight 75kg
Profile: The Campion School, Essex County, Saracens Development
Hopes for the tour: “Looking forward to the challenge of playing against some top Aus schools a year young and representing my year group on foreign soil.”

#016: Caley Gray (Hooker)
Age 17 | Height 6’0” | Weight 88kg
Profile: London Broncos, The Campion School 1st XV
Hopes for the tour: “To firstly test the durability of my Broncos training kit throughout the duration of tour. Secondly to develop my ability to see out tight games the other side of the world.”

#017: Adam Higgins (Centre)
Age 17 |Height 6’0” | Weight 79kg
Profile: The Campion School 1st XV, Essex County, Mavericks RFC
Hopes for the tour: “Looking forward to playing down under with some great pals. Hopefully I can top the stats with assists on tour……ideally just for Campion”

#018: Harry Hussey (Prop)
Age 17 |Height 5’9” | Weight 82kg
Profile: The Campion School 1st XV. Squad member since Year 7
Hopes for the tour: “Looking to do a ‘Sheridan 2007’ on the Aus scrum. I would be made up if I could score my first try of the season – skinning the full back 50m out to go under the sticks”

#019: Anthony Idahosa (Second Row)
Age 17 | Height 6’3” | Weight 86kg
Profile: The Campion School
Hopes for the tour: “Looking forward to playing alongside some top boys including my brother Justin, in what will hopefully be a successful touring side”

#020: Justin Idahosa (Prop)
Age 17 | Height 6’0” | Weight 86kg
Profile: The Campion School.
Hopes for the tour: "To improve as a player, using the tour as a springboard for next season."

#021: Ryan Illing (Centre)
Age 17 |Height 6’2” | Weight 100kg
Profile: The Campion School
Hopes for the tour. "Ambitions are to hopefully secure a starting spot for the upcoming season whilst playing rugby in a truly beautiful country with some amazing people."

#022: Christopher Jacob (Centre)
Age 17 |Height 6’0” | Weight 78kg
Profile: Squad member since 1st year. The Campion School 2nd XV
Hopes for the tour. "To experience the Australian culture and successfully tackle a 7ft Australian and survive."

#023: Jowayne James (Flanker)
Age 17 |Height 6’0” | Weight 93kg
Profile: Romford & Gidea Park RFC, London SE, Essex & Mavericks
Hopes for the tour: "To develop as a flanker after making the switch from centre last season, I hope I'll be able to have some quality time with my best friends Billy and Ryan."

#024: Josh Lamont (Centre)
Age 17 |Height 6’2” | Weight 88kg
Profile: Came over from the dark side to play his first season of rugby union.
Hopes for the tour: "To test my skills against top opposition and improve as a player along the way. I hope tour will help me develop physically for next season."

#025: Dylan Lanfear (Hooker)
Age 17 | Height 5’6” | Weight 89kg
Profile: Squad member since 1st year. The Campion School 2nd XV
Hopes for the tour: "To experience a new culture many miles away from Essex. Looking forward to packing down against some quality schoolboy sides."

#26: Billy Lecomber-Fletcher (Prop/Back Row)
Age 17 | Height 6’0” | Weight 105kg
Profile: The Campion School 1st XV.
Hopes for the tour: “After achieving Ironman status in training I'm looking to bring that form to the party. Play some hard-physical rugby and ideally room with Jowayne for three weeks.”

#27: Jack Mason (Winger)
Age 17 | Height 5'7" | Weight 67kg
Profile: Represented Campion School since first year.
Hopes for the tour: “To travel to the southern hemisphere and experience a new culture, while testing ourselves on the rugby pitch in every game.”

#28: Will North (Scrum Half)
Age 17 | Height 5'8" | Weight 65kg
Profile: The Campion 2nd XV.
Hopes for the tour: “I'm looking to get as much from the tour as possible in terms of rugby development and experiencing a new, vibrant culture.”

#29: Liam O'Brien (Flanker)
Age 17 |Height 5'11” | Weight 80kg
Profile: The Campion School 1st XV.
Hopes for the tour: "To end seven years of school rugby against some of the best schools I'll ever play against. It will be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity."

#30: Toni Odugbesan (Back Row)
Age 17 | Height 5'8” | Weight 81kg
Profile: The Campion School 2nd XV.
Hopes for the tour: "Hopefully we'll get the chance to express our style of rugby against the Australians while enjoying the sights of our former colonial outpost."

#31: Harry Rogers (Wing)
Age 17 | Height 6'0” | Weight 74kg
Profile: Converted footballer, The Campion School 1st XV.
Hopes for the tour: "To see out my school rugby career with a bang, facing some of the best players I will ever play against. Also not to break my collar bone for a third time."

#32: George Romano (Outside Back)
Age 18 | Height 6’2” | Weight 84kg
Profile: Sidelined this season by injury but has been instrumental in his camera and analysis work.
Hopes for the tour: "To play some elite level schoolboy rugby and experience some old school Australian hospitality."

#33: Sam Salami (Wing)
Age 18 | Height 5'10” | Weight 83kg
Profile: Squad member since first year, Campion 2nd XV.
Hopes for the tour: "Looking to experience the culture of the Aussies, whilst testing myself against some of the best teams out there. Also cultivate a nice tan and put in a few dump tackles.”

#35: George Seltzer-Eade (Flanker)
Age 17 | Height 6’0” | Weight 75kg
Profile: Mavericks RFC. The Campion School 2nd XV.
Hopes for the tour: "To test my rugby ability on foreign soil against some decent players. Hopefully I will get opportunities to develop my public speaking in preparation for next year's school assemblies."

#36: Derry Stewart (Hooker)
Age 18 | Height 5’10” | Weight 85kg
Profile: The Campion 2nd XV. Had the option of football but turned it down for rugby, owing to my physical prowess, despite being the little brother.
Hopes for the tour: "To live up to my old man's nickname, 'Big Eddie'."

#37: Dan Stone (Fly Half)
Age 17 | Height 5'10” | Weight 75kg
Profile: The Campion School 1st XV. Represented Essex schools in rugby and cricket.
Hopes for the tour: "To challenge myself against a different style of rugby and improve ahead of our upcoming season. Also to enjoy tour and everything it has to offer."

#38: Eamon Tiernan (Back Row)
Age 16 | Height 5'10” | Weight 85kg
Profile: The Campion School, Brentwood RFC. Featured regularly for the 1st XV as a Year 11.
Hopes for the tour: "To play some high-quality rugby, avoid injury and have a great time on the other side of the world."

#39: Toby Tierney (Centre)
Age 18 | Height 6’2” | Weight 91kg
Profile: Brentwood RFC, The Campion School.
Hopes for the tour: "To perform well as a team on and off the field and sign off my Campion career on a high. Looking forward to meeting the Southern Snapping Tortoise, maybe race it."

#40: Jake Turner (Scrum Half)
Age 18 | Height 6'0” | Weight 88kg
Profile: The Campion School 1st XV.
Hopes for the tour: "Looking forward to testing myself against some top-quality Australian opposition while eating some fantastic new cuisine."

#41: Andrew Williams (Prop)
Age 17 | Height 6’0” | Weight 74kg
Profile: The Campion School
Hopes for the tour: "As a front five forward I am looking forward to bringing an uncompromising brand of rugby to Australia. I'll be a happy man if we can establish set-piece dominance."

#42: Finley Wood (Wing)
Age 18 | Height 5'6” | Weight 65kg
Profile: The Campion School.
Hopes for the tour: "Ambitions for tour are to improve as a player in Australia while testing myself against some quality schoolboy opposition from game to game."

#007: Paddy Dear

Spiritual Tour Member

A message from the family of Paddy Dear. Much missed, never forgotten

On 17 March 2016 we lost our beautiful boy Paddy to sepsis.

Paddy loved his rugby, and was a valuable player in every year group as he progressed through life at Campion.

He was looking forward to playing a full part in the 2017 tour, following his brother Joe who toured South Africa in 2015, and his Uncle Danny who was a member of the 1997 tour to Singapore and Australia.

The values and traditions that make Campion rugby special ran through Paddy's life, and those same principles have been ever-present in the school community that has given us so much support in the past year and months since his death. Paddy touched so many lives. The incredible response through fundraising, prayers and well wishes we have received have been testament to the wonderful young man he was becoming.

Campion's touring motto, 'Friendship through Sport', sums up exactly what sport meant to Paddy. It was the common bond he had with all the friends he made at Campion. It continues to help us remember him each day.

To the tourists who will carry Paddy's name on this year's jerseys; know that he will be out on those Australian fields with you. Rugby, after all, is the game they play in Heaven.

We hope you'll play with the same sense of joy and passion Paddy displayed whenever he pulled on the black and red. In difficult moments, cast a glance at those letters on your sleeve and play for him. In victory, remember to celebrate the way he would certainly want you to!

Take every opportunity and savour every experience of the wonderful trip you are about to take. Do these things, and you will help lay down another cornerstone of the legacy Paddy leaves behind.

Good luck and God bless

The Dear Family

PERTH

11th July

What was billed as a 'lost' day in the tour planner managed to provide us with our first hurdle when a lost passport meant an unscripted delay in Dubai for Mr Pearn & one unnamed tourist. As I write they are in the air catching us up. Emirates provided a bearable 10 hour flight and our tour operator met us at the arrivals lounge at 2am Perth time. A short 30 min drive to Sorrento beach was followed by the potential of 6 hours sleep before a 9am meet for our first beach session of the trip. 

MELBOURNE

15th July

An early start as we said goodbye to new friends in Perth and made the 3 hour flight to see old friends in Melbourne.

We arrived at St Kevin's College around 8pm and were immediately treated to the smooth operation of their tour host and Head of Rugby, Kevin Culliver.

Boys were billeted and sent away for a good sleep ahead of two more matches in the morning.

Victoria State schools - 1st XV

final score: 22-16 (L)

A crisp 10am kick off greeted the 1st XV who had the honour of playing first against a selection of some of the areas finest rugby players.

Once again the test was of a physical nature but the omens were good as a period of heavy pressure was soaked up before the catch and drive line out again cranked into motion allowing Eamon Tiernan to dive over for his 2nd try of the tour.

Dan Stone's boot took us into a 10-0 lead before the fast flowing expansive attack breached the Campion line twice just before half time.

10-10 at half time felt slightly disappointing but further problems came in the shape of the home teams full-back who began to dominate he's teams attack, creating two more tries stretching his sides lead to 22-10.

Campion summoned a 2nd wind but despite the best efforts, could only scrape closer with 2 more penalties. Despite this, at 22-16 down, the final play saw a line out 5 meters out give us great hope of a late victory. Unfortunately the ball was stolen and kicked dead to leave the boys to rue what might have been.

St Kevin's - 2nd XV

final score: 8-7 (W)

The spirit of touring was seen as the battered and bruised 1st XV were joined by the state side to cheer the 2's onto the pitch.

St Kevin's have dominated school boy rugby in Melbourne in recent times and provided an early test as the scrim half and winger combined to score in the corner.

Campion remained subdued for large parts of the half, no doubt owing to increasing tour tiredness!

Half time was used to freshen things up, and the introduction of Sam Butter saw the line out begin to function much more smoothly. From here a platform was built and the diving maul became the weapon of choice for our increasingly eager forwards.

As time ticked away, Liam O'Brien dived over to put us in reach of our opponents, and once again a late flurry of action saw a penalty gained in front of the posts.

Alfie George steadied his nerves before kicking the points that gave us an 8-7 victory.

Sunday afternoon in Melbourne means live sport so the whole tour party, plus the St Kevin's boys, travelled to the Melbourne Cricket Ground to watch some Aussie Rules. Opportunities such as this is what makes your so special.

We are eternally grateful for the hospitality extended by the staff and parents and look forward to reciprocating in the future!

17th July

We said goodbye to St Kevin's families and staff before embarking on the 8 hour drive to Canberra.

We drove through some of the most open and rural areas of the region along the highway. Boys took the chance to sleep, play cards or listen to music.

A 6pm arrival at Canberra Grammar saw the boys billeted and taken out for dinner or something similar. Early to bed ahead of 2 big games in the morning.

Canberra

18th July

match day 3!

The morning sunshine showed off Canberra Grammar in all its glory. A fantastic school setting with staff and pupils to match.

We took a bus trip around Canberra taking in some of the notable sights. Mount Ainslee provided the perfect point for a team photo overlooking the capital city. photo

On arrival at the school we saw the setting for the two games and began preparation for the fixtures. Canberra had worked it so the 1st XV game was played at lunchtime allowing the school to come and watch.

The opening game provided another of those memorable tour moments, as the 1st team produced the game of their lives to win 33-12. The 2nd's continued the good work, running out 33-0 winners. Both teams stepped up physically, mentally & worked tirelessly for each other.

The boys went home to enjoy their hosts hospitality ahead of the drive to Sydney in the morning.

Canberra Grammar School - 1st XV

final score: 32-12 (W)

The 1st XV oval provided the perfect setting for the game that was to prove a defining tour moment. Canberra GS are one of the most competitive sides in the area and were ready for battle with 6 ACT state representatives and the whole school out to watch.

Campion were left in no doubt of the significance of the game following Mr Mcdarby's rallying cry. From that point onwards the whole squad produced the best rugby of their time at the school.

Dan Stone's early penalty was immediately followed up with a converted try from the excellent Jake Turner.

The skill of controlling emotions is a tough one and a loss of discipline and 1 missed tackle allowed the powerful opposition to score before Harry Fisher took the opportunity to pick and go at the ruck, scoring under the posts.

The 17-7 half time score line was reduced as Canberra's Australia 'A' representative bundled over. From then on Campion showed what 7 years of hard work can deliver, producing a faultless display of strong defence & attacking flair mixed with with great opportunism.

One moment in the 32-17 victory will live on on the memory for many a year. Josh Duah, feeling aggrieved by an earlier incident, collected a grubba kick and broke down the wing, holding his composure to offload perfectly as Tom Fahy triumphantly ran in the try. Duah making use of the old-adage 'actions speak louder than words'.

Caley Gray was also worthy of note. His man of the match performance was personified in the way he hunted down and the stripped the attacking 15, leading to a 2nd try for the marauding Harry Fisher.

32 - 12 was payback for all the hard work in training. It must surely be ranked amongst the very best Campion performances. A great effort from all involved.

SYDNEY

19th July

Meeting at Canberra GS for 8.30 allowed us to be on route to Manly in good time. The 3 hour cosch journey was buoyant after 2 outstanding victories.

As we closed in on the Sydney area, the coach driver took us over the iconic harbour bridge and allowed great views of the Opera house.

A light beach recovery season was followed by lunch and leisure time where the boys explored the Manly area. We were happy to see Mr Lapena arrive after some delays in Singapore. Needless to say he was a tired man on arrival.

The rest & recuperation will be welcome ahead of our next wave of matches starting on Friday.

20th July

The beach front Novotel hotel provided us with a great base from which to recover and prepare for the next round of matches.

After an early breakfast the boys got on the coach and travelled to a nearby oval where a 90 minute training session re-focused everyone's thoughts towards game day 4.

A light lunch was followed by a surfing lesson with Manly Surf school. Everyone enjoyed although some were better than others!!

An early night ahead of checkout and travel tomorrow.

21st July

matchday 4!

We travelled by coach to the Sydney suburbs and met our new hosts from Mater Maria school. The head coach had some memories of Campion as he had lived in Sidcup as a child.

The 2nd XV opened proceedings and found it tough going early against a spirited opposition and a very officious referee. A 29-0 victory was achieved through hard work and discipline.

The 1st XV game coincided with the end of school so an unexpected large and at times hostile crowd added to the spectacle.

The boys played some excellent rugby coming out 56-0 winners. See match report for more details!

From the game we checked into our new hotel and then went to Allianz park to watch an NRL game, Sydney roosters vs. Newcastle.

Tour is progressing well both on and off the pitch, and we look forward to the next challenge on Monday.

Mater Maria - 1st XV

FINAL SCORE: 56-0 (W)

The wide expansive rugby played so far on tour was going to be difficult on what felt a rather narrow pitch. The arrival of 200 students to watch the game also added further spice to a spirited opposition.

True to form on this trip, the 1st XV team were able to overcome any hurdles and produced an 8 try display of fast flowing rugby. 56-0 was a fair reflection of the quality of rugby played.

The game began with captain Tom Fahy opening the scoring before the always impressive Jake Turner spotted a gap and doubled the lead.

Mater Maria offered physicality on the pitch and hostility off it. The crowd were eager to put pressure on the visitors and supported their own players with great volume.

Campion were too classy on the day, with line out and scrum offering a platform for some slick attacking play orchestrated by Dan Stone.

The game got away from the Sydney side as fatigue kicked in. Tries from Barbeau, Tiernan and another from Turner strecthed the lead before the increasingly effective Jowayne James wrapped up proceedings with a well worked try.

The post match BBQ saw Jake Turner receive the man of the match award before we left to watch the NRL game.

Mater Maria - 2nd XV

FINAL SCORE: 29-0 (W)

3 wins in the bounce meant that the boys arrived at Mater Maria with a spring in their step. The hosting school were unknown to us and whilst it is activate school, the facilities were a contrast to the previous game in Canberra.

The game begun with the usual string defence, made more difficult by a referee who stood for nothing at the breakdown.

Having sin binned Liam O'Brien for a high tackle the official then awarded a penalty try for the same offence on Will North.

The rest of the half was scrappy, and it wasn't until the final minute that Billy Fletcher rumbled over to make the score 12-0 at half time.

2 more campion players were sin binned early in the second half but these perceived injustices drew the squad together, as Toni Odugbesan stretched the lead with a well finished try.

Hubert Alexandrowicz and Liam O'Brien Led the charge capitalising with tries as the spirited opposition began to tire.

By the end the score of 29-0 may have been flattering, but another win on the increasingly successful tour.

22nd July

Mr McDarby's imminent new arrival meant today was a day for goodbyes. A walk from the hotel down the Sydney harbour allowed the boys to visit the opera house and stretch the legs in the botanical gardens.

Tour captain George Seager made a lovely speech and presentation to mark the departure before a light recovery session was completed in the stunning surroundings.

The afternoon saw us enjoy a 2 hour Harbour cruise before dinner and lesiure time.

We await the arrival of the new Head of Rugby Mr Shannahan in the morning as he replaces Mr McDarby.

23rd July

We drove the 15 minute journey to St Ignatious Riverview where the boys were put through a training session.

A local physio attended and had a busy time as we now have many tired bodies.

The session ended and the boys went off with their new billets to enjoy some of the Sydney sights and experiences.

Mr Shannahan has arrived safely and we look forward to 2 competitive games in the morning.

24th July

After meeting the boys at 8.30 we took the 50 minute drive to Bondi Beach where the pupils took the chance to explore the local surroundings.

The 'winter' weather of 22 degrees made it a very pleasant morning.

We travelled back to the school ahead of the two fixtures and began preparations. The opposition are historically a very strong rugby school and have 12 teams at senior level!

The 2nd team were pitched against their 4th team and came out 14-7 after a close encounter.

The 1st team faced a mixture of 3s & 2s players and won a one sided encounter 46-0.

The evening saw a BBQ hosted before the boys went home to enjoy their billets hospitality.

St Ignatious Riverview - 1st XV

FINAL RESULT: 46-0 (W)

Mr Shanahan's arrival coincided with a crushing victory of today's opponents. What had been billed as the toughest fixture provided short work from an ever improving and impressive 1st XV.

A combination of school exams and weekend fixtures meant Riverview turned up with a mix of 2s and 3s players, that said, they school produce 12 teams.

Pleasingly on this tour, year 12s have started to have more and more influence and it was Anthony Idahosa who impacted the game early, collecting the restart and prompting an early attack which led to an infringement in front of the posts allowing Dan Stone to add 3 points.

Stone added to his points tally scoring an outstanding try involving an audacious dummy switch.

The dominant performance continued as mobile prop Andrew Williams put Josh Duah away to score his first try of the trip. This was soon followed by captain Fahy scoring another well worked try as the opposition struggled to keep pace with the visitors.

The second half followed suit as Campions players came under increasing fire from the home crowd, Eamon Tiernan and debutant Jack Mason both finished smart chances to stretch the lead into the 30s.

As the game ran late into the second half, Duah took another sharp chance before a pleasing moment saw a break from Caley Gray finished by the unsung hero Harry Hussey.

The game finished at 46-0 with a mixture of elation at the result yet disappointment at the lack of test. Riverview parents were also angered by their schools decision to rest the 1st XV whilst being extremely complimentary about our performance and the behaviour of the boys.

Toby Tierney took the man of the match award.

St Ignatious Riverview - 2nd XV

FINAL RESULT: 14-7 (W)

The expertise of 'Bodyworks' physio team meant the aches and pains had reduced and the squad was raring to go.

Campion were fast out of the blocks, collecting their own restart and launching an early attack from which the prolific Liam O'Brien scored his 5th try of tour.

Almost immediately the score was 14-0 when a neat pass let Finley wood break free on the left. A turn of pace and some nimble footwork saw him run the ball in under the posts as Alfie George converted.

St Ignatious steadied the ship and asked questions of a resolute campion defence which stood firm to get us in at half time.

As the sun disappeared the second half saw the home team get on the scoreboard with the powerful 13 diving over to half the deficit.

Both teams could have scored more but defence was the order of the day. A few nerves were shredded as the clock ticked down, but campion survived to make it 5 from 5

BRISBANE

 25th July

A quiet day of travel. We met the boys and said our goodbyes to St Ignatious before transferring to Sydney airport ahead of the short flight to Brisbane.

We arrived safely and took the coach to meet our final opponents at Downlands college. We have been associated with this school since 1982 and we feel tomorrow will be a fitting way to sign off from the rugby.

26th July

Game day 6!

Toowomba is a country town and as such, many of the boys experienced a billet who lived on farmland.

One billet took the boys 'spider-hunting' with torches. Jowayne James has never moved so fast when they finally ripped away some tree bark to reveal a Huntsman spider!

After a morning stroll around the picturesque picnic point, we traveled back to Downlands for the final games.

The 2nd team dug deep for an emotional 10-7 win, Alfie George kicking a late penalty to seal the victory. This win made for a remarkable 6th victory and a 100% record. An incredible achievement.

Buoyed by this, the 1st team entered the fray but struggled to live with an outstanding Downlands side, somehow managing to cling on to arrive at half time at 15-10 down, A flattering score line as campion had not been in the game.

The second half however was all about the Campion spirit as the team dragged themselves off the canvas and through the final 30 minutes to achieve an outstanding 25-15 victory.

Safe to say there wasn't a dry eye in the house as an incredible effort had delivered 11 out of 12 victories.

Downlands - 1st XV

FINAL RESULT: 25-15 (W)

The first fifteen entered Downlands college oval led by captain Tom Fahy for what would be the last time, as this game was the last on tour and obviously the last game in red & black for our upper sixth boys.

The game started with great intensity. The home team played with real width in attack which caused Campion a lot of problems in the wider channels, however it was Campion who struck the first blow with a penalty from Stone.

After a period of outstanding defence, the Australian barrage finally took its toll when the Downlands fullback cantered in the corner after nice interlinking play with the fly half. The try was converted making the score 7-3. This was quickly followed by a penalty for hands in the Ruck - scoreline 10-3.

Downlands turned the screw for another try this time from the talented Open side who was later named man of the match. He broke through the middle of the campion defensive line from a kick return. Conversion unsuccessful making the score line 15-3

After some strong words under the sticks the Campion boys rallied and applied their own attacking pressure on the hosts.

Excellent play in the wide channels from Fahy and Tiernan put Campion on the front foot. A kick through from Jack Mason gave us good field position which led to a Jowayne James pick and go under the sticks loudly cheered by Mr Jones! The conversion by Stone 15-10 game on.

The last kick of the half was from Toby Tierney with a long range penalty from the half way line which had the legs but unfortunately pulled to the right. Scoreline stayed at 15-10.

The start of the second half saw Campion play with greater fluidity, excellent tactical kicking from Jake Turner and Dan Stone gave Campion field position which they had lacked in the first half. After playing in the right areas for a large part of the second half Toby Tierney ran an exceptional line and scored just right off the posts. Not seen in the modern game Dan Stone's conversion was charged down leaving the score heading in the final 20 minutes, 15-15.

Campions pressure on the hosts continued with a penalty in front of the sticks from Stone making the scoreline 18-15.

The game still tightly in the balance went back and forth, however it was Campion with their greater field position who took command in the final minutes. A catch and drive deep in the oppositions half saw captain Tom Fahy barrel over for the match winner. Stone just pulled the conversion making the final scoreline 25-15 Campion Victorious.

That final whistle was the cue for a wave of emotion. 7 years of Rugby over, 12 weeks of hard graft completed, 6 of the toughest fixtures navigated. Tears of elation were widespread as the boys congratulated each other on a job done! Thanks for having us Australia!

Downlands - 2nd XV

FINAL RESULT: 10-7 (W)

The 2nd XV entered the fray with one objective - to go 6 from 6 and remain undefeated Down Under, a sentiment that was only enriched by the fixture being the final time to wear the Campion badge for the leaving Year 13's, led by captain Liam O'Brien and typified by tour captain George Seager.

The occasion rocked a few players and Downlands College started strongly, with Campion making unforced errors and the DC players looking to take advantage through fast-paced attack from anywhere on the field. The Campion scramble defence reacted well to clear up most dangers however was caught short on one occasion where the DC players moved the ball well to make an outside break and an excellent offload in the cover double tackle of James Allen & Adam Higgins meant that DC scored to go 7-0 after a successful conversion.

Campion rallied well, with notable physical performances from Ryan Illing, Callum Forster and Billy Fletcher, who all carried hard to breach the gain line head on. DC held strong in their own 22m, despite committing cynical penalty after penalty to slow Campions attack, and a try was inevitable. The ever-present physical forward pack of Campion chipped away at the DC defence to draw in defenders, with Justin Idahosa wriggling his way over the try line for a huge 5-pointer that shifted the balance of momentum. Alfie George coolly slotted the conversion to bring the game to 7-7 at half time.

The second half saw stalwarts Jacob French and Odugbesan enter the fray to bring some accuracy to kicking and calmer, experience heads. Odugbesan was a nuisance around the breakdown, a clever flanker who has stepped up to be counted all tour long.

Continued Campion pressure created confidence and bred exuberance amongst the backline, with Rogers, Higgins, Wood & Allen all making outside breaks that weren't finished. The tough 6 game tour was slowly breaking down the bodies of our 2nd XV, however they remained mentally resilient.

More tactical substitutions solidified the Campion scrum that sometimes struggled against the DC pack, coached by ex-Wallaby international Garrick Morgan. The resultant possession gave Campion a penalty 25m out, 15m from touch, with George stepping up to assume responsibility as the teams goal-kicker to calmly take 3 points in blustery conditions. Great nerve from the youngest squad member on tour.

DC were rallied to not go down at home in front of a large crowd to an English side, but the Campion tackles came thick and fast to chop any potential attack and force errors that eventually saw the time escape the DC team. Scenes of jubilation at the final whistle was followed by tears of joy and pride in the badge.

6/6 - 100% in Australia. Job done.

GOLD COAST

27th July

Boys woke up still smiling after the victories the previous evening. Downlands were once again outstanding hosts and we hope to meet up with them in the not too distant future.

The coach journey was bearable as we made our way to the Gold Coast and to surfers paradise.

Check in to the QT was smooth and the boys found there bearings with a little leisure time before a squad dinner in the evening.

28th July

The highlight of tour for some may well be the breakfast on offer at our hotel! It was still digesting as we took the coach journey to Wet & Wild water park, 30 minutes out of town.

Staff and boys alike enjoyed a lovely day out although Mr Squire & Mr Shanahan both went a slightly pale colour after exiting the 'Kamikaze' ride!

We returned to our hotel on the evening ahead of leisure time for the tourists.

29th July

The tallest building in Brisbane was the focus of the day as we took on the relatively new 'sky climb' attraction, made famous in the most recent 'I'm a celebrity' series.

Boys got to experience the awe inspiring climb with some incredible views of Brisbane. Out to sea we were fortunate enough to witness a group of whales making their way through the Gold Coast.

Squad dinner & tour presentation was the main event in the evening. We gathered in a restaurant for our final meal before the tour was closed with the final awards being handed out.

2ND TEAm

• 2nd XV Players' Player - Liam O'Brien

• 2nd XV Player of Tour - Toni Odugbesa

• 2nd XV Unsung Hero - Callum Forster

1ST TEAM

• 1st XV Players Player - Harry Fisher

• 1st XV Player of Tour - Eamon Tiernan

• 1st XV Unsung Hero - Cuan Barbeau

OVERALL

• Most progress - Finn Wood & Dylan Lanfear

• THE James Patterson Award - Harry Hussey

MASSIVE WELL DONE TO THE WHOLE TOUR PARTY