#17 | NEW ZEALAND & AUSTRALIA (2013)

42 boys | 24 days | 12 fixtures

PLAYED: 12|WON: 9|LOST: 3|DRAWN: 0| CO-EFFICIENT: 2.54
PTS FOR: 313| PTS AGAINST: 141| PTS DIFF: 172|BONUS PTS: 30.44

Singapore - Auckland - Rotuara - Palmerston - Queenstown - Wyndham - Balclutha - Dunedin - Christchurch - Melbourne - Brisbane

tour itinerary

TOUR RESULTS

WIN %: 81.8%| CO-EFFICIENT: 2.78 |BONUS PTS: 30.58

PLAYED: 11 | WON: 9 | LOST: 2 | DRAWN: 0
PTS FOR: 308 | PTS AGAINST: 129 | PTS DIFF: 179

1st XV results

WIN %: 66.7% | CO-EFFICIENT: 2.18|BONUS PTS: 13.08

PLAYED: 6 | WON: 4 | LOST: 2 | DRAWN: 0
PTS FOR: 139 | PTS AGAINST: 85 | PTS DIFF: 54

2nd XV results

WIN %: 83.3%| CO-EFFICIENT: 2.89|BONUS PTS: 17.36

PLAYED: 6 | WON: 5 | LOST: 1 | DRAWN: 0
PTS FOR: 174 | PTS AGAINST: 56 | PTS DIFF: 118

Tour Awards

The following Tour Awards were made at the Tour Dinner:

• Most Improved Player: tbc

• ARGE (All-round good egg!): tbc

• The Matthew Pattison Memorial Award (for Man of the Tour): Matthew Birtles

Tour Squad

MASTERS

Michael McDarby (1st XV/Head Coach)

Philip Friel (1st XV Coach)

Aidan Lapena (2nd XV Coach)

Neil Jones (2nd XV Coach)

Peter Luck (Tour Leader)

Rebecca Luck (Tour Physiotherapist)

tour CAPTAIN

George Osborn (Nos. 8, Capt) 
Age: 18 | Height 6’0” | Weight 87kg
Sports Career: 1st XV Captain, Campion Old Boys RFC, Essex U18s.
Quiet leadership style -leads my example on the field
Hopes for tour: Proud to be leading as captain having been fortunate to tour in 2011. Hope my athletic frame is appreciated, and my style is suited to Southern hemisphere rugby

TOURING SQUAD

Bernard Adeniran (Back Row)
Age 17 | Height: 6’ 0” | Weight: 80kg
Profile: Versatile player who is equally at home on the wing or in the forwards. A late developer | highlights include an Essex Cup Final appearance in Year 11.
Hopes for the tour: "To gain experience as a player and improve my attack. Looking forward to visiting the other side of the world and gaining insight into other countries."

David Animashuan (Centre/Winger)
Age: 17 | Height: 6’1” | Weight: 67kg
Sports Career: Campion 2nd XV.
Profile:  Always smiling, David has developed into a tough tackling centre equally at home on the wing. Never mention St lgnatious away in 2008.
Hopes for the tour. "To improve my skills for next season. To have the experience of a lifetime with close friends after 6 years of representing the school."

Gareth Anstee (Second Row)
Age 18 | Height: 6"4' | Weight 89kg
Sports Career: Campion 2nd XV. Stanford Le Hope RFC.
Profile: Gareth is from a strong line of Welshmen who takes his rugby very seriously. Watch out for him in the rolling mauls.
Hopes for the tour: "To play a high standard of rugby and show my versatility in terms of positions."

Micheal Aygei (Back Row)
Age: 17 | Height 5’8” | Weight 68kg
Sports Career: Campion 2nd XV. Mavericks RFC.
Profile: Mr Motivator of every team he represents. Made himself into a solid back row forward.
Hopes for the tour: "To play against some top notch opposition and to prove to the management that I'm 1st XV quality."

Matthew Birtles (Fly-Half)
Age: 18 | Height: 5’7” | Weight: 65kg
Sports Career: Campion 1st XV. Essex Trialist,.
Profile: Academic star. School Captain and all round nice guy.
Hopes for the Tour: "Hope to have learnt from mistakes made on last tour. Avoid swimming pool floors, not be ill on long haul flights, reach touch with me kicks….and to have the time of my life”

James Bolton (Back Row)
Age: 17 | Height. 5’10” | Weight: 77kg
Sports Career: Campion 1st XV. Essex trialist.
Profile: Talented sportsman who is equally at home in the back line. Relishes the physical side of the game
Hopes for the tour: "To gain valuable rugby. experience against tough opposition. Find It the biggest Maori and tackle him Bolton style."

Calvin Bradley (Prop)
Age: 17 | Height: 5’10” | Weight: 111kg
Sports Career: Campion 1st XV. Essex Representative, Saracens U16, Royal Liberty School.
Profile: New recruit who has revelled in the school's rugby programme.
Hopes for the tour: "To bond with my teammates. Hope the tour can provide a stepping stone for next season”

George Byron (Winger)
Age: 18 | Height: 6’1” | Weight: 73 kg
Sports Career: Has played Campion age groups from U12-Seniors.
Profile: Can turn his hand to 7's where silky skills terrorise defences.
Hopes for the tour: "Great opportunity to see the world with my mates whilst playing school rugby for the final time."

Jacob Chalkley (Second Row)
Age: 18 | Height: 6’1” | Weight: 82kg
Sports Career: Campion 2nd XV regular.
Profile: Stalwart of his age group sides. An all action forward who will contribute well to all aspects of touring life.
Hopes for the tour: "Play a good standard of Rugby. Compete against some top schools. See a part of the world I have yet to visit."

Jordan Da Costa (Back Row)
Age: 17 | Height. 5’8” | Weight: 80kg
Sports Career: Campion 2nd XV. World Champion Karate fighter.
Profile: Jordan must ensure the tour is his epiphany in terms of making the 1st XV shirt his own. Hopes for the tour: "To play rugby and to develop my skills and play well enough to break into the first team."

Greg Dordoy (Centre)
Age: 18 | Height: 5’ 10 | Weight 74kg
Sports Career: Campion 1st XV & Upminster RFC.
Profile: Sixth Form entrant who has taken the school ethos to heart. Developed a strong work ethic and has a quiet determination.
Hopes for the tour: "Play good competitive rugby, socalise with my mates and meet new friends on the other side of the world."

Joe Fennesy (Centre)
Age: 17 | Height: 5’11” | Weight 74kg
Sports Career: Campion 2nd XV & Upminster RFC
Profile: Tough tackling. strong running centre who is reaping the rewards of hard work.
Hopes for the tour: “Looking forward to playing against some big teams and some bigger players”

Rory Freeman (Winger)

Joe Freese (Prop)

Jack Golding (Fly-Half)

Joshua Harris (Scrum-Half)

Lawrence Haywood (Fly-Half/Full-Back)

Joe Heavey (Hooker)

Alfie Hill (Second Row)

Michael Hogan (Second Row)

Tom Layborne (Scrum-Half)
Age: 18 | Height: 5"4' | Weight: 62kg
Sports Career: Campion 2nd XV. Thurrock RFC.
Profile: Intelligent scrum half who links forwards and backs effectively.
Hopes for the tour: "To improve my game, to challenge myself against international opposition and compete against a new style of rugby”

Oliver Lee (Centre)
Age: 18 | Height: 5"8' | Weight: 76kg
Sports Career: Campion 1st XV. Campion Old Boys RFC. Essex Representative U16.
Profile: Played 1st XV as a Year 11. Loves to dance.
Hopes for the tour: "To enjoy a swansong with my mates before heading to University. Hope to make the Rugby as successful as possible:"

Matthew Long (Hooker)
Age: 18 | Height: 5"9' | Weight: 69kg
Sports Career: Campion 2nd XV. Upminster RFC.
Profile: Battled injury for much of the last few seasons. Hoping to stay fit whilst away and show us all what a player we know he is.
Hopes for the tour: "Gain new experiences, develop my rugby and meet new friends."

Tommy Madley (Prop)
Age: 18 | Height: 6"2' | Weight: 98kg
Sports Career: Campion 1st XV.
Profile: A silent assassin who could go on to bigger and better things
Hopes for the tour: "Hope to improve my rugby under tough conditions and end on a good note after 7 years of hard work."

Taylor Magner (Centre)
Age: 17 | Height: 5"8' | Weight: 70kg
Sports Career: Campion 2nd XV.
Profile: Late starter but quickly became a valued member of the team. Silky smooth runner and determined tackler | heart throb of the squad.
Hopes for the tour: "To enjoy all that touring life has to offer. To improve my skill sets and become a more confident player."

Ryan Mason (Hooker)
Age: 18 | Height: 5"7' | Weight: 65kg
Sports Career: Campion 2nd XV.
Profile: Quiet off the pitch. does his talking on the pitch. Bleeds AD positive. Fittest member of the squad yet injury prone. Oxbridge candidate.
Hopes for the tour: "To experience all that New Zealand has to offer. To illustrate the complete hooker skill set to the southern hemisphere

Noel McLeavy (Second Row)
Age: 17 | Height: 6’1” | Weight: 80kg
Sports Career: Campion 2nd XV. Upminster RFC.
Profile: Quiet man of the tour, he has developed into an effective line out jumper and athletic member of the pack.
Hopes for the tour: "To improve my level of rugby, compete at a high standard. Experience new places. Enjoy every aspect of tour life."

Matthew Meehan (Fly-Half)
Age: 16 | Height: 5'6” | Weight: 63kg
Profile: Captain of his all-star age group team that have dominated local schools rugby for 5 years. Talented sportsman who will learn a lot from this experience.
Hopes for the tour. "Proud to he invited and hope to improve my game ready for a tough new season in senor level rugby”

Billy Mullen (Scrum-Half)

Harry Murphy (Prop)

Miguel Nevada (Second Row)

Ben Nugent (Centre)

Callum Pettigrove (Full-Back)

George Rogers (Second Row)
Age:18 | Height 6’0” | Weight 83kg
Profile: Late developer who guided a successful 2nd XV team through the “Lyno years”. Proud to have worn the 1st XV team shirt so regularly.
Hopes for tour: Hope that the tour proves to be a fitting conclusion to what has been an emotional 7 years stint as “Mr Campion”.

Pat Ronayne (Back Row)

Owen Sherman (Winger)

Tom Stone (Prop)

Michael Underwood (Full-Back)

David Whitebread (Full-Back)

Conor White (Prop)

Jay Wynter (Second Row)

TOUR REPORT

Singapore

13th july - Arrival

Landed safely and on time in Singapore.

After a worrying start at Heathrow with another Dreamliner battery bursting into flames and closing both runways we were glad to get onto the Singapore Airlines flight on time.

The flight went very smoothly probably due to the nervous anticipation of the of the boys and the superb flight staff. Most boys seem to have got some sleep but others have watched half a dozen films back to back.

When we arrived here we were through immigration control, luggage collection and off to the coach very quickly. It was only when we left the air conditioned building to get to the coach park that the first experience of the Singaporean climate hit the boys! The humidity is crazy!

Thirty minutes after check in at the amazing Amara Hotel and the boys gathered on a small patch of grass in the middle of the commercial centre for a fitness session. Immediately the session became a local tourist attraction and this was added to by a noisy military fly past for some local celebration. Some of the squad thought it was for them!

Back to the hotel they were soon in swimming pool and then getting ready to go out to the local hawkers market for dinner!

When we arrived here we were through immigration control, luggage collection and off to the coach very quickly. It was only when we left the air conditioned building to get to the coach park that the first experience of the Singaporean climate hit the boys! The humidity is crazy!

Thirty minutes after check in at the amazing Amara Hotel and the boys gathered on a small patch of grass in the middle of the commercial centre for a fitness session. Immediately the session became a local tourist attraction and this was added to by a noisy military fly past for some local celebration. Some of the squad thought it was for them!

Back to the hotel they were soon in swimming pool and then getting ready to go out to the local hawkers market for dinner!

Thursday 14th july

If the opposition are hit as hard as the hotel's buffet breakfast then this will be a very successful tour! The boys have never seen such an array of foodstuffs in one place.

The downside was that soon after they had to leave the comfort of the hotel's air-conditioning to go to a local school for a training session. The humidity was 100% and the temperature approached 30 degrees. Luckily they have followed the advice of drinking large amounts of water whenever they get the chance. Training went well but not good enough and so they need to heed the warning for tomorrow's game, i.e.: if they do not give 100% then the Singapore Academy squads would reverse the result of two years ago.

After a return to the hotel and an unauthorised pool based line-out session (see photos for details!) the squad was soon showered and ready to get the coach to Sentosa island. After taking the cable car across, the boys went their own separate ways to one of the parks, such as Universal Studios, or off to the beach resorts before getting back together for a buffet evening meal. We haven?t seen the sun since we have been here but in this humidity that's an advantage.

We finally left the island by monorail and then we had options of how to get back to the hotel so the boys suggested a S¯Top Gear? challenge to find which form of public transport was fastest. Although the first few taxis arrive first at the hotel it had to be the time of the last team member back, and so the underground team won and at a cost of $1.50 to $7 for the taxi! An early night followed in preparation for the two games and with breakfast late at 9.30 the boys should be well rested.

Friday 15th July

The day started with a leisurely breakfast and then a staff-guided walking tour around the centre of Singapore. The first stop was the huge Buddhist temple and the streets of the extensive china town. Boys joined in with the tradition of lighting joss sticks and placing them in a dragon decorated cauldron of sand but this activity had to be ended prematurely when they were unable to insert theirs without sustaining burns to their forearms! The temple was an amazing sight and decorated with the many images of Buddha and with monks chanting.

The group moved on to the Hindu temple nearby, for this is truly a multicultural society, and then to the Mosque next door.

Finally we arrived at the famous Boat Quay where a line of old buildings now used for restaurants line the quay side where Raffles first landed in 1819 but are overshadowed by many towering skyscrapers of the commercial centre.

Soon back at the hotel the boys had to arrange for their lunch and then relax before the 4.30 departure to the Yio Chang stadium.

Singapore National Academy

1st XV

FINAL SCORE: 56-5 (W)

Scorers: Callum Pettigrove (2), Owen Sherman (2), Ollie Lee, Alfie Hill, Calvin Bradley, George Rogers.

Match Report

The second game started under floodlights (which were not very bright and explains the lack of decent photographs!). Immediately the pace was set when Campion scored an early try that mimicked the 2nds? performance. The opposition looked big and fast and they had worried the staff as we spied on their warm-up! However they were not prepared for the speed of our backs play and our forward play was powerful and coordinated. It was a pleasure to watch and with a couple of late tries the score reached 56 -5.

There were a number of old boys present to watch the game who are living and working in Singapore. Steve Brooks, James Bailey, Dave McEwan, Kevin Shallow and Peter Monkfield. The latter of 1973 1st XV vintage! Thanks for your support!

The coach journey home was a noisy celebration and included some wonderful vocal renditions by Messers Agyei, White, Sherman, Pettigrove and Naveda and then the joke of the night - did you hear about the scarecrow that won a nobel prize for outstanding work in his field! Groan!

After watching the 2nd XV come out victorious in their game, the boys involved in the 1st XV game were determined to repeat their feat, they were mentally prepared and this showed as a sharp and clinical warm up took place. The nerves were settling in as the flood lights brightened and the size of the crowd increased, but the team were not going to let this affect the debut performance they felt was needed to give this tour the deserved good start.

Shortly after kick off Campion opened the scoring, a solid base had been set by the forwards in the scrum on the opposition's 10 metre line allowing for smooth backs play resulting in a try under the posts by Owen Sherman. However, the quick start by Campion was potentially stopped after a questionable decision by the ref awarding the Singapore side a 5 pointer.

A three month gruelling Mr McDarby fitness regime wasn?t going to hinder the side's potential debut win, despite the decision the side's effort and work rate did nothing but increase, this was shown as Alfie Hill clawed his way to the try line to get the touring side's second try. As the game progressed superior fitness and skill levels started to show as the home side decided to make many substitutions and all in all their game play began to slow down giving the gas men in the team a time to shine. Going in to the break, the tourists were opening up a formidable gap on the scoreboard but knew they had to cut out silly mistakes if they were to make the final result as emphatic as it had the potential to be.

After a stern talking to by the coaches the boys in white were eager to make an improvement to the first half and knew what they needed to do, as the set pieces became tighter and stronger Campion's points tally racked up. The foundations set by the forwards in both the lineout and scrum aided the backs tremendously in allowing them to play the expansive style of rugby they love to play. In addition to this, a great defensive display, notably from Greg Dordoy, meant that the home side didn?t cross the white line again. A lot of ball was stolen at the breakdown by the dog like forwards which is becoming a familiar trait for the Campion side, all of this plus a desire to not let each other down was more than enough to see the side through to the final whistle with a convincing score line of 56-5.

2nd XV

FINAL SCORE: 20-5 (w)

Scorers  Ryan Mason x2, Tom Layborne

MATCH REPORT

There was a great deal of pressure on the 2nds to make a good start in this, the first game of the tour. Indeed the first competitive match for many months. The question was - had all the preparation, all the training, all the fund-raising been in vain. Answer - and emphatic No!?

We must not get carried away but the team jelled immediately and soon had points on the board. For the 3 staff that saw the Singaporean National Teams two years ago it was clear that they had improved but the pent up energy from the last few months hard training was being unleashed. As the priest said in the Farewell Mass - smash them with humility?.

There were shortcoming and there were times when we rushed our attacks and made impetuous mistakes but the job was done and done well with a score of 20 - 5 to Campion.

Arriving at a beautiful floodlit ground; the boys got off the coach confident and excited for their first game of the tour, however respectful of the battle about to commence. The 1st XV took their place in the stands, gazing upon the 2nd XV warming up. The boys were fully focused as an almost professional warm up took place.

All fired up the boys were cheered back into the changing rooms by a supportive 1st XV, where a strong and encouraging team talk was held by many of the elders in the team such as Jack Golding, George Rogers and Tom Stone. The mood was well and truly set and the boys knew exactly what they had to do to achieve their goal. The knock on the door then came and the captain George Rogers gave his last inspiring words before leading the team out with Trigger the Tiger our mascot bearing the English flag. With a light jog out of the changing rooms, the boys were met by a tunnel of noise from a rowdy 1st XV who added motivation to the nervous but highly enthusiastic team.

To start the game a great high kick from the Man Of The Match Mathew Meehan, with an even better chase from the leading pack of Agyei and DaCosta. The next few minutes of the battle were spent at gridlock with both teams showing great passion and physical desire to win the ball. However the Campion desire came out on top and the boys were quickly rolling with the ball in hand. A line break by a strong and determined DaCosta, was unluckily chopped down by an impressive Singaporean full back, lead to our first try as the boys got to the break down quickly. Mathew Meehan's great awareness of the game spotted the space out on the left flank as the Singapore back line scrambled back into their defensive duties. Ryan Mason used his fantastic knowledge of the game to get himself in unfamiliar territory out on the left wing to score the first try of the 2013 Campion tour. A wonderfully worked try was then topped off by a converted kick from Meehan to put Campion seven points ahead. The rest of the half was full of Campion bombardment upon the Singaporean defence who stood up well and prevented Campion from capitalising on their chances except Tom Laybourne's moment of brilliance where he pulled a dummy which confused the opponents and opened up a gap for the nippy scrum-half to score Campion's 2nd try making it 12-0 to Campion.

Half time arrived with the boys sweating from the unbearable humidity. With a little more inspiration from the coaches, Mr Jones, Mr Lapena and the Captain Rogers, the boys were now unfazed by the weather and were ready for another brutal second half with a great opposition. The second half started how the first ended, with a lot of ball from Campion but a great defence from Singapore. However, once again the Campion team found another way of breaking the defence by the boys heroically forcing a penalty in their favour. A quick tap and go from Layborne and the quick, nifty feet from Mason led to him surging past two flat footed Singaporean defenders to score his second try of the game, making it 17-0 to Campion. A little later in the second half, Matthew Meehan with a perfectly converted penalty kick secured the win for the Campion 2nd XV. However, the Singapore team did not give up and battled on to be awarded with a well earned try to make it 20-5, the final score.

The boys tired and hot after their inspiring performance were very pleased with their efforts and most importantly the result; kick starting the tour with a fantastic win. They looked on excitedly to the next match.

Massey High School, Auckland

Tuesday started as a rest day with an opportunity to recover from the game, get your kit washed, pack and get some last minute shopping. The recovery session was pool based as shown in the photographs and while there are no major injuries several of the squad needed sore shoulders and other knocks to be seen by the Physio.

Five p.m. and we departed the hotel for Changi airport for what turned out to be the most difficult part of our travels so far - the 9 hrs to Auckland where nobody was able to sleep for more than an hour. Bleary eyed we made our way through the airport to meet our coach driver, Max, who will be with use throughout South Island.

When we arrived at Massey High School we were greeted with a traditional Maori welcome ceremony which included us signing a response in the form of Jerusalem. There was also the introduction to nose and forehead rubbing which was more than amusing to our boys!

1st XV

FINAL SCORE: 26-21 (w)

Scorers: Byron (T), Pettigrove (P), Mullen (P), Pettigrove (T)

MATCH REPORT

After a toughly fought second XV victory, the first team set out to maintain the unbeaten record on tour. Some wise words from Joe Heavey describing the 'massive' high school as 'unbeatable' led to skipper George Osborn regaining control and leading the team out through a rapturous tunnel to face the famous Haka.

Early nerves were settled as Pettigrove and Mullen shared six points with the boot and Campion dominating the early exchanges. However, a lack of composure with the exit strategy undid all of this good work as Massey High school stole the lead with a charged down try. After some stern words from the coaches, Campion decided to ignore these words by fumbling a missed penalty and having to scramble the ball into touch. Thinking the worst was over, the Campion centre's miscommunication compounded the misery as Oliver Lee gifted the opposition 13 an unchallenged canter under the sticks for seven. Campion responded with great character immediately as a barnstorming run from Greg Dordoy, minus a boot, drove the team into the opposition 22 before some slick passing allowed George Byron to slide into the corner, leaving the half time score at 14-11 to the home team.

Typical of the tour so far, Callum Pettigrove (the road runner) produced another moment of magic scampering up the left touchline giving the visitors a 2 point lead midway through the second half. Unfortunately, some poor defensive structure exposed one of the slower boys

With just a few points in it at half time the opposition went ahead before we levelled it with 10 minutes to go. Our fitness and wing play was a key feature and enabled us to score again to secure a historic win 26 - 21.

A great start to our New Zealand visit.

2nd XV

FINAL SCORE: 26-5 (w)

Scorers: Wynter (T), Stone (T), Da Costa (T), Wynter (T), Meehan (3xCon)

MATCH REPORT

We had already taken the stage in Singapore in emphatic style but our aim was to bring our form into West Auckland and to earn the respect of Massey High. We arrived at Massey high school the day before our game to meet our billets and for 70 minutes, our opponents. Most of us were nervous but everyone was excited for our first international game in New Zealand.

The warm up felt more relaxed than the warm up in Singapore, however we were still focusing on the game. We did not know what to expect from a team of this calibre but all we could do was give it our best, and that's what we did.

We started off the game very brightly, just like the game in Singapore. Although we were dominating, we couldn’t break down their solid defence. We received a penalty mid way through the first half and opted to kick for goal to get points on the board. However the usually consistent fly half Matt Meehan missed the penalty from just outside the 22 metre line. This didn't matter as it took us to the last play of the first half to finally break down the defence as Jay Wynter scored his first try of the tour.

We started off the second half the same way we ended the first. It didn't take us long to break down the shook Massey High defence as Tom Stone went over the try line following an unstoppable maul. Mid way through the second half we scored our 3rd try, this time Jordan Da Costa easily breaking through their defence from a "pick and go” off the back of the ruck. Towards the end of the game Jay Wynter scored his 2nd try of the game and our 4th to put the game out of the reach of Massey high. Our 4th try was scored by using our forwards to our advantage and once again scoring from a "pick and go” off the back of the ruck, proving its effectiveness.

Nearer the end our pass was intercepted and their winger was away, with no one in sight he looked destined to score. However our determined flanker and try scorer, Jordan Da Costa chased him down from the other side of the field to prevent him from scoring and keeping Campion's clean sheet. On the last play of the second half, just like Campion in the first half, Massey High school scored and converted which meant the game ended 26-5.

Rotorua

We left our wonderful hosts at Massey High School early on Friday morning and began our journey down through the North Island. Our target was Rotorua and our first port of call was the Sky Line which is a cable car up a large hill to where the famous Rotorua luge. It was to prove a significant challenge to the boys. The initial beginners? slope that you have to start on, was originally dismissed by everyone as being unnecessary but their views changed after the initial descent as this was not the usual luge where you were basically guided down the shaped metal track. This was a hard twisting concrete track way with guide kerbs in occasional sections. The main attraction to the boys was that you could overtake and things started getting serious very quickly. The competition was that hot that it resembled an alpine edition of Top Gear. There were a few minor injuries and a least one pair of tracksuit bottoms that were ripped to shreds.

We later travelled to the thermal reserve which everyone one found particularly interesting although the initial attack of the sulphurous steam on the nasal membranes was a shock. Suddenly we all realised that the earth's crust in this area is very thin and as a results hot water and gases spurt to the surface as geysers and mud pools. The Maori guide was very informative and we soon realised the cultural significance to the indigenous population.

After we arrived at our hotel we were treated to a traditional welcome dinner and performance by local Maoris. This gave the boys a chance to eat meat that had been cooked underground by the geothermal forces and other traditional foods. Following this we were introduced to traditional Maori songs and dances and of course the Hakka. Some staff and boys were asked to get up and after instruction perform to the rest of the group much to the amusement of all.

A soak in the outdoor thermal spa pools under a full moon ended the day and everyone is positive and excited and looking forward to the next stage.

Disclaimer! I would just like to point out that getting blogs and emails back is becoming more and more difficult and that often they have to be composed on coaches or late at night. Internet access is expensive, patchy and slow and with bust schedules it is not always possible to get anything to you let alone a polished and complete photographic and written record! Apologies for this but I will keep sending what and when I can. Fat thumbs, small iphone!!

Palmerston

Earthquake hits central New Zealand!

Boys and staff were sent scurrying out of their accommodation this evening as a 6.5 earthquake hits Palmerston North.

The experience was a bit of a shock for some as rooms rattled, doors and fluorescent lights swung wildly.

Many agreed that it was a strange experience but it has to be said that the half of the group that were completing a recovery session in the college swimming pool didn't even notice!

Palmerston North

Not only our host's hospitality but the rain and mud made us feel at home in Palmerston North.

1st XV

FINAL SCORE: 5-13 (L)

Match Report

The first XV stood together against an impressive haka and made a good start matching a conceded unconverted try with their own. Palmerston then went on to lead at half time through a penalty kick 8-5. The second half saw Campion fiercely holding the bulk of the territory and possession and fighting for a win. Palmerston made the decision to bring on some crucial substitutes at this late stage but Campion continued to press. Finally through a few lost opportunities and our opponents doggedness Palmerston fought back with a very late try to beat us 5 - 13.

2nd XV

FINAL SCORE: 24-19 (W).

MATCH REPORT

The second XV played the colts development side and won 24 to 19 in a hard-fought competition. Strong forward play was again a feature but our organisation was enough to resist a fight back from Palmerston who were 24-5 down.

Queenstown

Tuesday morning and the most of the party went to the Jetboat at Shotover. Oh boy! It was initially very scary as the two huge V8 engines powered the boat up the river but soon there was just a feeling of exhilaration as it flew 7km downstream at speeds over 80kph. Unfortunately cameras were not allowed (for various safety and commercial reasons) but it was clear from the faces of the three Campion boat loads that they had just had one of the best experiences of their lives. The skill of the drivers is remarkable as you pass along the narrow canyon as terrifying speeds. Amazing!

In the afternoon boys were allowed free time in Queenstown although nearly all went up the Gondola to the luge here. They cannot get enough!! Two members of staff (Friel and Lapena) have just gone on the parachute descent in this fantastic scenery and outdoor playground. However the other staff aren’t expendable so have stuck to more sedate activities.

We all meet at 8.00pm for dinner and it will be a competition between boys and staff for who has had the most exhilarating experience today!!!

Wyndham

Menzies College

Two days rest in Queenstown has done both teams the world of good. Not only were several injured players back in the squad but energy levels were clearly back for both games.

1st XV

FINAL SCORE: 20-14 (W)

MATCH REPORT

Menzies College 1st XV, due to our repeated early errors, kicked their penalties well. However our back play and speed meant that our four tries were enough to gain a remarkable 20-14 win against a team that can't remember the last time they lost to a touring side.

2ND xv

FINAL SCORE: 43-5 (W)

MATCH REPORT

The second team played an outstanding running game with some astounding moments of invention and overpowered Menzies development team 43 to 5.

Batclutha

After the two games against Menzies college the tourists were treated to great hospitality at the rugby club venue by the Wyndham parents. They then took the boys off to their billets around this sheep and dairy farming area.

It is quite remote here and an extensive farming area. Being generally low-lying and resembling the northern agricultural areas of the uk meant that the rain carrying winds have swept across and lashed us for the last couple of days. This has coincided with the two days of billeting for the boys but appears not to have affected the activities that host families had planned for them. They have certainly been up to some interesting things!!!!!

As the boys got on the coach this morning staff briefly questioned each boy and it was clear that they had been treated very well and had been introduced to a host of NZ rural pastimes! Including

• Hunting wild boar with hounds tagged with GPS.

• Quad bike riding to round up sheep or just get muddy.

• Paint-balling which means some are carrying battle scars but receiving little sympathy from the Physio.

• Watching a possum being brutally dispatched against a wall.

• Target shooting with shotguns and rifles.

• Barn partying too!!!

When full the coach set off to a local dairy farm which has 900 jersey cows and was not only producing milk but its own range of cheeses and yoghourt.

The lads were invited down into the pit beneath 30 cows and have a go at connecting their udders to the milking machine. This was huge entertainment value as the cows shuffled and stamped as inexperienced hands misconnected teats and suction cups. Being in such close proximity to the back end of so many bovine specimens had obvious risks and in the end the inevitable happened. Noel's trainers are no longer new!!!!

On the walk to the cheese shed and shop we came across a small barn with week old calves. Well you have never seen a bunch of macho, rugby-playing hulks dissolve so fast into a bunch of softies. And that was the staff! When we finally dragged them away to the cheese shop we sampled local cheddar and they had fried up some haloumi too. It went down very well.

Next stop was the sheep farm owned by one of the rugby coaches. He had got a sheep-shearing friend up to demonstrate how to shear. When the first ewe was dragged to the wooden platform kicking and wriggling all the boys were shocked, even more so when volunteers were asked for! Up stepped several boys and a couple of staff to try their hand at shearing but with the expert over seeing to make sure it didn't become sheep peeling! Ouch! It was a great opportunity to see what life is like in this most south of southern areas.

Off now towards games and billeting with South Otago boys near Dunedin. The good news is the sun is out and the boys are looking forward to two good games. The firsts are hoping to play as well as the seconds' running-passing display two days ago. The boys have been very well received wherever they have played or been billeted. They have been complimented for their manners and friendliness. They have been a credit to school and family. Lets hope this continue!

Back now to coach games such as True or False (did one of the forwards try to eat a paintball as he thought it was a sweet!), Joke of the day (did you hear about the mountaineer who punched his sherpa as he didn't like his altitude!) or everybody's favourite - Gareth's fact of the day!

South Otago Boys

South Otago had already heard about our tour success and their coach made no secret that they had their full 1st XV out for the game.

It also included their U18 All Black winger and national sprint champion.

It obviously wasn't going to be easy but then none of the games have been.

1st XV

FINAL SCORE: 20-19 (L)

match reporT

The 1st XV came out to the cheers of the muddied 2nds and many of the billeting families. The pace was furious and there were as many superb breakthroughs as there were forced errors and turnovers.

10 - 5 down at half time the Campion side maintained their work rate but the opposition were matching us move for move. Their winger scored a second try but eventually Campion's resilience lead to a 19-15 lead. However in the confusion of last frantic move of the game South Otago scored, winning the game by just one point 20-19.

Heartbreak!

2nd XV

FINAL SCORE: 56-10 (W)

MATCH REPORT

The day started with the 2nd XV as usual and, as usual, they put together another performance of high intensity running rugby. Passing and running were excellent and soon the opposition realised that containment, and not victory, was their only option. Campion won 56 to 10.

in the press

Romford Recorder - 13:15 22 August 2013

Campion pupils praised for tour

Campion School pupils have been praised for their successful rugby tour of Singapore and New Zealand.

The Hornchurch youngsters travelled to the southern hemisphere as part of the school’s Golden Jubilee and enjoyed their fair share of success on the field.

A 48-strong party, including six members of staff, went on tour and the first team squad beat the Singapore Academy under-20s and also celebrated a hard-earned 13-11 victory over St Bede’s College, Christchurch to finish with three wins from five fixtures.

The second XV beat Singapore Academy under-18s and won three of their remaining four matches in New Zealand.

Finbarr Ronayne said: “I chaired the tour fund-raising committee and would like to acknowledge the squad’s success and credit their sponsors.

“Essex-based Walsh Transport and London-based PHD Modular Access were the principal kit sponsors.”

*Campion old boys hold their annual James Patterson 15-a-side tournament at Cottons Park on Saturday.

The event is staged in memory of their former player, who died suddenly at a young age due to cardiac problems. Play gets underway at 12pm.