Australia Tour Diary

Day 15 – Saturday 2 August

Woke up early to yet another fine morning to go out to the Green Island and Great Barrier Reef.

A 50 minute trip out to the idyllic Green Island for a two hour stopover which enabled the party to explore or relax on the fantastic beach. A further hour took us out to the outer reef platform where we got first real glimpse of the spectacular scenery. We snorkeled, swam and observed life in the coral – a memorable way to finish our last day in Australia.

On our return we watched the New Zealand v Australia rugby test on TV and then had the tour award ceremony in which many certificates and prizes were given out. In true tour tradition we then had a good singsong and finally got to bed in the early hours.

We have all had a wonderful time and are heading home with some great memories.

Green Island	Snorkeling on the Great Barrier Reef

Day 14 – Friday 1 August

In the morning the whole group went up to Kuranda Village in the rainforest, on the way seeing some of the spectacular scenery that surrounds Cairns – although some of the party were rather sleepy and missed out. With hot sunny weather it was a relaxed start to the day.

The girls set off for their hockey matches at Cairns’ Hockey Centre, which were to be played in the early afternoon. The boys supported both hockey games before continuing to Barlow Park for games scheduled for the late afternoon.

The ‘Sharks’ started their match against Cairns High School in the blistering afternoon sunshine. It became clear very early on that the temperature would be a major factor for their last match. Anna Thomson opened the scoring through a short corner and the team enjoyed much pressure and many scoring opportunities but failed to convert any of them. The opposition fought back to level the scores and it seemed the final score would end with a draw. However, a short corner was awarded to Cairns as the final hooter sounded and they sealed a victory with an excellent second shot at goal. A disappointing result, but there were some outstanding performances especially through the midfield, in particular from Anna Thomson and Vicky Smylie.

The ‘Sheilas’ had to endure hot tropical conditions for their final tour fixture. They got off to a flying start and scored a textbook goal right from the centre pass. A move involving Alex Baird and Lisa Brown was finished off by a fantastic first time strike from Ashley Shanley. This was closely followed by Ashley's second goal of the game and at this point it looked like the ‘Sheilas’ were going to run away with a convincing victory. However...in the second half the heat took its toll and Cairns High pulled back to level the score at 2–2 with only minutes remaining on the clock. With a final determined burst from the girls, Ashley completed her hat trick and we finished the tour on a winning note, with a final score of 2–3.

The first rugby game at Barlow Park was against a very strong and powerful St Mary's 1st XV. This did not have an adverse effect on the boys who played with exceptional commitment, especially in defence. The team scored two first half tries from counterattacks, the scorers being Matt Taylor and Andrew McCulloch – Andrew's try coming from some fantastic individual skills from Andrew Chalmers. Our second half performance was affected by a series of injuries, but with a second half penalty the team held out to record a fine 12–13 victory.

The second game was played against the top team in the region, St Augustine’s. Yet again this was a physical encounter for the boys, but they stood up very well to the test. Playing with flair and enterprise the team scored some very good tries and ran out worthy winners. Tries were scored by Chris Scott (two), Grant Somerville, Duncan Finnie and Elliot Wilson, with four converted by Jamie Forbes. This was a fine effort by this team who remained unbeaten throughout the tour. Hopefully this will be a good built up for the forthcoming season. Indeed all the boys should be proud of their efforts in Australia, well done!

Back to hotel and then out for a buffet dinner at the Colonial Club, and an early night as we get up at 6.30am for Barrier Reef Trip.

The girls take on Cairns High School	Rugby at Barlow Park

Trip to Kuranda Village

Day 13 – Thursday 31 July

After a pleasant and relaxing breakfast we traveled to Brisbane Airport for our flight to Cairns.

The flight offered spectacular views of the reefs below as we arrived to a sunny 25 degrees.

A short transfer to the Palm Royal Hotel for a swim and time for some relaxation before the final of Tour's Got Talent. The winners were Chris Scott, Andrew Chalmers, Scott McKean and Liam Reid, with their boy band-esque dancing.

Boys Aloud!

Day 12 – Wednesday 30 July

A day of relaxation on the beautiful beaches of Noosa.

Most of the party went for a surfing lesson in the morning and then had the rest of the day free to enjoy the sights and recover from the hectic playing schedule of the previous few days.

With spectacular scenery and fantastic weather this was just what everyone required at this stage of the tour. An enjoyable meal and some inspirational Karaoke at the Surf Club with our supporters and friends of GWC, this was a great way to finish off our brief stay in Noosa.

The Beach Boys	Inspirational Karaoke?

Day 11 – Tuesday 29 July

A very early start and at last the weather had changed giving us a warm and sunny day as we set off up the coast to Noosa with a few stops on the way. First stop was Steve Irwin's Australia Zoo – feeding elephants and seeing 'Monte, the 400kg croc' in the Crocoseum were just a couple of the great sights. In the afternoon we headed to the games at Matthew Flinders.

In the sunshine and on one of the best rugby pitches so far, the younger side faced the Matthew Flinders 2nd XV – with their 6'7 lock. It was a physical game from the outset but after 15 minutes of high-level rugby from both sides Calum French muscled his way over to open the scoring. This was followed by one from Matt Taylor and a superb run from inside his own 10m line by Liam Kildare – the try of the match! So at half time the score was 0–15. Second half tries by Dicken Haavaag, Oli Cutting and a second from Matt Taylor, converted by Calum French, took the final score to a comprehensive 5–32 victory. It was an excellent all-round performance with the boys playing their best rugby of the tour so far.

The other squad then faced a big and powerful 1st XV from Matthew Flinders. After a very competitive opening 10 minutes, the players settled and produced a very strong and positive counter-attacking performance based on solid defence. The first try was scored by Grant Somerville and converted by Jamie Forbes. This settled the boys laying the platform for an exceptional team performance with some outstanding rugby. Further tries from Jonny Wilson (2), Calum Evans, Matt Taylor and Jamie Forbes, who also had another successful conversion, made the outcome convincing. The final score of 5–34 maintained the top team's unbeaten run in Australia.

The ‘Sheilas’ faced Matthew Flinders 1st XI. There wasn't much between the two teams in the first 15 minutes with chances occurring at both ends. The Watson's girls found their form midway through the first half and went on to record a convincing 1–6 victory. Once again this was a strong team performance with Catriona Bennett and Lisa Brown on inspirational form. Goal scorers: Holly Wilson, Sarah Barrie, Ashley Shanley, Catriona Bennett and Lisa Brown (2).

The ‘Sharks’ faced their toughest challenge to date when they faced the local representative team – U18 Sunshine State. We started with enthusiasm and determination slotting two early goals through Laura Moore, with Alex Wilson and Blair Sprott providing most of the build up play. Vicky Smylie worked with real effort commanding the defensive line to hold our two-goal lead into the second quarter. Our opposition however, raised their game with some show-stopping hockey, replying with three quick goals before half time. With all to play for in the second half Blair Sprott leveled the score although our opposition proved too strong having just returned from a recent tournament. The game finished 5–3, with our girls bitterly disappointed at the final outcome. Moire MacKenzie had another solid performance at left back.

Immediately after the matches we continued up to Noosa to very comfortable accommodation and a substantial dinner. The teams retired to bed looking forward to the following day’s adventure on Main Beach.

Some of the Best Rugby of the Tour	Hockey against Matthew Flinders

Monte, the 400kg croc

Day 10 – Monday 28 July

After early morning training in the excellent facilities, we spent the morning in Surfer's Paradise. Although the weather was still not as warm as hoped for, a few braved the waves and cold Pacific. After lunch the girls transferred to St Hilda's for their hockey and the boys to The Southport School (TSS).

St Hilda's provided an opportunity for many of our girls to get on the score sheet. Both teams won convincingly (0–13 and 0–10). Catriona Bennett, Claire Jackson, Holly Wilson, Claire MacPherson and Anna Thomson scored their first tour goals. Natalie Binnie and Laura Moore were both on fire picking up hat tricks.

In contrast, TSS, with its impressive array of sporting facilities, provided the boys with their toughest matches on tour to date. The games were played side by side on soft pitches (quite swampy in parts). Our more senior players played TSS 2nd XV and were up against a very competitive and skillful team. However, they rose to the challenge and in a hard physical encounter and won 7–5. Grant Somerville rounded off a fine team move to score our only try, which was converted by Jamie Forbes. This was a real test for our players and one that they came through with flying colours.

The second match was played against TSS Under 16 'A' team who proved to be too physical for our boys. Whilst this was a heavy defeat 52–5, the second half performance was much more encouraging and a try by Graham Hepburn gave the team some consolation for their efforts. Hopefully lessons were learnt, as the next games were only 24 hours away.

An informal reception was held in TSS for all of us after the match and gifts were exchanged. Back to the Sports Centre for some aquatic rehab with Mr Barnett, then more food and bed before the trip North towards Noosa.

The Southport School	Surfer’s Paradise

Day 9 – Sunday 27 July

Everyone was up early to get breakfast and transfer to Sydney Airport. However, when we got to the airport and started checking in we found out that our flight to Brisbane had been cancelled. This meant that the party was split into three travelling groups, one going direct to Brisbane; one to Maroochydor (on the Sunshine Coast); and one to Coolingata (on the Gold Coast).

Unfortunately, this meant that we did not get to the Riverlife Adventure Experience which was disappointing for all. So after a long day on buses (with lot of songs sung) we arrived at Sports Super Centre, Runaway Bay in the late afternoon.

Spirits remain high and in the evening the auditions for the 'Tour has Talent' competition took place with seven performing acts qualifying for the finals in next few days...

Facilities are great and everyone is looking forward to their matches tomorrow, so an early night for all.

Day 8 – Saturday 26 July

Sunshine at last! The boys travelled to Pittwater Park over the Harbour Bridge while the girls had a relaxed morning.

Our only rugby game in Sydney was played against an Under 20 side from Warringah Boys Club in Manly. The game started badly for us, and the hosts were soon five points up and controlling the game in most areas. However, after a great break and score from Jonny Wilson, the boys gradually wore the opposition down and Grant Somerville showed the defence a clean pair of heels as he out paced the covering defenders to score between the posts. Jamie Forbes converted and then knocked over a penalty to make the half time score 15–5. The second half started well for us when Malcolm Peacock scored a great forwards try from a neat offload from Chris Macrae. Again Jamie Forbes converted to give us a comfortable lead at 22–5. Waringah was not going to lie down and they scored and converted the next try to give the team a few anxious moments before Scott McKean cut a fantastic angle from the 22 to run in under the posts. Jamie Forbes converted, again, to give the final score of 12–29. Another victory and the boys’ confidence is high. The next game against Southport will be the toughest game so far, and the boys will have to be at the top of their game, against one of the best teams in Australia, if they are to produce a victory.

From the first whistle it was clear the ‘Sharks’ third game was going to be a closely fought hockey match and would be the ‘Sharks’ toughest game. Many of the first chances fell to Pymble Ladies’ College (PLC) although they failed to finish off the goals. The Watson's girls settled down and produced some excellent passages of play, with Blair Sprott, Alex Wilson and Natalie Binnie being the inspirational outfield players of the first half and keeper Lizzie McAdam making some outstanding saves. Vicky Smylie slotted her first goal of tour, through a set piece, and Laura Moore capitalised on a great cross from the right to make the first half score 0–2. Early in the second half the home team made the most of their chances in the circle and pulled a goal back, but the ‘Sharks’ made a quick reply through a goal from Natalie Binnie. The girls started to tire towards the end of the match and despite some determined efforts from the midfield and defenders, PLC fought back with late goals to win the game 4–3. The girls were disappointed with the outcome but encouraged by their performance. We look forward to the next game and hopefully some better weather.

Later in the evening the two groups settled in for an exciting Bleidisloe Cup and then packed for the early morning flight to Brisbane.

We take on Under 20s from Warringah Boys Club and win

Day 7 – Friday 25 July

Another morning with heavy rain! A wet walk and a half hour journey by ferry took us to Manly and it's famous beach. Despite the inclement conditions a few of the pupils took a very brief and cold dip.

After returning to Sydney, the mandatory photos on the steps of Sydney Opera House were taken. The boys then had a chance to support the ‘Sheilas’ in their hockey match.

The ‘Sheilas’ were all set to challenge the Sydney University team on Friday night especially with our lively support from the rugby boys. However, due to the Sydney traffic we arrived 15 minutes late for the game – so the girls literally sprinted onto the pitch, without having a good warm up, to start the game.

The lack of preparation didn't affect the teams’ performance. From the start they played with passion and determination. The Uni team went one goal up after 15 minutes, but we soon equalised with a well-taken strike from Lisa Brown in open play. In the second half the girls produced some magnificent passages of play, however against the run of play the girls were unfortunate to go behind once again. This raised the team’s performance and it wasn't long before we replied with a powerful strike by Fiona McFadyen from a short corner. The score remained at 2-2 until the dying second of the game when Fiona McFadyen clinched the winner with an identical strike to her previous goal. Once again teamwork was the main contributor to this fantastic performance.

Bedraggled by Sydney Opera House	We're at Manly - and it's warmer in Portobello!

The Didgeridoo is spotted

Day 6 – Thursday 24 July

After the flight, and with very little sleep, we arrived in Sydney.

A quick visit to Bondi Beach (wild and windy, but still impressive) preceded a harbour tour taking in the iconic sights of Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House.

The group then walked back to the hotel (with many new ‘Ugg’ boots) for a well needed sleep.

Sydney Opera House	Bondi Beach and no bikinis in sight!

Day 5 – Wednesday 23 July

The hockey players left soon after breakfast to watch a training session with the ‘Roos’, the Australian National Team. Unfortunately
the session finished earlier than planned due to the intensity the international players had been working at. However, this did provide our players with an opportunity to meet the players and chat for a while.

Meanwhile the boys went to Western Force and had a training session taken by two of the coaches linked to the professional club. It was an excellent session despite the heavy rain.

Both squads enjoyed some well deserved rest back at 'base' before packing for their early morning flight to Sydney the next day.

Our Hockey Players meet the Australian National Team	Could be Scotland!

Day 4 – Tuesday 22 July

The morning was spent visiting Tumblegum Farm, where the party were treated to a Stockman show, feeding kangaroos and seeing native animals and birds. After lunch, the group dispersed to the different venues for their matches.

The first rugby game was against Christchurch Grammar which proved a physical test for the younger side. The first score came after great pressure from the bigger Aussies to take the lead at half time. Early in the second half Grant Donaldson stormed over to level the score, quickly followed by Max Ogilvie to take the lead. Unfortunately the home team scored the winning try on the final whistle to make it 12–10.

The second game against Arranmore College was a very physical encounter. The boy's defence in the first half was outstanding and
their attack brought two excellent tries - one from Hamish Peddie, the other by Jack Ferguson; both converted from the touchline by Jamie Forbes. Early in the second half Arranmore scored two quick tries to level the score. Despite this setback the team dug in scoring two further tries through Jonny Wilson and Jack Ferguson. The final score was 12–22, a win for GWC and an excellent start for the boys. Both squads are now were looking forward to Sydney.

The ‘Sheilas’ were first to play against their opponents from Santa Maria school. Having lost their first tour match they were determined to make amends. The team started well and it wasn't long before Lisa Brown took the lead. It was very pleasing for the coaches to see the girls improve on the previous day’s performance and produce some fast flowing passing hockey. A convincing 7– 2 victory should give them confidence to continue on a winning streak, with their next tough challenge against Sydney University on Friday. Santa Maria proved to be great hosts, providing a social barbeque after the match, which we all thoroughly enjoyed.

Seven is the magic number! After a tired start the ‘Sharks’ found their form slotting in a magnificent seven goals. Blair Sprott’s form
continued with another hat-trick; captain Kerry Hall added two goals; and Natalie Binnie and Alex Wilson both got on the score sheet with one goal each. Newcomer Moire MacKenzie proved her worth in defence producing some outstanding tackles and distribution skills.

Next up are Pymble Ladies’ College, considered to be Sydney's finest... bring it on!!

Winning form against Santa Maria	Tumblegum Stockman

Day 3 – Monday 21 July

Early breakfast and then a sightseeing tour of the Botanical Gardens in Freemantle, downtown Perth.

The rugby squad were put through their paces in a training session at Christchurch Grammar whilst the hockey teams played their first fixtures.

The ‘Sheilas’ competed well in their first fixture against Melville Hockey Club. The game remained without any goals in the first half and it looked as if it could go either way. Unfortunately the Watson's girls ran out of steam in the second half and were punished by three well taken Melville goals. The ‘Sharks’ got off to a winning start defeating their Melville opponents by seven goals – nil. The girls looked sharp despite the long journey producing some outstanding moments of hockey.

Natalie Binnie, Hazel Hall, Catriona Miller, Moire MacKenzie & Janey Millar made great first impressions as young members of the squad with Hazel and Natalie each scoring a goal. Blair Sprott scored the first goal of tour and slotted in another two to gain her hat-trick.

After dinner the players took part in a quiz before relaxing in front of a film.

Days 1 and 2 - Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 July 2008

Waiting 10 minutes in the rain for the late buses turned out to be the only problem for our travel to Perth. Two flights, with a very short change over in Dubai brought the teams into Perth airport 1745hrs local time.

All pupils, staff and luggage were loaded onto the two buses for the 45 minute transfer to Murdoch University Campus for our first night on Australia soil.