Rugby Tour to Australia
July/August 2008
On Monday 21st July, 25 members of the Dauntsey's rugby squad, accompanied by members of staff Marcus Olsen, Shane Cloete and Adrian Lewis, headed ‘Down Under’ for three weeks of action, adventure and, of course, rugby. Flying via Singapore, the squad landed in Perth bleary eyed and jet lagged; however, this did not prevent them from enjoying their stay with local families, and playing an exciting match against Christchurch Grammar School which resulted in a 13-5 win for Dauntsey's.
On Saturday 26th July they transferred to Sydney where they enjoyed the many famous sites of this beautiful city, and watched a rugby league match between the Sydney Roosters and Manly at the Sydney Football Ground. The second match of the tour took place on 29th July at the Eastwood Rugby Club where the squad pitched their skills in a hard match against the host school, Marist. Although the boys played well, the match was won by the hosts with a final score of 8-0.
The squad then took a short flight to Brisbane where the team travelled to Hervey Bay rugby ground and played a floodlit match against a team made up of four local schools. Once again, Dauntsey's were victorious with a final score of 19-0.
The next few days were spent relaxing and enjoying some warm weather as well as an unforgettable four hours whale and dolphin watching. The Queensland outback and beaches were explored before the fourth and final match against All Saint's Anglican School on the Gold Coast. This proved to be the toughest match yet and it was clear from early on that it was being played between two very evenly-matched sides. Both sides tackled well and the Dauntsey's team scored a try in the closing minutes to secure a 1 point win over the opposition.
Exhausted, but elated, the squad and staff spent a final day at Surfer's Paradise before heading home to a very wet Wiltshire. The players all learned a lot and benefited greatly from the training on the tour; their improved playing and skills should stand them in good stead for the forthcoming rugby season.
Even parents came along to support