Book of tour

The tour book with 70 pages is now out. This book is a pictorial record of the 19 days in July 2007 from start to finish, covering all aspects of the tour from the visit to the Langa township to all the rugby matches.

Day 18-19

Proud, originally uploaded by simongman.

This is a two day blog as it featured our travel back as well as our last tour adventure.

Day 18 was a big day for two reasons, one it was our last day of adventure in the African bush and the day we make the 6,500 mile dash back to Kirkham. So starting with first things first, after an early breakfast we once again mounted our rangers' vehicles for the last time in pursuit of big game, we were after the big 5 as they say out here. Well sure enough we did manage to see a vast amount of game on this sunny morning at Kariega Game Reserve. The highlight of the day was tracking a pride of lions whilst in our open top vehicles. It really was a heart pumping moment when the lions passed by our vehicles just meters away, then paused to watch a herd of impala some 400m behind us, who were in turn watching the lions. After this close encounter we continued to see more and more game as the crisp early morning warmed to the glowing African sun. This was a perfect end to our South African tour.

After being dropped off by our rangers at 11.30am we then started the long trek home that lasted over 24 hours from door to door travelling on two coaches, and three aircraft, flying enitially from Port Elizebeth to Johannesburg then on to Heathrow and finally Manchester airports.

On Day 19 at London's Heathrow Airport our group was split with the main party (36) going on ahead on an early flight closely followed by a smaller group (7) on a later flight. This smaller group bumped into the Arnold rugby touring group who were also travelling home to Blackpool. Many of the boys knew each other and swapped stories of their adventures that they had had over the last 19 days. Finally arriving at Manchester airport and met by their parents the boys relived their adventures. I am sure many a bath bore witness to the tide mark of our travellers as they wound down and relaxed within their own homes, thinking about the many experiences that they have had. This reporter is set to do that himself, but over the next few weeks will get a book and poster together that fully illustrates the "South Africa Tour 2007". If any boys have anything to comment about their experience please email it to me via the school website, as I will add it as an appendix blog to our South African story.

Click on the top image to see a large number of game park animals plus the whole South African set of photogaphs, some 188 of the thousands that I took over 19 days of adventure.

Day 17

Gentlemen start your engines, originally uploaded by simongman.

It was once again an early morning for our tour party as we all met at Nico Malan High School. As the staff arrived the boys appeared from all directions with their host families. It was evident from the boy’s attire that a lot of clothes swapping had gone; they were now wearing the home side’s uniform and kit as mementos of their stay. After some firm hand shakes and big hugs our merry band of travellers were on the road again bound for Kariega Game Reserve. Some two and a half hours later we were tucking in to a buffet lunch in the reserve’s resaurant, high up in the hills looking down on a distant water hole. After filling ourselves we had an hour to acclimatize to our luxurious game reserve chalets and surroundings. Wrapped up ready for the late afternoon game drive there was an air of excitement as we dove off into the bush in our open top Toyota Land Cruisers. The five vehicles we had split up in pursuit of Elephant, driving up and down hills, stopping occasionally to watch Wilderbeest, Impamla and Nyala. An hour into the drive a small herd of elephant was spotted just off "Ambush Alley" (all dirt tracks have a name), a group comprising of three females and two males, one being a large bull. It was a fantastic sight to see these magnificent creatures in the wild. The vehicle was parked up within twenty meters of the beasts. Suddenly the engine was fired up and quickly put into reverse as the big bull, ears flapping made a move towards us. It was time to move on. We climbed to the top of the hill where we met up with the other vehicles, parked up and had a few snacks and drinks. The bright red African sun was slowly dissolving into the distant hills. It was time to move on. Travelling a short distance we came across a small herd of giraffe in a small revine, then a large bull Black Rhino and its mate. The dark of night was upon us, our imaginations only exaggerated what was beyond the reaches of our vehicles . The temperature had dropped, we definitely needed our warm clothes. We were now in pursuit of the Hippo down by the Kariega river. With the aid of our ranger’s torch light we spotted further antelope and could hear Black Backed Jackels calling to each other in the distant thicket. Above us the last remaining clouds cleared revealing the Southern African night’s stars, shinning brightly on this cold evening. A few boys caught a glimps of Hippo as they left the safety of the cool pool below and moved on land to graze. Driving in the dark with the stars shining brightly made this evening quite magical especially when we made for base camp which was directly in line with the brightest light in the sky, Venus. The evening ended with another fantastic meal accompanied by a local African “Boma” that included singers and dancers. A perfect end to a real African adventure.

This blog was uploaded with the accompaning photos at Heathrow airport in between flights prior to the Manchester flight. Click on the above photo then the South African set to reveal more photographs.

Day 16

Close support, originally uploaded by simongman.

All the boys flooded into Nico Malan High School for the final fixtures of the tour. The U15XV were up against a well prepared side but were not put off by the task in hand. Watched by half the school from their magnificent stand the home team were ahead on the 8th minute with a blindside move from a clean catch off a maul that Kirkham failed to cover. Once again our boys were playing a catch-up game! The team created a number of good try scoring chances but unfortunately were not able to convert pressure into points. This pattern remained for the rest of the half with Nico Malan scoring a further two tries. After an inspirational team talk by Mr Wu and the introduction of Charles O’Flaherty returning from injury, the forwards stepped up a gear. With the team deep in Nico Malan’s territory the boys fought back and were rewarded with a fine try by Michael Gyi well supported by Charles O’Flaherty that was converted by Jamie Roper. The final score was 24-7.

The U16XV were clapped and cheered onto the pitch by all supporters from both sides in this their final game of the tour. Kirkham started the game with real purpose as they attacked the home side with some excellent multi phased attacks. The home side had to call upon their stand off to scramble the ball into touch on numerous occasions in the first ten minutes. Eventually Nico Malan broke away, but a fine cover tackle from Lewis Russell saved a try. The home side continued to put pressure on Kirkham and five minutes from half time they scored, even though it seemed that a fine tackle from a Kirkham player had knocked the ball forward. The second half started with Kirkham under extreme pressure, time after time Kirkham made last gasp tackles which prevented Nico Malan scoring. Excellent defence again from Lewis Russell well supported by young centre Chis Travis and outstanding number eight Richard de Carpentier were the reason for Nico Malan’s failure to score. During this period fly half Ashley Wilding kicked well and allowed Kirkham to enter their opponents half. Gradually Kirkham’s pack with Phil Berry and Kieron Brookes becoming more and more dominant and drove Nico Malan backwards. After a well worked penalty move Kieron crashed over for a fine try in the corner, unfortunately the conversion was missed. The final minutes of the game was evenly contested with both sides having opportunities to score. Disappointingly with two minutes left Nico Malan managed a drop goal from distance to win the match 8-5.

It is now 01.15 am and I have finally got the photos from today's matches online, I have yet to pack for tomorrow's early departure of 07.00 am to the game reserve. This might be my last blog until I get back to the UK (Heathrow?) as I doubt that I will be able to post anything from the lodge. I am looking forwards to capturing some big game. Keep looking for my next post.

Click on the images for the South Africa set of photos.

Day 15

J-Bay Super Tubes am1, originally uploaded by simongman.

Today’s entry is rather short as all the boys have been billeted in and around the Humansdorp area. The boys have had a great time enjoying numerous activities . They are now experts in a wide range of pursuits that includes fishing, hunting, surfing, fruit picking, reading, relaxing and most of all eating their hosts out of house and home. For many this has been the highlight of the tour as the boys have really enjoyed a real Afrikaans experience.

Staff have been based in Jeffereys Bay, hence the early morning surfing photo and have been able to recharge their batteries and prepare for the final game of the tour tomorrow.

Click on the images to reveal this tour’s other photos.

Day 14

Super Tubes J-Bay 4, originally uploaded by simongman.

Today we packed up and changed accommodation for the fifth time in this tour and travelled some 180km to Nico Malan High School in Humansdorp (20km inland from Jeffreys Bay). This is where the boys were informed as to which family they will be staying with for the next few nights. The boys waited expectantly as the school’s administrator called up a host family and Mr Whalley called out a pair of boys (some threes) to join them. In some cases the boys were welcomed by an elder sister which put a smile or two on the boys’ faces. The host Afrikaans families came in from all around the Humansdorp area, some up to 50km. This was the first time that the boys were parted with Kirkham’s staff and should be a restpite from the hectic schedule we have been following over the last two weeks. The next time we will all gather together will be on Tuesday just prior to the matches via Nico Malan.

Where are the staff? Well we are staying in a Boarding House in Jefferys Bay so we can also catch our breath on this whirlwind tour of South Africa. For those observant blog readers (Mr Harvey) this was a town was where we stopped over at on Day 12, and like last time we went down to the Beach to where the Billabong Pro Surf Competion was being held. This time the surf was up at Supertubes so I was able to catch some interesting shots. I say interesting as once again Mr Harrison (Billabong Bob) showed us his skills on the board and mounted the winner’s rostrum to demonstrate his surfing skills (see photo by clicking the above photo).

The next day’s blog (Day 15) will appear after Tuesdays match (Day 16) in the evening I hope. I will try to get some stories from the boys (and photos), so I have a day off from blogging, but not photographing as we as a staff find somewhere to visit.

This is your South African reporter signing off for today.

PS. Any new blog followers, click on the images to reveal this tour’s other photos.

Day 13

On the burst, originally uploaded by simongman.

Match Day was an earlier start than previous occasions with the U15XV kicking off at 10.30am on the first cool and cloudy day of this tour. From the very start the boys realised that they were up against the strongest side that they have faced so far in South Africa. Kirkham made some good thrusts into the opposition’s half but to no avail in the opening ten minutes of the game. It was Graham College that scored the first try with their open style of play from their fast backs orchestrated by their large inside centre. This seemed to be the pattern of play for the first half with the College leading by three tries and three conversions at half time. In the second half Kirkham seemed to quell this open play as they scored a well worked forward try with Matthew Bennett breaking from a maul to cross the line. Graham College hit back with two more tries with a final score of 28-5. A tough encounter that the score line did not reflect the compatibility of the two sides. Our boys found the open style of play a little too much at times. They will learn from this encounter.

The U16XV like the younger team played a match on a hard pitch with spectator stands on both sides over looked by a fantastic club house. The home side had some good support as their team trotted onto the pitch. Like the junior side they knew that they had to step up a gear against a well drilled side. It was the home side that scored from a penalty on the 9th minute followed by try shortly after. Throughout the half Kirkham’s pack were dominant but were given no quarter by a referee who allowed the home side to infringe and handle on the ground. Our boys stuck at it and were finally rewarded a penalty that Richard de Carpentier calmly slotted between the posts, followed by another just on half time. Half time score 8-6. The second half went well to start with, with our forwards working well but all that hard work came to nothing as Graham College scored a break away try (off side) from a Kirkham line out 5m from Graham’s try line. It was all up hill from here with penalty after penalty going to the opposition. Again Kirkham made a mistake and Graham College pounced on the bouncing ball and scored. The finally score of 18-6 did not reflect the game.

Both sides have a lot to think about and hopefully raise their final game against Nico Milan on Tuesday. All boys are fit and at the time of writing about to go out for their evening meal and watch a movie.

Day 12

Sun Rise in the Wilderness 2, originally uploaded by simongman.

This morning we were once again treated to the splendours of an African sunrise as we prepared for our overland trek to Graham Town. As the boys busied themselves with the packing of the coach, high above in the palm trees outside their rooms we could hear weaver birds as they scurried about constructing their nests. By 9.00am we were on the road travelling through the Wilderness eastward towards PE (Port Elizabeth). Situated along the Garden Route at the Tsitsikamma Forest Village Market, just 40km east of Plettenberg Bay was Bloukrans (Blue Cliffs) Bridge which has the highest bungee jump (216m) in the world, famous most recently for Jack Osbourne (Ozzy & Sharon’s son) adrenalin junky programme on Channel 4. The boys were itching to have a go, unfortunately or fortunately depending on your point of view, we did not have time so just stopped for a drink and snack whilst watching other people dive off the bridge. Back on the road again and another one and a half hours travelling in this vast country we stopped at J-Bay (Jeffrey’s Bay) for lunch and were going to watch the Billabong Pro World Surfing Competition but the Indian Ocean was calmed and the comp was postponed until tomorrow. Another time perhaps?

The final phase of the trek was down through PE then inland some 60Km to Graham Town passing by numerous game reserves where we caught sight of some game that included Kudu, Springbok and Wilderbeest. After checking into our hotel the boys had a short run followed by dinner and early to bed, ready for the big game tomorrow. A few staff were invited out for dinner by the Headmaster and his staff from Graham College who showed them the school and their school club house then entertained them at a local Italian restaurant.

Day 11

Bufallo Bob, originally uploaded by simongman.

The start of the day welcomed a magnificent African sunrise with red skies reflected on the river in front of the Fairy Knowe Hotel. After an early breakfast we set off for the thirsty land of the Little Karoo, a semi desert scrubland of red soils and cacti north of the Garden Route. On route to via George we crossed the Outeniqua Montains on our one and half hour journey to the world famous Kango caves. The morning was a little over cast and quite cold for a change. At Kango we explored some very large caverns and spectacular stalagtites, stalagmites and flowstone formations (Can you tell that Mr Harrison is contributing to this blog). One flowstone sheet that we were shown comprised of crystalised calcium deposits was spectacular in that when a light was shone from behind it revealed its secret of being translucent and when thumped made a sound like a drum. Many of these deposits were over 500 million years in the making.

Next stop was the Kango Wild Life Reserve where we saw a large variety of endangered species. The highlights of this visit, which went down well with the boys and staff was the Cheetah stroking and the Crocodile Cage dunk. The ultimate here being Mr Whalley and Mr Harrison not venturing into the unknown waters, but, the squeezing into rubber wet suits, they looked devine.

This unique Indiana Jones experience ended up at Highgate Ostrich Farm where Ben our guide started with showing us how strong ostrich eggs were by allowing the boys to stand on a mating pair's clutch. From there we were shown the finer art of riding ostriches which many boys jumped at the opportunity of riding these huge feathered beasts. Once again it was Mr Harrison (Buffalo Bob) who was quick to ride an ostrich and stole the show with his expert balance and poise as his fowl careered around the corral to the howls and whistling of the watching punters. Finally the other guides put on a show as they raced their ostriches.

This blog was written on the journey back to the hotel prior to a final selection session of rugby training expertly delivered by Messrs. Trenhaile and Wu whilst Mr Duncan was sat in the back of the coach counting his dwindling wad of money (warning to the bursar), whilst Mr Whalley was confirming our next few day’s accommodation and fixtures.

Day 10

Crocodile Aitkin, originally uploaded by simongman.

Today was the day of the Garden Route run east up to the Wilderness. We set out from Simon’s Town on the 450km journey passing through various small towns and George the largest town on the Garden Route (named after George III). For this six hour coach trip the road (N2) ran parallel with the coast and Cape Fold Mountains passing through the expansive farmland landscape of the Southern Cape province that included various crops, ostrich and sheep farms. Whilst travelling on the road you really do get a feeling of how vast this country is as you travel km after km with very few vehicles on the road.

Arriving at the Fairy Knowe Hotel the boys were pleasantly surprised by the number of tourist pursuits that were available to them not to mention its beautiful setting. Infact it was Mr Trenhaile and Mr Harrison that took to the water in a pedalo hotly pursued by a flotilla of various craft. As we settled in we had an opportunity to hang out the rugby shirts and shorts that had been cleaned by the staff at the Simon’s Town Boarding House as they were still slightly damp. The boys played tennis, pool, darts, table tennis and touch rugby before their evening meal in the hotel that was visited by the Queen some 60 years ago.

The action continued after dinner as we took a short coach trip into George where we watched the Movie Die Hard 4.0. A very good end to a long day. I am writin this blog on the morning of Day 11 on the way to the Cango Caves. Mr Harrison will help write up day 11s on the one and a half hour coach trip back. I have arranged with the hotel to upload the two day's reports on their office computer as there is no public access to the internet.

For more photos from today goto:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/simongman/sets/72157600588489291/

Day 9

DC KICK, originally uploaded by simongman.

Nestled in a sheltered cove between Simon’s Town and cape Point, Boulder has become world famous for its thriving colony of African Penguins, this was KGS next point of call for our merry band of wandering nomads. The boys walked on a special board walk that took them right into the colony of over three thousand penguins that were peppered all over Foxy’s Beach to within inches of individual penguins.

The afternoon games were played on a field that over looked the magnificent False Bay and its surrounding mountains. In the late afternoon light a fair sized crowd gathered at Simon’s Town High School. The U15XV once again kicked off the first game against local school side Fish Hoek. The team continued where they left off against Hamilton as they showed their skill and strength in all areas. This game was played in a stiff breeze that made passing difficult and kicking a must. Once again Christopher Gale put his name on the score sheet twice, Matthew Bennett scored a diving try whilst William Stover scored in great style as he landed on his back and rolled over in one swift movement (un hurt Mr Stover). Richard Draper scored from a catch and drive move whilst James Gardiner, Chris Gale and Danny Smith all impressed coach Mr Wu. Some big tackles came in from John Leyland and Nick Evans with one conversion by James Gardiner and a penalty by Jamie Roper resulting in a fine win of 30-3. The next game will be a real test we believe in three days time.

Mr Trenhaile made some slight changes to the team that was victorious against Hamilton Seapoint on Sunday last. Chris Travis made his debut for the senior side at flanker and Wasim Riley moved from fullback to scrum half. After a slow start in which the wind controlled the game Kirkham’s forwards gradually got on top. This allowed Wasim Riley to become a real threat from scrum half. Simon’s Town had to commit numerous players to defend against Wasim threat, this allowed space for other players. After fine play from Gregor Aitkin Richar DeCarpentier was able to score the first try of the game. This was soon followed by a try by Wasim Riley after good work from Kieron Brookes. After half time the wind settled down and Kirkham played their best rugby of the tour so far, both forwards and backs were able to inter link in fine movements. Further tries followed, firstly from Kieron Brookes after a well worked lineout option, secondly from man of the match Wasim Riley who scored a fine individual try from his own half. Finally Tom Sanders crossed the line after a number of inter passes between backs and forwards. Richard DeCarpentier converted three of these tries to leave a final score of 31-0 in Kirkham’s favour.

Tomorrow is a big day as we pack up and travel some 250 miles up the west coast to the Wilderness along the world famous Garden Route. Watch this space for that report. Just as a rider to end today's blog, I am sat in our rental car parked outside a hotel in Simon's Town that has a wireless connection. Bit sneaky eh? You have to do it.

Day 8

We get the point, originally uploaded by simongman.

Departure days can be quite fraught, but today’s manoeuvre ran like clockwork. 38 boys and 4 staff packed all their baggage into the Hylton Ross coach whilst Mr Duncan and Mr Gardiner filled the hire car with rugby balls, blazers, camera equipment, 38 sets of rugby tops (ready to be washed after yesterday's match) and a chocolate cake for Ethan Harvey (Birthday today) all set off for the Cape Point Peninsular. At our first stop of the day Clifton Bay we managed to get a group photo of all the boys wearing the tour polo shirts sponsored by Lancashire Magazine, with a spectacular back drop of the South Atlantic and coast line. The coach then meandered southward stopping at Hout Bay where we boarded the “Calypso”, a boat trip out to a local Island where a large colony of seals were basking in the sun. Back on the road we travelled through the wine growing area of Constanatia then bypassed Muizenberg via the cliff road stopping at the Shark Patrol viewing point to take in the expansive view. We finaly arrived at the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve where we stopped for lunch. Having fuelled up we climbed up the hill to the Point Light House which provided us with some spectacular views of the sea mist crawling up and over the surrounding cliffs. Next stop was just a mile away and called for another photo call at the Cape of Good Hope where we watched the full force of the Atlantic waves crash into the Cape Peninsular. Finally we arrived at the boy’s hostel stop at Simon’s Town High School where we were warmly greeted and shown to their dormitories (16 to a room), then had their evening meal with the children and staff from the host school. Lights out at 10pm in readiness for the next match tomorrow afternoon.

I was lucky to locate a wireless hot spot in town tonight so logged on and completed yesterday's match photo uploads and blog. The previous night the President’s Internet was down and Flckr’s server was down first thing in the morning. The time it takes in preparing these blogs with editing and selecting photos then writing something worth reading has become a labour of love. Enough of that, it is 11pm and time for bed, this is your South African reporter signing off.

For more photos from today goto:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/simongman/sets/72157600588489291/

Day 7

Foot hills, originally uploaded by simongman.

Match Day started with a quiet morning with the boys relaxing around the pool or a bit of light gym work. This hotel does allow us to relax! After a light lunch the boys prepared their kit for the short coach trip to Hamilton Seapoint RFUC’s ground. As the boys went through their pre-match routines our supporters arrived at the ground that is over looked by the Lion’s Head Mountain.

From the kick off the U15XVs showed that they meant business as within 3 minutes Matthew Bennett scored a well worked try that was converted. This match was a far better team’s work as players supported each other with backs and forwards making ground in the opposition half with a penalty given within shooting range that was coolly slotted away by Jamie Roper. After quick ball by our scrum half Jamie Roper, James Gardiner made a 30m gain that resulted in Chris Travis’s first try of the tour and another conversion. The team went into half time leading 22-0 following a ruck that Chris Gale powered through to the line in the far corner of the field. The second half was a continuation of the team’s total domination as they frustrated the oppositions pack who conceded two quick penalties that once again Jamie Roper calmly kicked between the posts. An excellent catch and drive from a lineout on the halfway was mauled all the way to Hamilton’s touch line resulting in Adam Kelsall grounding the ball. Another penalty produced an excellent move as Christopher Travis took a quick tap and spun it out to James Gardiner who ran 50m to within 5m of the try line where a ruck formed that enabled Ross Martin to dive over the line. The final score being 36-0, a job well done.

The U16XV lead by Richard DeCarpentier made a very good start to the match scoring their first try on the seventh minute from a driving maul with DC popping out and diving over the line. The remaining half was very even with both teams cancelling each other out until the last minute where Hamilton spun the ball wide that resuled in a try and 5-5 at half time. The Kirkham boys stepped up a gear with a penalty by DC within 3 minute. A slight lapse in concentration allowed the Hamilton boys’ backs gain the upper hand with a try in the far right hand corner. Kirkham responded immediately with a high hanging ball by Ash Wilding being caught and driven forward by DC and off loaded to Wasim Riley who produced a touch of individual brilliance. From Hamilton’s kick off they tried the high ball that was not picked up by Kirkham but bounced luckily into their back’s hands this resulted in a try to the right of the post. Kirkham scored after a sustained phase of pressure by DC scoring from a back row move. But again Hamilton responded with a try of their own. Kirkham forward eventually to a hold on to the game which allowed a late score for hooker Philip Berry to seal a victory. Final score 27-17.

Two good games were followed by some excellent food laid on by our hosts in which gifts and messages were exchanged by our Tour Manager Mr Whalley and the Hamilton Club Secretary. Once back at the Hotel the boys took full advantage of room service as they tucked into various meals and drinks before packing and preparing for the move to Simons Town tomorrow.

For more photos from today goto:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/simongman/sets/72157600588489291/

Day 6

Monut KGS, originally uploaded by simongman.

Today the boys started with some light training at Hammies ground where they were met by a party of parents that included the Fullford-Browns, the Kelsalls and the Ropers. As the teams prepared for tomorrow afternoon’s matches there was an U18 match between Hamilton Seapoint and Hampton School (England). The English side were the eventual winners, so lets hope we can match them. At 12.30 the boys were all set to move to the President Hotel by coach after de-camping all their kit and bags from the Breakwater Hotel. On route they stopped off to go up table Mountain which resulted in some fantastic views due to the continued good weather (Ha Ha, we read your comments on the blog that the weather in England is not so good, shame!). Struggling on in this very pleasant weather the boys finally arrived in the very posh Presidents Hotel. After checking in the boys had some chill time where a number of them braved the freezing waters of the swimming pool as the sun went down over the Atlantic ocean. (I am painting a lovely picture I think) Spirits are high as they look forward to tomorrow’s games. We will keep you posted.

A lot more photos from the match to come as the light should be ideal.

For more photos from today goto:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/simongman/sets/72157600588489291/

Day 5

Locked up, originally uploaded by simongman.

All boys are fit and well. Today was a wind down day after a disappointing start to the rugby here in Cape Town. Both teams feel that they should have won their games. So the morning was a chance to do a little shopping and generally recharge their batteries. Mr Wu, Mr Harrison and Mr Gardiner did a bit of exploring in an unusual form of transport. They went on a "Two Oceans flight" in a x-Vietnam Huey helicopter around Table Mountain and down the coast to Simon’s Town. The rear passenger area was totally open so it was excellent for photographs on this sunny morning (see photos).

After lunch the tour party went down to the Waterfront and went round the Robben Island Museum before boating out to the world famous Island. After disembarking from the boat we were then bused around the island and shown the main buildings and areas of interest. The final destination was the maximum security prison where Nelson Mandela and many other political prisoners were incarcerated. At this point we were met by an x-prisoner who explained all aspect of life in the prison which was most illuminating.

Great to read all the comments from you all, the boys do appreciate them. Keep them coming. Sorry that the two last blogs are late in coming but it is not that simple to get internet access. We move to a new hotel tomorrow so watch this space as I have to find a new internet point.

For more photos from today goto:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/simongman/sets/72157600588489291/

Day 4

Head to head, originally uploaded by simongman.

As today was match day the boys had some quiet time in the morning in which they explored the V&A waterfront. After a late light lunch the boys gathered outside the Breakwater Hotel ready to embark on the half an hour coach trip to to False Bay RUFC’s ground. Skirting round Table Mountain we saw a herd of zebra on route before arriving at the club house at 3pm. After changing and warming up the U15XV started their match watched by a sizable South African crowd that were very vocal in their team’s support. Playing as a team for the first time they showed some real team spirit and were narrowly defeated in the last minute of the game 17-12. Tries were scored by Chris Gale and Benedict Fullford-Brown. The team put in an excellent effort against a handy opposition where a draw would have been a truer reflection of the game. The U16XV should have defeated the opposition but due to the team having a player being unfairly carded at the end of the second half they were unable to put enough points on the board. Having said that they did score a fine try from a well worked team move that began with a high ball by Wasim Riley and ended with a try by Joe Brockbank. The lack of personnel did show as the opposition stole a break away try with the bulk of their points coming from the boot. Final score was 14- 7 on a warm floodlit night. Photos of the U16XV were unable to be taken due to the lack of light.

For more photos from today goto:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/simongman/sets/72157600588489291/

Day 3

Lineout at Langa, originally uploaded by simongman.

The weather closed in with low cloud covering Table Mountain like a large table cloth with a moderate wind that was ever present as it blew in from the South Atlantic. After a huge breakfast the boys once again trained at Hamilton Seapoint RUFC. Due to the choppy sea conditions the trip to Robben Island in the afternoon was postponed until Friday (weather permitting) and a trip to the Langa Township was organised. Our tour party met our african guide on the edge of the township and we were shown around this famous township where Nelson Mandela and the ANC were born. Stopping off at areas of fascinating interest that included the the sheep’s head kitchens, the local hostel, old shanty town dwellings, the local home brew house and the local herbalist/witch doctor. The boys were a real hit with the locals especially the young children as they posed for photos, played cricket and took photos as they progressed through the township. This was the first encounter of the real Africa that left us with a really sense of humility that we got from all the township's people's warmth and generosity.

For more photos from today goto:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/simongman/sets/72157600588489291/

Day 2

Day 2 Training at Hamilton Seapoint RUFC, originally uploaded by simongman.

24 hours of travel and a short period of acclimatisation at the Breakwater Hotel in the Victoria and Alfred Water Front the boys quickly got into their training schedule at the Hamilton Seapoint RUFC ground with a beautiful backdrop of Table Mountain and surrounding mountains. In the evening the tour party visited the V&A Waterfront and savoured the local cuisine and culture. It was here that we discivered how far our Rand could go. For 100 Rand the boys could eat like kings, the typical meal being a 500gm steak and chips, sweet and a coke with some change. Not bad for £7.50 in an expensive tourist area.

Click on the above image to see further tour photos.

Day 1

Day 1 TV good luck, originally uploaded by simongman.

The boys and staff (44 in total) for the South Africa Tour 2007 assembled at Kirkham Grammar School in their travel attire which included a specially commissioned blazer and tie and posed for an official tour photo whilst parents and friends took their own snap shots (click on image to see South Africa photos). Whilst on route to Cape Town a number of boys were given words of advice and well wishes from the assistant England Football Coach, Terry Venables who was also travelling on the Manchester to London Shuttle. After a short delay due to thunderstorm activity at Heathrow the boys finally emarked on the final stage of the trip on board a South African Airways Airbus. This was the time when it finally dawned on us that this trip was on with 11 hours and 6,500 miles ahead of us. What will happen over the next 19 days.

Team talk UK

Team Talk Uk, originally uploaded by simongman.

Mr Trenhaile gives last minute instructions on the last day of term prior to issuing team kit that included team shirts, bags and tour blazer. The next time the tour party is all gathered together will be on the day of departure.

South Africa Tour Programme

south africa tour programme, originally uploaded by simongman.

The South Africa Tour Programme is now in School and available. The schools and clubs that the boys will be playing against have been sent a digital copy and will get a hard copy when they meet.

As part of the South Africa Tour 2007 we hope to keep people back at home in the UK up to date with all the latest news from South Africa.

Over the three weeks 9-27 July this blog will be the official tour media outlet with blogs from Mr Gardiner and the boys. Please post comments as news from home is important to the boys thousands of miles away from home.

There is a parents and boys meeting on the 3 July where they will get final instructions with the issue of kit.