Reports on the recent sports tour to South Africa:

A party of 47 lead by the tour manager Mr. Tommy Williams departed on the 15th July 2011 to South Africa - a country just under 6000 miles away. Familiar to some, but foreign to most; the anxiety and excitement was apparent as we set off for the 13 hour flight from London to Cape Town.

The tour was made up of 9 matches in total: 5 rugby matches and 4 hockey matches, on top of 5 intense training sessions- including two with the rugby coaches of the Western Province and hockey with a current South African Olympian. When we weren’t doing sport our time was taken up with activities, so the scarce free time we received was greatly appreciated. The matches for the boys included SACS; Stellenbosch Hoerskool; Lagunya Township and Paul Roos Gimnasium. The girls were up against Rustenburg; Stellenbosch; Belhar Township and Rhenish. The boys spent two nights with billets from SACS school and two nights with billets from Paul Roos; the girls similarly spent two nights with the girls of Rustenburg and Rhenish.

	Squad watching Western Province at Newlands Stadium

While being a sports tour, we did take time out visit some of the Western Cape’s top tourist attractions: Robben Island; Two Ocean’s Aquarium; Table Mountain; and the Penguin Colony in Simonstown as well as several shopping trips; before finally finishing on a two day safari. To keep the balance towards sports however, we also attended a Western Province game at Newlands stadium, completed a tour of the Sports Science Institute and Rugby Museum as well as enjoying a Koshuis rugby experience at Stellenbosch University.

	Boys training with the coaches of Western Province academy
	Chapman’s Peak

Of the visits, Robben Island certainly proved to be memorable, as we were shown around the harrowing conditions of the prison that Nelson Mandela was subjected to during the apartheid years. Our tour guide was an ex convict, who had been imprisoned for 26 years for attending a meeting for a student protest. Other visits to the Penguin Colony and Two Oceans Aquarium had a lighter mood, giving the players a break from the demanding schedule and allowing us to appreciate the wonders of a different continent. Many things were different to us but none more so than the Koshuis rugby experience! Here we witnessed student rugby teams battling for a win, supported by hundreds of extravagantly dressed supporters. The day was topped off by eating at the Moyo, where the players did their best to test the promise of ‘all you can eat’.

	First dinner out as a squad

At the end of the two weeks there was a strong sense of unity; the boys won 3 out of 5 games, falling short at the last hurdle to Paul Roos; the girls achieved a massive feat of remaining undefeated. Emotions were high after seeing cheetah, rhino, ostrich and many other animals but it all had to come to an end. Awards were given to both Ellie Diamond and Louis Quoi, for their passionate captaincies, as well as Mike Jones and Georgia Masters as the most improved players. Finally Jacob’s general rugby prowess and Alana’s solid hockey defence secured them the Best Player awards. Lauren Hurrell’s ceaseless smile and good mood, even through injury, made her truly deserving of The Best Tourist award.

Tears were shed, voices were raised and ligaments torn, but the tour truly, proved to be a success. Mr. Williams summed up all of our thoughts and feelings in three words ‘It’s been emotional’.

Alex Beech

Robben Island

On Monday the 18th July 2011, which was Nelson Mandela day, we were all up and out very early so we could catch the first ferry over to Robben Island. It was a memorable day of the tour because not only were we experiencing a place which held great importance to South Africa’s history, but also we were visiting on Nelson Mandela’s 93rd birthday. We all embarked on the ferry very tired, which was not improved by the choppy journey across to Robben Island. Everyone was feeling a bit nauseous after it except Mr. Kaye who was remarking how flat the crossing had been. The weather was extremely misty on this day, which added to the mystery of this remarkable place.

We all walked under the Robben Island welcome sign quietly, before meeting our tour guide who was an ex-prisoner of Robben Island. Our guide was enthusiastic about informing us about life at Robben Island and the place itself (he had been convicted for being part of a group who had been planning a demonstration). The guide hadn’t even left high school when he had been arrested. We were first shown around the offices where all the wardens worked and kept the files for all the inmates. It was in this section where someone, who I shall not name, asked if Robben Island was still a prison. As you can imagine they were met with shocked silence and us all trying to keep straight faces whilst informing them no, it wasn’t.

Then once we had been up on the bridge where you could see above the prison, we were then allowed to explore the prison cells. This gave us the opportunity to take lots of photos and the occasional behind the bars shot. I think we were all moved by the conditions that these people lived in and also their stories. In the majority of the cells there were some personal items from the prisoner who had called this small room ‘home’. Our tour guide explained to us that the political inmates and the inmates who were there for violent crimes were kept separately; apparently it was a relief for him to be sent to Robben Island because other prisons didn’t keep them separate.

Going into Nelson Mandela’s cell was a memorable experience because this man had achieved so much and is a real inspiration, and we stood in the room which had housed him for many years. As today was Nelson Mandela day Miss Drake set us the task of completing 67 good deeds between us by the end of the day. These ranged from Mr Williams bringing chocolate muffins to Amanda and Anna in the morning when they were sat outside whilst the boys were practising line outs, to Lauren Hurrell offering a small girl her seat on the ferry to the island. I am proud to say that we reached our aim of 67 by the end of the day! After visiting cell 46664 we then went to a cell which was larger and held a large quantity of men in not so pleasant conditions. Then he told us about the food allowances which I can tell you weren’t very fulfilling: the higher group you were in the better you were treated. The groups were A-D, if you were in A you were treated the best and if you were in group D you were treated the worst. Our guide was in group D and seemed proud of it, telling stories to us of how he rebelled against prison wardens by refusing to shave his beard, among other stories.

Once we left the actual prison we all climbed on to a coach to have a guide of the island, which was interesting and busier than we anticipated. Then we all embarked on the ferry for another very rough trip back to main land where we continued with the rest of our incredible South Africa tour.

Anna Thomas and Lauren Hurrell

Boys' rugby match reports

Match 1

SACS 5-13 Colston’s

Colston's were very apprehensive coming into the first game of tour. With unknown opposition and new players in the starting line up. Colston's started the game slowly, our line speed wasn't quick enough and SACS were able to get over the game line. However our strong defence stopped SACS breaking through with Harry Coulthard (Joint Man of the match ) making several big hits giving Colston’s the upper hand.

Half way through the first half Colston’s stepped up their game, a scrum in the middle of the field tied in the SACS players and the ball was flung wide into the hands of the full back Andy Smart. He had one man to beat when he made it to the 5m line not hesitating he ran straight over him, the tackle was made but with an extension of his arm he touched down for the first try. Birthday boy, Lewis Greaves-Lugo now had the difficult task of converting from the touch line. The kick was good and Colston’s went 7-0 up.

In the second half Jon Clayton came on with a slightly injured back, just showing every one on the team wanted a piece of the action with some more solid defence Colston’s maintained their lead showing the huge step up in their line speed. With Jack Hughes and Callum Wallis making multiple tackles in front of the game line.

Louis Quoi made some great steals and a superb covering tackle smashing the winger into touch. Leading the team from the front. Colston's had achieved great field position from some great kicking from Lewis, Jack Hughes, and Alex Haynes.

Colston’s dominated the breakdown and scrum half Haynes bossed the forwards and with some great pick and drives from Andy Buffham and some great rucking they set a great field position. Colston’s won a penalty in front of the posts, if Lewis kicked this SACS would need 2 scores. Colston’s went 10-0 up after birthday boy slotted the penalty straight between the posts.

Colston’s knew they had to keep the defence strong and had to be switched on all the time. Jacob Spence (hooker) turned over many scrums and didn't lose one the SACS pushed hard but the front row pushed back trying to keep the scrum steady. Sometimes under pressure Dan Exon (No.8) managed to pick up and pop to scrum half Alex. With some great feet he beat some defenders and set a contact point on the SACS' 22 on the touchline giving Colston's a lot of room to work with.

Colston's had the forwards drawn in and got the ball wide: great foot work from Mike Ball on the wing took us deeper in the 22 and with more pick and goes and crash balls from the centres James Floyd and Ben Charlton set up in front of the posts once more. Alex found Lewis and a cheeky drop goal eased Colston's and allowed them to settle.

Sacs were determined to come back and a couple of breaks were made but were stopped by covering tackles. Josh Grant made a great try saving tackle just managing to grab the opposition’s shirt and then managing to wrap up his legs. Luke Williams came on late in the game at full back, another break from Sacs brought him into the game immediately! And Luke made a textbook leg tackle and Colston’s managed a turn over.

With more good kicking Colston’s advanced into the SACS half. Harry Coulthard and Jon Roper were sent high into the air and caused great pressure on the line out and often a lose ball or turn over. Colston’s backs fearless diving on the floor right next to Sacs feet to grasp the ball.

SACS strung some good phases together and from a pick and go saw them go over the Colston’s line in one of the last plays. A missed kick made the score 13-5. The game over the Colston’s team took the huddle each with something to say: Louis Quoi led the team well and was pleased with the performance and proud of all the players. It was a great start to the tour. No, the perfect start!!!

An injury had happened during the game; Ben Charlton took a knock and had to have a ride in an ambulance. Even this could not dampen the boys' mood with smiles across the faces of every player and sweat, in certain cases blood, dripping off them as we headed to the changing room.

I could not be prouder to wear a Colston’s blazer.

Charlie Fraser

	Victory over SACS

Match 2

Stellenbosch Hoerskool 10 – 29 Colston’s

After witnessing an exquisite display of hockey from the ladies hockey the testosterone was flowing freely as the boys entered their match. The warm up was positive with some charming comments from our huge winger Ethan Hawkins such as: “they are massive” set the tone!

After their win at SACS the boys were brimming with confidence; however, with some key players such as Alex Haynes and Andy Buffham rested, it was to be a tough game. A frantic start jangled the nerves of our experienced coaches who sported the traditional Colston’s blazers. Chris Willmott commanded the forwards excellently and after some creative kicking from Luke Williams, Colston’s were in a good position for Calvin Peters to blitz over the line! Powerful running in the centres from rampant Rhys Hillan and Ben Nankervis allowed Colston’s to proceed over the gain line, setting up Ethan to scramble into the corner. As the half time whistle went, Colston’s were pleased with their first half efforts in a physical encounter.

After some brief encouragement from Mr Williams and Mr Berry, Colston’s were keen to enhance their lead; however, after a sneaky move, with the opposition scrum half running through a tunnel of meaty forwards their winger was able to pounce over our line. This fired up the Colston’s brigade, with captain Louis Quoi lengthening his studs to ensure maximum penetration when rucking. Colston’s then fought back, with the gangly Luke Williams stretching over to secure 5 points for the Blue and Gold’s. Minutes later, the Stellenbosch winger waltzed around the outside of the Colston’s defence, and after some promising pace slid into the corner. However, after Callum Wallis was binned by the referee for persistent infringements, Colston’s were pumped and James Floyd romped over the line in the dying minutes to secure a 22-10 victory.

It was a clinical victory from the boys with some promising moments. Man of the match was birthday boy Charlie Fraser for his exceptional defence and passionate performance!

Jon Roper

Match 3

Laguna Township 7-12 Colston's

It was a windy July day in South Africa, with Colston's getting of to a shaky start, again captained by Charlie Fraser. Laguna started well, taking the upper hand over Colston's. The opposition scored first, setting unknown territory for Colston's on tour. Laguna 7-0 Colston's. However, a worrying sight saw Andrew Buffham pick up a late injury for the touring side. The half-time whistle blew and a positive attitude was needed going into the second half. Substitutions were made, strengthening the team.

Colston's apprehensive play continued into the second half with Lagunas strong running putting pressure on the Colston's defence. The away side continued piling on the pressure against the township side. Charlie Fraser and Harry Coulthard kept the defence strong, limiting any access for Laguna. The backs also began to start working well, with Lewis Greaves -Lugo controlling play, and kicking with the wind brilliantly.

	Charlie Fraser vs. Lagunya Township

The pressure was too much for the home side and Colston's went over levelling the scores. Laguna 7-7 Colston's. This made the away side's confidence grow, and some strong running by centre Jack Hughes cut through the defence line, adding more pressure.

Finally, the pressure got to much for the township side and winger Michael Ball battled to the try line with many Laguna players hot on pursuit to stop his efforts, which ended unsuccessfully. Laguna 7-12 Colston's. Another successful game for the touring side, and many players believing that this was one of their toughest. A strong township outfit gave Colston's a stern test.

Next up the eagerly anticipated game against Paul Roos on Tuesday.

Michael Ball

Match 4

Paul Roos 31-8 Colston's

Colston's went into this game off the back of three wins against strong South African opposition, Stellenbosh, Lagunya and SACS. The boys knew that it would be a stern test against a South African top 3 team. With strong team talks from both coach Tommy Williams and captain, Louis Quoi, the team was fired up and ready for the test ahead. This game unquestionably bigger than anything experienced so far.

Coston’s started well, dominating the first 10 minutes of play with some strong forward play. Paul Roos seemed surprised by the start made by the touring side. However, a decision made by the Colston's backs opting to go for a drop goal, which was unsuccessful, turned out fatal. This let Paul Roos get back in the game, taking a quick 22 drop out, leading to their first converted try. Paul Roos 7-0 Colston's.

This play continued and many players were shocked by the sudden change of gears by Paul Roos, hurting the Colston's side by adding points quickly. It was apparent that the touring side needed to show more fight. Lewis Greaves-Lugo kept some dignity for the touring side when adding three points with a penalty, coming from some strong forward play.

Paul Roos added one more converted and two unconverted tries before half time, most notably one of which being the first time Colston's had conceded from a first phase move in the last three seasons. It showed what a strong outfit we were against. Paul Roos 24-3 Colston's at the break. Some strong words were needed with many of the Colston's heads looking down at the ground. It was a time to show some pride.

	Rugby vs. Paul Roos Gimnasium

The second half started off on a much more positive note, much like the start of the first half with Colston's dominating some play. Paul Roos did once again deny the tour side and started an attack again. They added more points on the board with another converted try, making it Paul Roos 31-3 Colston's, this ending the scoring for the home side.

Colston's still hadn't finished, there was time for the away side to add some points on the board. Jon Roper winning another lineout from Player of the Tour, Jacob Spence. This turning into a driving maul from the Colston's forwards, with a non-existent Paul Roos pack, we piled over the try line with Louis Quoi adding the five points, the conversion being unsuccessful. Paul Roos 31-8 Colston's.

This ending the final score, many feel the score being an unfair reflection of the Colston's efforts. Still, despite the score, it was a match which all involved will never forget, this being the last game in which this squad will play together. All players that have played in this team, I'm sure, will echo my words when saying it has been an honour to play, train and tour with everyone in this rugby team over the past 5 years!

	Rugby vs. Paul Roos Gimnasium

Colston's team vs. Paul Roos:
Louis Quoi, Jacob Spence, Andrew Buffham, Calvin Peters, Jon Roper, Callum Wallis, Dan Exon, Harry Coulthard, Alex Haynes, Lewis Greaves-Lugo, Jack Hughes, James Floyd, Michael Ball, Josh Grant, Andrew Smart, Jon Clayton.

Michael Ball

Girls' hockey match reports

	Girls practising at SACS

Match One

Rustenburg High 1 – 1 Colston’s

On Tuesday we played our first match against Rustenburg girls school, with a choice of over 170 girls per year group we knew it would be a tough match.

We spent the journey getting our heads round our individual goals for the game. When we arrived we knew what we needed to do to put up a good fight. After a focused and lengthy warm-up led by our captain Ellie Diamond, we were buzzing with anticipation.

Following both a motivational and emotional speech from Ellie we were raring to go.

The pressure was on from the first whistle, and it was apparent that this wasn't going to be an easy game. It was after the first 10 minutes of mainly Rustenburg possession that they scored the opening goal: from a short corner. This was the boost we needed to get back in the game and start showing them what we could really do.

The rest of the first half was evenly matched with the ball travelling up and down the pitch at high pace.
The first shot on goal from Ellie was saved by the goalie but several minutes later her second went straight against the back board, seconds before half time.

A reflection on performances at half time highlighted the success of our block on their 16 yard restarts which forced the ball into our possession.

The second half was intense from the word go, with both teams hungry for the second goal in order hopefully to secure a win. It was far from easy as our solid defence and mid field ensured that getting any shots on goal proved very difficult for the Rustenburg girls, challenging any shots which got through were quickly cleaned by our superb goalie, Hollie Iles, who was supported especially well by the brick wall of defence, which of course was led by the power and strength of the man of the match, Alana Sealy- Grant, and also both Georgia Masters and Lauren Weetch who spent all game running up and down the pitch linking play whenever they could.

We had 17 minutes left of the game and it was at this point that it was clear that our fitness levels were head and shoulders above the opposition, and we committed to play as a team for each other. With one break into their 25, made by Lauren Hurrell and Ellie, in the remaining few minutes our last chance was unfortunately not successful. However, as the final whistle blew, the girls cried three cheers and walked off the pith with smiles on their faces and their heads held high: we knew that we played the best game we could have and Miss Drake, Mrs. Ward and Ellie made it very clear how proud they were of all of us.

We knew this was a great start to the tour for us and a solid foundation to build upon.

Abi Lawrence

	Girls with the opposition at Rustenburg High

Match Two

Stellenbosch High 0 – 4 Colston’s

On Thursday 21st of July we played against Stellenbosch High School. With the boys cheering on the sideline the morale of the team was high. We began the game strongly with the majority of the possession with us. From 16s Georgia was able to get the ball all the way to the other end of the pitch with the common issue of forwards not being able to get on the end of these hard hits. The first goal was scored when Florence noticed that no one was standing on the posts to finish off the play within the 'D'. Positioning herself perfectly she swept the ball into the back of the net. The second goal of the first half came from a well-executed short corner which enabled Ellie to hit the ball straight to the back board. This was followed by support from the other forwards and mid-fields. Stellenbosch too had scored 2 goals within the first half, neither clear shots but with people standing in correct places.

	Girls vs. Stellenbosch Hoerskool

After a quick team talk, which highlighted some of our problems, we knew what each of us had to do to ensure a solid win. Our defence came back strong and Stellenbosch were unable to score another goal. However, Colston's worked well together, with defence clearing to the wings, which then powered through the strong line of defence for a skilled pass to Ellie which allowed her to score the third and final goal.

This was a challenging game with a successful outcome, there was a sense of unity as we left the field as we knew we had delivered. Our player of the match went to a very well deserved Lauren Hurrell, who carried on playing through serious physical pain to help us secure this win.

It was an extremely hot and humid day so as a team we found it difficult to play to our full potential in such conditions but kept working and working to provide the best game play we could.

	Training at SACS

Match Three

Belhar Hockey 0-4 Colston’s

Our third match was against a township side, Belhar Hockey Club. We had plenty of time for a thorough warm up and to get ourselves ready physically as well as mentally. The opposition turned up with 9 players and no keeper, due to some of the girls being unable to take time off work. The game started slowly but we had possession for about 80 percent of the time with the ball only entering our defending end twice. In the first half it was obvious that the lack of communication and working together as a unit meant that we were only leading by one goal.

After a strong team talk and encouraging words from Hurrell who was resting on the sideline, we were determined to go all out and bag ourselves some more goals. Although their keeper was absent they had a strong line of defence which kept the ball away from the goal. However, a pass from Diamond across the D and deflected into the goal by Tucker took us 2 nil up. Minutes later we earned a short corner where a number 1 was decided: Ellie took a straight strike and hammered it in to the backboard. Feeling more determined, play from that pushback was considerably better, we used our individual skills and channeling to defeat the opposition and win free hits. Our final goal was scored by Florence Eccleson which lead to a 4 nil win.

It was a completely different game of hockey but playing with people who were much less privileged than us yet still shared the same passion was an experience we shall never forget.

Georgia Masters

Match Four

Rhenish High 1 -1 Colston’s

Everyone was feeling the pressure of the need to do well in this game and ensure the girls held onto the title of being unbeaten on tour.

We arrived at Rhenish full of anticipation, knowing we needed to play the best hockey we could.

The match started and the nerves that the whole team had were very obvious. We got off to a slow start and within the first 5 minutes we had conceded a goal due to players not being marked in the D. This woke us up and we began to play with more energy and our team-work, when in possession of the ball, was excellent. However, the opposition had a very strong midfielder, who for the second time, just minutes before the end of the first half, scored.

Half time couldn't have come sooner and as we huddled together we recognised that Colston’s had a larger percentage of possession and we simply were not converting our chances into goals, whereas the opposition were. Knowing the score didn't reflect our performances, we were eager to get back out there and work together, talk to each other and ensure we did ourselves, Mrs. Ward, Miss Drake and the school proud.

	Girls vs. Rhenish High School

We had a few short corners which were quickly charged down by their defence, and after another frustrating miss, the girls knew there wasn't a lot of time left. We were all putting in 110% and it eventually paid off when I managed to score from the far right of the D. Everyone now knew that we could do this. Heads went up , the enthusiasm rocketed with the support of some of the Stellenbosh girls who had come to watch, we were motivated to at least get the draw which we knew we deserved.

Rhenish had a 16, and our strong block made it impossible for the defender to find space or a player for the ball to go to. The pressure caused the defender to not connect with the ball cleanly and the pass which she thought was going to her team mate was quickly intercepted by Lauren Hurrell who showed great composure on the ball, running into the D and blasting it past the goalie.

We only had a few minutes left and we did all that we could to try and score again to secure a win: however, when the opposition where given a short corner in the last 2 minutes of the game, the defence were under a huge amount of pressure to clear the ball as quickly as they could. Anna Thomas made an excellent run which ensured that Rhenish didn't have time to take a shot and the ball was cleared by our defence.

The final whistle blew and we all knew that we got the result we deserved, it wasn't a win, but against a team who had been unbeaten all season , we knew it was a great achievement.

I was honoured to have captained such a great team throughout the whole tour, however I have never been more proud of a group of people, than I was after that game, we pulled together when we really needed to and that echoed the message that was conveyed before every game which was that: in order to succeed, we need to play for each other, as a team.

13 girls, who had never played together before had come all the way to South Africa for 4 games of hockey, and were going home unbeaten. That's something that each and every member of that team, no one more so than myself, is extremely proud of. A great end to a great tour. Thank you Mr. Williams.

Ellie Diamond