Check back tomorrow to see who won the trhee awards
1. Best Tourist
2. Player of tour
3. Players Player of Tour
Thursday 31 July 2008
Review of performances
Sorry - no photos of the game as Oliver was cameraman and didnt take any!!!
Tom Harrison
A superb tour both on and off the field. Life and soul of the party and performances full of heart and aggression.
Simon
Played some great rugby and worked hard. Got a lot more game time than i though he would do as a result of five consistently high performances.
Harry
A favourite for player of the tour. Huge tackling, solid scrummaging and a never say die attitude.
Kyle
Had his problems with injury but was massive when he was on the field. Had his best game vs Mannenburg when he returned to the field to stabilise the scrum.
Danny Galindo
Another favourite form Player of the tour. Excellent tackling notably a huge hit on the try line against Milnerton full back. Very effective in loose play as well linking up forwards and backs.
Jamie Mason
Worked his socks off and got lots of votes in the Players Player of the tour. An unsung hero.
Ben Booth
No tries for Ben (again!!) but five performaces full of running and big hits. The tackle on Bergvleits big number 8 was a text book challenge for how a small guy stops a big guy.
Sam Sessions
Excellent leadership all tour. Got the lads up for games and led from the front. Didnt get his hands on the ball much but won lots of turnovers and made lots of tackles.
Sam Womersley
Was kept on his toes from John Handscomb but rose to the challenge. Excellent distribution from Lowther as well as solid defence. This tour saw a return to the Sam Womersley of old after a quiet year.
Jordan Lowther
A great tour. Every opposition coach mentioned him and Briggsy as the star players. Moments of magic throughout the tour and some very big hits. Got the backs firing and was instrumental in everything good we did.
Sam Codman
Solid defence and excellent with the ball in hand. Ran straight and hard and was unlucky not to be amongst the try scorers.
Aaron Briggs
Top try scorer with 6 tries in 5 games. Also played his 100th game for school. The game against Mannenberg was his finest game but he played a huge part in all five.
Oliver
Scored the crucial try vs Mannenburg and cut Bergvleit to pieces in the opening minutes. Was injured for the alst game but played his part in the first 4.
Antony
Scored the try of the tour when he took a reverse flip pass from Briggsy to score in the corner. Always a threat with the ball and scored 2 in 4 games.
Matty D
pLAYER CENTRE, FULL BACK AND FLY HALF and gacve solid performances in each one. A constant threat in attack and solid in defence.
Will Addy
Missed the first three games with inury but played his part in a great defensive display in the 2nd half against Bergvleit.
Will Denham
A great tour. One of the best players - not just becasue of his age but because of his ability. He rose to the challenge and will be a favourite for Player and Players Player of the tour.
Matty T
Switched from forwards to backs and scored his first ever try against Mannenberg. A raw talent but showed the desire to learn and improve.
Conor
Not in the starting XV in game 1, but forced his way into the starting team in game 5. Got the wing spot on merit after a number of fantstaic performances. Conor socred a great try against Bergsig and was the best defensve winger on tour.
John Handscomb
Played a big part in the tour by providing competition at 9 with Sam W. John got as much game time as Sam and was instrumental in all our wins. Likes to play the game at pace and offers a more maverick approach to scrum half. A tour to be proud of.
Tom Rowan
Still learning but again played very well. Looked more at home at full back where he made a couple of try scoring tackles. Kicked the ball back well and has certainly cemented his place in the starting XV next year.
Josh W
Played prop and was up against some very tough opposition. More than held his own and worked hard to get around the pitch. To top it all there were a couple of trademark Womersley dummies to bore us all with in the changing room afterwards.
John H
Played his best ever game against Manneberg. Drove it in well and won a couple of turnovers before limping off. Even though he was injured for the last two he was great support fot he lads on the field.
Garry
Scored a cracking try against Bergvleit showing that if he gets the ball in space he can be a real danger. Overcame adversity to have a great tour.
Adam Irving
Played far better rugby than i have seen before. His head can go down easily but not on this tour. Worked his socks off in all the games and was very strong in the lineout. A great tour from Adam.
Kris Beckwith
Missed games with sun burn and injury but played his part when he came on notably in the lst game agaisnt Milnerton where he put in some fine tackles.
Ben Maney
Again inury kept him out of a few games but he had a great game against Manneberg. His highlight was a huge double hit with Harry on their centre on the try line. I was all ready to walk behind the posts when i heard the crunch and saw Ben drive him back five yards.
Tom Harrison
A superb tour both on and off the field. Life and soul of the party and performances full of heart and aggression.
Simon
Played some great rugby and worked hard. Got a lot more game time than i though he would do as a result of five consistently high performances.
Harry
A favourite for player of the tour. Huge tackling, solid scrummaging and a never say die attitude.
Kyle
Had his problems with injury but was massive when he was on the field. Had his best game vs Mannenburg when he returned to the field to stabilise the scrum.
Danny Galindo
Another favourite form Player of the tour. Excellent tackling notably a huge hit on the try line against Milnerton full back. Very effective in loose play as well linking up forwards and backs.
Jamie Mason
Worked his socks off and got lots of votes in the Players Player of the tour. An unsung hero.
Ben Booth
No tries for Ben (again!!) but five performaces full of running and big hits. The tackle on Bergvleits big number 8 was a text book challenge for how a small guy stops a big guy.
Sam Sessions
Excellent leadership all tour. Got the lads up for games and led from the front. Didnt get his hands on the ball much but won lots of turnovers and made lots of tackles.
Sam Womersley
Was kept on his toes from John Handscomb but rose to the challenge. Excellent distribution from Lowther as well as solid defence. This tour saw a return to the Sam Womersley of old after a quiet year.
Jordan Lowther
A great tour. Every opposition coach mentioned him and Briggsy as the star players. Moments of magic throughout the tour and some very big hits. Got the backs firing and was instrumental in everything good we did.
Sam Codman
Solid defence and excellent with the ball in hand. Ran straight and hard and was unlucky not to be amongst the try scorers.
Aaron Briggs
Top try scorer with 6 tries in 5 games. Also played his 100th game for school. The game against Mannenberg was his finest game but he played a huge part in all five.
Oliver
Scored the crucial try vs Mannenburg and cut Bergvleit to pieces in the opening minutes. Was injured for the alst game but played his part in the first 4.
Antony
Scored the try of the tour when he took a reverse flip pass from Briggsy to score in the corner. Always a threat with the ball and scored 2 in 4 games.
Matty D
pLAYER CENTRE, FULL BACK AND FLY HALF and gacve solid performances in each one. A constant threat in attack and solid in defence.
Will Addy
Missed the first three games with inury but played his part in a great defensive display in the 2nd half against Bergvleit.
Will Denham
A great tour. One of the best players - not just becasue of his age but because of his ability. He rose to the challenge and will be a favourite for Player and Players Player of the tour.
Matty T
Switched from forwards to backs and scored his first ever try against Mannenberg. A raw talent but showed the desire to learn and improve.
Conor
Not in the starting XV in game 1, but forced his way into the starting team in game 5. Got the wing spot on merit after a number of fantstaic performances. Conor socred a great try against Bergsig and was the best defensve winger on tour.
John Handscomb
Played a big part in the tour by providing competition at 9 with Sam W. John got as much game time as Sam and was instrumental in all our wins. Likes to play the game at pace and offers a more maverick approach to scrum half. A tour to be proud of.
Tom Rowan
Still learning but again played very well. Looked more at home at full back where he made a couple of try scoring tackles. Kicked the ball back well and has certainly cemented his place in the starting XV next year.
Josh W
Played prop and was up against some very tough opposition. More than held his own and worked hard to get around the pitch. To top it all there were a couple of trademark Womersley dummies to bore us all with in the changing room afterwards.
John H
Played his best ever game against Manneberg. Drove it in well and won a couple of turnovers before limping off. Even though he was injured for the last two he was great support fot he lads on the field.
Garry
Scored a cracking try against Bergvleit showing that if he gets the ball in space he can be a real danger. Overcame adversity to have a great tour.
Adam Irving
Played far better rugby than i have seen before. His head can go down easily but not on this tour. Worked his socks off in all the games and was very strong in the lineout. A great tour from Adam.
Kris Beckwith
Missed games with sun burn and injury but played his part when he came on notably in the lst game agaisnt Milnerton where he put in some fine tackles.
Ben Maney
Again inury kept him out of a few games but he had a great game against Manneberg. His highlight was a huge double hit with Harry on their centre on the try line. I was all ready to walk behind the posts when i heard the crunch and saw Ben drive him back five yards.
Billetting at Milnerton
Most of the lads have had to be hosted on their own which is daunting but character building prospect. The Milnerton lads seem very lively and good fun and seem to getting on with lads famously. They have all gone ice skating and are now meeting up at the cinema today.
After the match we gave them all ties and it was great to see them all wearing them with pride the next day at school.
The lads have all come back with a variety of tales from their billets - but without exception they are all having fun. Im sure the whole experiennce will be great for their confidence and maturity.
After the match we gave them all ties and it was great to see them all wearing them with pride the next day at school.
The lads have all come back with a variety of tales from their billets - but without exception they are all having fun. Im sure the whole experiennce will be great for their confidence and maturity.
Game 5. Milnerton 5 22 MFG
MFG made it 4 wins out of 5 with a faultless display against Milnerton.
Playing with the wind Milnerton opened the scoring with a rolling maul over the line. MFG fought back straight away and a huge tackle by Jordan Lowther on his opposite number set the standard. He was penalised for a spear tackle but it certainly sent the message out to the home team.
Great defence kept Milnerton at bay and Briggsy equalised by bouncing off both props before beating the full back.
The second half was all MFG as we crossed the line three times in the last 8 minutes as Milnerton tired. Antony socred the second finishing off a fine backs move. Sam Womersley marked a superb game by sneaking over from short range. The final try came from Will Denham who was sensational. At 13 years of age he was the youngest on the field but definatley the best. He made more tackles than i can recall and won at least 4 turnovers.
The lads were overjoyed at the end and proud to mark the end of an era with a fine win. It was my last game with the lads and I was proud that it was marked with one of their best performances.
As always the South Africans were tough but very fair. They were amazing hosts and very generous in defeat. That was only their 2nd defeat all season!!
Fryer and Conor - the romantic couple!
Fryer and Conor take a lovely picture of them under the rainbow. How sweet!!
Mixed reaction to the whales
Some of the lads were bowled over by the huge breaching whales. Not Jordan Lowther who was heard to say "we drove 2 hours for that - Im off to KFC". On that note the lads all piled into KFC to stare at chicken for an hour!!
Whale watching
Today we went down to Hermanus to see some whales. Just as we arrived the rain stopped, a beautiful rainbow appeared over the sea and a large Right Whale appeared straight in front of us.
The whale lept out of the water and rolled around allowing the lads some great photo opportunities.
Error in fitness test results
Mr C has asked me to correct an error on the fitness test results. On the 10 metre sprint he actually came 2nd and not 3rd.
In case you were wandering there isnt any change to the bench press result - I still won that.
In case you were wandering there isnt any change to the bench press result - I still won that.
Tuesday 29 July 2008
Joe Rocthell doing a hand stand
Its been great having Joe, Steve and Andy on tour with us. As well as three extra pairs of eyes they have added lots of humour and banter.
Joe is an ex stduent who is only 21 but is very confident and good with the lads. He took charge of the Bergvleit game (picking and organising the team) and gave speeches and presentations to their players at the end.
Dolphin Hotel
Our new hotel backs onto the beach and overlooks Table Mountain. The view is amazing and we enjoyed a game of rugby on the beach before dinner.
As always the hospitality of the South Africans is excellent. At Bergvleit we were taken out to dinner by their Head of PE (Les Ryan) who was superb. It would be great if we can repay the favour one day and Les may bring out cricket or football teams in 2010.
Sports Institute
Team picture after the bleep. Its just as much a test of attitude as it is fitness. Conor got to level 12 but was pushed all the way by Lowther and Driver.
Bleep test
Conor wins the dreaded bleep test.
The centre has amazing facilities and all the players will recieve a report with advice on how to improve their weaker areas of fitness.
Mr Sprott wins bench press
Sorry - couldnt resist it!!
110 kg on their and made it look light as a feather. Mr Fryer came 2nd and Joe 3rd with Lowther, Sess, Will D and Tom H the best students.
Sess leads the team out at Newlands
Stadium tour was pretty good although the lads were tired after a nights billeting. They returned from their hosts with various stories about what they had been upto. Tom Harrison, Josh W, Will D and Kris B all were given money by their host. The mother was a lovely lady that came onto the team bus for a hug with the lads. Good on Josh and Tom who gave her a nice cuddle whilst Kris and Will looked suitably embarrassed!!!
Garry Savage scoring 2nd try vs Bergvleit
Garry is pretty rapid and if he is put in space he is hard to stop. Lowther had a great game at 10 and created lots of chances for the backs who were clinical in the first half.
Under pressure in the scrum vs Bergvleit
The forwards have been tested up front on tour but the work at Ossett RUFC on scrummaging and with Joe R on the lineout has paid dividends and we have more than held our own on 1st phase ball.
Sports Testing at the Newlands Institute
Today we went to Newlands for a stadium tour and fitness testing. The tests consisted of Strength (Mr Sprott won with a bench press of 110kg with Mr Fryer 2nd). 10 metre sprint (won by Joe Rotchell with Antony Smith 2nd). 40 metre sprint (won by Aaron Briggs with Mr Christian 2nd). Bleep test (won by Conor with Driver 2nd). Push ups won by Mr christian with Lowther 2nd. Agility won by Lowther with Briggs 2nd.
All the points were put into a score and the fittest player was calculated. It pains me to say it but the winner was Mr Christian with Lowther 2nd and Driver 3rd.
All the points were put into a score and the fittest player was calculated. It pains me to say it but the winner was Mr Christian with Lowther 2nd and Driver 3rd.
Bergvleit 5 29 MFG
The first half was all MFG as the forwards created good ball for the backs to cut loose. The backs were superb with great line sof running from Hallas, Smith, Codman, Briggs and Savage. Tries from Savage, Briggs (2), Smith and Eastwood set up a 29-0 lead at half time.
At half time we rang the changes and got everyone on the pitch. Bergvleit battled hard and came into the game and won the half 5-0 despite some good attacking play from both sides.
Man of the mathc was Adam Irving and Harry Eastwood who both worked their socks off for the full 60 minutes.
Our record is now 3 wins and 1 loss. The lads are playing the best rugby I have seen them play and are really rising to the challenge. I have been told our hardest game will come on Wednesday against Milnerton. We are pretty injury ravaged with Booth, Codman, Taylor, Hallas, Maney, Hall, Savage, M Thompson all with injuries that may keep them out.
At half time we rang the changes and got everyone on the pitch. Bergvleit battled hard and came into the game and won the half 5-0 despite some good attacking play from both sides.
Man of the mathc was Adam Irving and Harry Eastwood who both worked their socks off for the full 60 minutes.
Our record is now 3 wins and 1 loss. The lads are playing the best rugby I have seen them play and are really rising to the challenge. I have been told our hardest game will come on Wednesday against Milnerton. We are pretty injury ravaged with Booth, Codman, Taylor, Hallas, Maney, Hall, Savage, M Thompson all with injuries that may keep them out.
John meets Danny Best
You can go half way round the world and still bump into friendly faces. We all bumped into the Bests on the peninsula tour - I think Danny wished he hadnt!!
Peninsula Tour
I am struggling with pictures so will have to settle for news and pictures later.
The lads enjoyed a tour of the Cape Peninsula starting with a boat trip out to Seal Island. We then went on to Cape Point and the Cape of Good hope. From there onto Boulders Beach which is full of penguins.
The walk was very picturesque and we saw lots of wild life like baboons, zebra and Ostrich.
The lads had dinner at Cape Point with the coastline stretching off behind them.
The lads enjoyed a tour of the Cape Peninsula starting with a boat trip out to Seal Island. We then went on to Cape Point and the Cape of Good hope. From there onto Boulders Beach which is full of penguins.
The walk was very picturesque and we saw lots of wild life like baboons, zebra and Ostrich.
The lads had dinner at Cape Point with the coastline stretching off behind them.
Sunday 27 July 2008
Day 8 - Bergvkeit school
After a day of shopping and sight seeing we transferred to Bergvleit school for two days hosting.
Well done to Ben Booth, Jamie Mason, Will Addy, Harry Eastwood and Sam Sessions who voluntered to be hosted on their own. The rest billetted in pairs.
The staff transferred to a fabulous guest house over looking Table Mountain. We all jumped in the pool, used the trampoline and drank port in the garden to warm up. The owners are really nice people and have booked us in a restaurant for the evening.
Tom and Will at Signal Point
Unfortunatley the cable car to Table Mountain is closed for repairs so we cant go to the top. We could walk up but this idea didnt go down to well. Signal Point however does offer great views of Cape Town.
Harry and Ben finding Nemo
We visited an Aquarium today which had penguins, sharks, rays and lots of other weird sea creatures.
"I want that one"
John has taken to a wheel chair as a result of his injured knee. We arent too sure if there is anything worng with him - just think he likes being pushed around.
John has a badly bruised knee and nothing more serious. Unlikely to play the next two games though which is a shame.
Mr Sprotts birthday
The lads were kind enough to club together and buy me a hat for my 33rd birthday. That night we went out to a steakhouse for some fantastic food.
Saturday 26 July 2008
Adam Irving
Just an update on Adams punishment. He had his wallet taken off him for being a mug. It was returned this morning to him but within 5 minutes the staff thought it best to take it back off him.
Adam purchased a bottle of orange juice for 15 rand when there was free (and nicer) orange juice sat right next to it!! Obviously more work is needed.
Adam purchased a bottle of orange juice for 15 rand when there was free (and nicer) orange juice sat right next to it!! Obviously more work is needed.
The Blog
Apologies for the numerous spelling mistakes. Im not completly illiterate - I only have a set time on the comp and havent got time to check it - also the "f" and "d" button dont seem to work every time.
Hope your enjoying posts. Lads are having a great time. One week gone one week to go!
Hope your enjoying posts. Lads are having a great time. One week gone one week to go!
Will cheering on Western Province
A big squad has been essential. We have lost Will, Kris and Josh to sunburn over the last 3 games. Will Addy has really struggled with his shoulders. John Hall has hurt his knee and is looking doubtul for the remaining two games.
Kyle's shoulder is causing him problems as well.
Nothing for any parents to worry about just general wear and tear on a rugby tour.
After match presentation
Ater the game we presented Manneberg with a shield, boots, balls, bags, bibs an water bottles. Every player got a tie and we awared their man o the match an mfg top.
The people and players of Manneberg are very proud people who play tough an hard rugby. They welcomed us into their club and were excellent hosts. They had lots of kind words and advice for our lads before we departed after a fantastic experience.
Tom gets a telling off
Captain Ben Booth and Tom Harrison get a talking to for a high tackle. Tom is having a great tour and has a lot of fight in him. You need players like this who will get stuck in when the chips are down!
Man of the match - Briggsy
On a day when so many players played well it seems unfair to pick out an individual but Briggsy was awesome. He can be scruffy of the pitch and has invented lots of ways to make his shirt and tie clothes look "chavvy". He can be very lazy in training - but come game time he is a winner.
It was the best I have ever seen him play and I have seen him play 102 times now!
Well done to every member o the squad who really pulled a superb performance out of the hat today.
The last 25 minutes
The tackling was ferocious as both sides went hell or leather. Kyle, Harry, Harrison, Briggsy, Driver and Galindo all put in some huge hits as we tried to keep them out. Jamie Mason, Boothy, Linnit and Denham were everywhere scavenging for posession.
It was to no avail as a 3rd try for Mannenberg made it 21-19.
Going into the inal 10 minutes Kyle nicked one of their lineouts and Driver chipped over for Olly to collects and drop over the try line to make it 28-19.
Mannenberg came straight back to make it 28-26 with 5 minutes left. Their powerul centres were too much or us to handle but we tried to rumble it on in the orwards and keep posession. After a few phases the ball was spun out to Briggsy who took 4 defenders with him to score the crucial try.
2nd half
As we entered the second half Manenberg introuced ive very large, fast and aggressive new players who appeared from somewhere. Immediatley they mae an impact an looked to target Briggsy (our danger man from the first half). Powerful running led to two quick tries to make the score 21 - 10 after 5 minutes.
Sessions, Harry, Kyle, Olly, Sam W, Antony, Codman and Galindo were brought on to try and steady the ship.
The final 25 minutes of this match was the best and most gripping moments of a school boy game I have seen.
Mannenberg 26 - 33 MFG
Playing with the wind an slope we kicked of and opened the scoring when Briggsy broke free. Matty Thompson score his first ever try as he ghosted past the defence to make it 14-0. Just on half time Briggsy bullozed his way over the line for 21-0.
Many players had superb first halves including John Hall, Josh W, Matty Thompson and Tom Rowan who made a last ditch try saving tackle.
Manneberg had their chances but seeme to drop the ball with the try line beckoning.
Rising to the challenge
The prematch talk was all aboput rising to the challenge. The lads had a choice of wether to stand up to the challenge an overcome their fears or shrink within themselves. I was worried looking at their faces that many of them would bottle it - luckily i would be proven wrong.
Pre match nerves
The lads were quite daunted after their drive through the township. Judging from the comments an silence on the coach the las felt very intimiated and scared.
There was nothing to fear as the people were vewry welcoming but there was a sense o wal
king into the unknown.
Day 8: Town ship game
At the moment we are staying in Breakwater Lodge which is an old prison converted into a hotel. The hotel is packed full of sports tours with at least five other British touring teams.
This morning we ventured into the township to play Mannenberg Rangers.
Lads on reading the blog
A long tour can have lots of ups and downs. All the lads have ha a few down moments and felt homesick so keep the comments and messages coming. We read the blog when we get chance so all messages are appreciated.
Friday 25 July 2008
Comments from the lads
We are sat in an internet cafe at 11:00 with a few of the lads - here are their posts.
Tom Rowan
south africa is immence
the people are all nice to talk to our billets were so much fun with a good lot of lads from the other team
1 thing i have learnt
mr christian is.... (post deleted by editor)
missing you lot at home
(nicole<3)
Kyle Taylor
Never visit a flea market...
abiiii i love you (Y)
Ben Booth
South Africa is ace! :)
Weather's amazing, views are great and Safari was something special! :)
I'm captain for tomorrows game! :D hopefully will score but i doubt it! :)
Missing you all! :)
x
Aaron Briggs
I miss you more than life itself. I cant wait for the day when we embrace again in MFG car park. I have tried to gain comfort from cuddling Adam and the bus driver but its not the same. See you soon. Love Your Little Manimal!! ;)
Conor Thompson
South Africa is awesome
:)
Matty Thompson
yayy, im not a big sweaty forward anymore (like john) i love it!
Will Denham
Mum i've washed and now i'm potty trained!
John Hall
Mum why didn't you pack my teddy!
Adam Irving
I Love LOWTHER!!!!!
We're sharing a room tonight ;)
Ollie Hallas
arrrrrrrrgggggggggggghhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
Mr Christain
All things bright and beautiful
All creatures great and small
All things wise..................
Tom Rowan
south africa is immence
the people are all nice to talk to our billets were so much fun with a good lot of lads from the other team
1 thing i have learnt
mr christian is.... (post deleted by editor)
missing you lot at home
(nicole<3)
Kyle Taylor
Never visit a flea market...
abiiii i love you (Y)
Ben Booth
South Africa is ace! :)
Weather's amazing, views are great and Safari was something special! :)
I'm captain for tomorrows game! :D hopefully will score but i doubt it! :)
Missing you all! :)
x
Aaron Briggs
I miss you more than life itself. I cant wait for the day when we embrace again in MFG car park. I have tried to gain comfort from cuddling Adam and the bus driver but its not the same. See you soon. Love Your Little Manimal!! ;)
Conor Thompson
South Africa is awesome
:)
Matty Thompson
yayy, im not a big sweaty forward anymore (like john) i love it!
Will Denham
Mum i've washed and now i'm potty trained!
John Hall
Mum why didn't you pack my teddy!
Adam Irving
I Love LOWTHER!!!!!
We're sharing a room tonight ;)
Ollie Hallas
arrrrrrrrgggggggggggghhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
Mr Christain
All things bright and beautiful
All creatures great and small
All things wise..................
Mismatch!!
As you can see the township boys were very small. The MFG lads were great allowing them to have fun. We pretended to tackle them and let them score some tries. They all ha
d a great time before the real match started.
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