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/