Last 2 Days

Matches v Mannenberg went well with 2 easy wins against young but keen opposition. A group of people working very hard in the township to give boys and girls a chance to play rugby. We played on a different ground to last time (5 years ago) as they have had clubhouse burtnt down and equipmemt stolen.  They now have some support from the council and have a better pitch and 2 changing rooms. QEGS left them with a full set of playing kit along with our admiration.

Signal Hill for spectacular views of Cape Town then to the hotel for a welcome rest and shower in preparation for the End of Tour Dinner.

Nice meal, some drink, speaches, songs and presentations of awards and gifts.  All went well.  Lads left to deal with the "Court" with severe punishment for even minor sins. All safetly back for a bit of kip.

Up bright and early for our planned trip to Robben Island but the foul weather meant this was cancelled. All back to bed for an extra hour.  Now checking out before a few hours on the waterfront for shopping and lunch with departure for flights at 4pm.

All still weary but it has been an excellent experience for all.  See you at home soon.

Tourist Bit

22^nd July

The Tourist Bit

Picked up the lads from school at 8am on time or so we thought.. but still fined by finemaster.  All report that hosting has been good to excellent. We then set off to do the touristy bit. Travelling under the shadow of Table Mountain covered by its Tablecloth of cloud cover we headed to the coast via the vineyards. A short stop at a small harbour to rendezvous with parents (which didn’t happen) allowed us to add seals to the list of animals met on tour.  A large and nosey seal gave us plenty of photo opportunities as well as the chance to have a dig at staff members.  On to the ubiquitous “mall” for coffee, muffins and late breakfast of fish and chips!

Off then by a very scenic route, totally unappreciated by most, to Cape Point and The Cape of Good Hope. A long slog up to Cape Point but well worth it. Again plenty of photo opportunities and a glimpse of whales in the Indian Ocean.

To Simon’s Town for lunch overlooking the harbour and on to another beach for a glimpse of penguins who were rather intimidated by 45 QEGS lads! A further short drive taking in more impressive coastal scenery saw us back to our team hotel for the night. Lads now in rooms for 2hrs showering and chilling before we take them to the Victoria and Albert Waterfront for a meal.  Lord alone knows what they will make of this horde.

All trooped down to the docks for meal and back tonight.  All, hopefully, in bed and resting in preparation for tomorrows match v Mannenberg. Various rumours circulating about their ability and state of their pitch but we are sure it will be a memorable experience. Nice to see more parents arriving to support and we are all looking forward to the end of tour meal overlooking the docks.  Staff a little concerned about what the lads see as suitable gifts for home.  Billtong for instance.

Match Reports

Match Reports

Bergsig HS in Rustenberg

2^nd XV Won 21-12

Opening score by Bergsig was the impetus we needed and Woolford equalled the scores as he dove over from close range after a great forward drive. QEGS went ahead after a  loose kick was well fielded by Chima who took it back strongly. A quick set of hands gave Cook the opening to score. QEGS were always more positive in attack so it was ironic that their final score came from a mistake  from their opponents who in  a desperate attempt to level the scores took a tap penalty from their own 22. A dropped pass saw Dabbs pounce for a well  deserved try.  The 2^nd half saw Bergsig come back at us bringing it back to 21 to 10 after slack defence allowed them to go over unmolested from a quick tap penalty. Hulme converting well.

1^st XV Won 29 to 5

After a cautious start QEGS scored 1^st from a break from the 22 that took thyem beyond their opponents 22. Pickersgill (T) picking from the ruck and going blind to score. The next score saw Knowles shwing a fine turn of speed to over with the conversion added to make it 14 to 0. Allot then showed his class to make it 19 to 0. Goodwill, after an initial knock back, took revenge to power over for QEGS’4^th try. He then was on hand to provide the final pass that allowed Browning to go over in the corner.  Slack defence and fatigue allowed bergsig over to make the final score 29 to 5 to QEGS.

21^st July

All met up at 8am at Bergvliet School and it seems all hosting is, as has been the case throughout, is going well. Two birthdays today, Harry Crowson and Mr David Benn. Happy Birthday sung on journey to Newlands Stadium.  Great visit rounded off by visit to the Western province Shop to buy cheap kit and them noisy SA Trumpets, (the name of which I cannot spell). Then to Langa township for an eye-opening tour. Trip to a local shopping mall for lunch where many succumbed to the R49.50 (£4.50) all you can eat lunch-time special. Great views of Table Mountain as we travel.

Onward to the school for the matches this afternoon, the 1^st XV playing under lights. Many carrying knocks and upset tums so lots of late fitness tests before selection. Our plans to play full U17s squads is in some disarry but we did manage to play last 20 mins of 2^nd match with an U17 team.

2^nd XV Won20 to 0

A great start from our lads but we failed to score and allowed them back into the match. We did score 1^st as von Emloh drove over from close range and Hulme converted. The score remained unchanged for the rest of the 1^st half as we failed to take advantage of greater possession. Early in the 2^nd half we took a penalty opportunity to lead 10 to 0. From the kick off Crowson drove the ball back and from the ensuing penalty and extra 10 we kicked into the corner.  The lineout was won cleanly and spun out. Cook took the ball and cut back to his forwards and again von Emloh was on hand to drive over for another try. A final try came for Chima as reward for his efforts throughout the match.

1^st XV Won 37 to 8

Browning excelled in front of a crowd containing many of his family who live locally.He scored 2 tries in each half as QEGS excelled after subduing a strong SA pack. One try in particular came from a clean lineout in our 22 from Murphy which was spun wide giving Browning just enough space to leave his opponent in his wake as he sprinted in from 70m. Further tries were added by Murphy and Allot before QEGS finished in style as Knowles took a cross field kick from Allen to score.

Trip out tomorrow to Signal Hill and Cape Point to see the penguins.

From Namibia to South Africa

Last night in Namibia at Joes turned out to be a great night out to end the 1st half of the tour and to bid fond farewell to Peter M. Lots more meat and ale consumed in a unique spot. All were up and about bright and early! As we bid farewell to Namibia and our drivers Pete and JoJo.  BUT our departure was not as smooth as we hoped as Andy B, Liam Hogan and Sam Hulley were left in Windhoek as the rest departed to Joberg.  left alone to suffer the discomfort of business lounge hospitality and front row seats in the business class section of the next available BA flight out then a Mercedes taxi to catch up with the party.



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Matches and hosting in Joberg went well with match report to follow as no Internet in our quaint B&B.   Won both in convincing style 1st Xv 29 to 5 and 2nd XV21 to 12.  Teams, especially 2nd XV playing is much improved.We have just arrived in Capetown safe and sound with again Andy B having to suffer an upgrade to business class along with Mrs B and Dan B.

Walvis Bay and on to Souselevi

Thursday

Great Braii after matches at Walvis Bay.  Scorers in 2^nd XV 21 – 0 victory were Mackenzie, Dabbs and Stead with Hulme adding 3 conversions.  A strong performance from our lads.  Barraclough and Mackenzie played a major role in looking after the younger lads, especially Rogers. No one sure of full list of scorers in 1^st XV demolition of their 1^st XV 36-7.  But we do remember that Allot score 2 as did Allen and Goodwill scored 1. They never looked like scoring and only managed to go over from a charged down clearance kick. A very sound performance to beat fancied opposition in some style.

Friday

Dune boarding and quad biking this morning.  Andy B, Simpson and Murphy  amongst many taking a tumble.  Nothing serious to report other than a great time had by all. Dip in the v cold S Atlantic for some hardy souls and most of the staff before our long trek to the Namib Lodge.  Impressive scenery and giraffes on the road.  One bus provided useful scrummaging practise after getting stuck.  The roads a dirt tracks but are generally well kept.  Rush hour consists of us seeing 1 other car each hour.  Even saw 1 (yes only 1) indicating road works and we couldn’t believe to see that there were men actually working! Decent evening meal and off to bed early.

Saturday

Wake up call at 4:30!!!  For trip to the Souselevi Dunes.  NOT what we expected and a little disappointing to go all that way to not see sunrise over the dunes and feel a little ripped off. Some lads did get up the dunes and see the view and then take the quick way down.  Mr Mason in particular caused much amusement.

Lots of sleeping on the journey back to Windehoek when we could as we decided to take the direct route which proved to be a bit of a rollecoaster. All at the hotel now and getting ready for a trip out to the place to go in Windehoek..Joe’s Beer House for a meal of MEAT and maybe a drink or 2.

Off to Jo’berg tomorrow after a lie in until after 08:00 where we say goodbye to Peter Mason who on his first major tour has proved an excellent sweeper and his wit and camaraderie has lightened the mood amongst the married couples amongst the staff party. We will welcome Christian Head as his replacement and hope to teach him the joys of touring.

Walvis Bay HS

Both teams win at Walvis Bay. Further match reports to follow. All lads well pleased with a job well done.  Great atmosphere after the matches and all looking forward to a good night sleep!!! before quad biking and dune boarding tomorrow.

Drive to Walvis Bay

After a long drive we have arrived at Walvis Bay.  Weather much warmer at 30 deg, and its mid-winter! 6 hour drive on dirt roads through amazing countryside with views of ostrich, mountain zebra, mountains and desert plains and massive dunes on the coast. Missed by many as they were catching up on lost sleep after celebrating Sam's birthday in style. Lads all hosted, most with girls, (sisters of their 1st and 2nd team squads). Tomorrow' match will be a tougher proposition than the opener. Trip to the beach at Swakopmund tomorrow morning and the flamingoes at the lagoon, have already seen a flight of pelicans before a light warm up.  Staff had one of best fish dishes ever at "Anchors" beach side restaurant.  Hope to report a win or 2 tomorrow,