Friday 30th - Should be on our way . .

Well by now the touring party should be well on their way home and as Gabby and I shared a delightful breakfast of Weetabix and juice, the others should be on the last leg of their long long journey.

All we could do is wait and let Gabby’s body and the drug do the work they were designed to do. We just had to be patient, which is very difficult for a person of my age and looks !! The nurses here were so kind and the hours just flew by. We had a nervous 5 minutes when we thought the consultant with his entourage of wanna-be doctors was looking like giving us a thumbs down – but a subtle smile from Gabby and a nudge from me did the trick and he confirmed our plan to get-outa-here. Final intravenous drip started at 12.00 took 45 minutes. Got all other tablets and medicines and then got a taxi drive to the airport, having said our goodbyes. The taxi driver gave us some magic words of wisdom as he ahd fought with God’s help bowel cancer and won . . so why shouldn’t Gabby win this fight !! he then said he expects to see Gabby at the next Olympics !!

Got to the airport – relocated and re-checked in our bags – several tons over our allowance but there were mitigating circumstances. Got the EK 413 to Bankok and Dubai and just slept and read and watched DVD’s. Time passed slowly except for the puking babies and the overweight passengers who definitely caused the plane to keel lover to one side. . . we tried to have a good time but both of us were very tired. I beat Gabby at Tetris and she beat me at pong – even though I was using her ‘male’ deodorent. Not that I needed any as I had a shower in Sydney airport !!! Bought a T-shirt to wear on the final leg home.

Got to Dubai looking very tired – Gabb’s still reading her book. Last leg seemed to take forever . . but that was nothing to the waiting for our bags to get off the plane at Birmingham. We were seriously worried as time went by . . eventually they arrived and we passed on into the foyer to be met by tearful parents and folks . . including Fran and Jon !!

Details of the medical events were then relayed to Mr & Mrs Gabby and the tour of New Zealand which was a dream some 14 months ago, was now over . . . but the whole World was not ready just yet to turn purple.

Whilst this blog is now officially closed, the stories and video diaries will continue – so look out girls chief Shozz has not finished yet.

Thank you for taking the time to read the events of the RGS Netball tour to Australia and New Zealand 2010 and I hope it’s made you smile more times than not. Can I cordially invite you to a presentation some time in September when I hope to get the girls to review the tour with memorable photos and music and although our playing record was nothing to write home about – played 24 won 3 . . the 3 we did win were fantastic . . the defeat by one was nail biting …..the age and height of the opposition was incredible…. and the umpiring towards the end of the tour a joke.

Thursday 29th - The tour splits up with tears . .

All was well in Christchurch and all seemed well half way through the flight. Then a little voice behind me said “Gabby’s foot has puffed up” – so a I dutifully put my hand behind my seat and massaged the top of the foot . . . it was not until we got to Sydney that we saw the extent of the puffing up. FW / CMD on the case and to cut this story short the tour minus Gabby and Shozz went on the 18.45 to Bankok. Gabb’s and I were optimistic of catching up with the tour in Dubai as there was a 9.10 flight that would ‘cut the corner’ and go direct to Dubai . . all we had to do was get to the St.Georges Hospital and back in under 90 minutes . . Taxi ride fast . . ANE with triage nurses NOT so fast . . like any ANE in the world I suppose . . got eventually seen to by a Senior Triage nurse A who immediately put the calppers on any ‘quick fix’ quoting 48 hours !! Tears just flowed from then on and when we left the nurse to go and WAIT again we had a good hug and a cry. Eventually we were told a plan ( Plan A ) . . intravenous drip for 48 hours and let the infected blister calm down . . things not looking up . . Plan A was confirmed by Doctor B but to give her her due she said she’d consult a ‘consultant’ – that’s obvious . . . anyway consultant doctor C when he arrived was the doctor of our dreams – our so we hope . . maybe I should stop this blog and wait ‘til its all over ? . . . he suggested to much tears of joy that Gabby stay in for the night ( we’d already accepted that . . ) and start the intravenous anti-biotics straight away as well as having the blister lanced as it was doing no good at all. Then after several doses of A/Bioitics Gabb’s would then take oral A/B’ on the flight home to resume the course of A/B at home . . this was the news we wanted to hear. We then booked in thanks to Teresa to the same flights as the tour but only 24 hours later . . Bankok – oriental city – and Dubai . . Oh this was good news . .

Young man with white gloves took us up to children’s ward – Gabby settled in and I slept on a bed next door. It was midnight by then. Good sleep til 4 am then fitful and interruptions from mobile with news from Tour party – leaving Dubai and news from home - - top up of my mobile……couldn’t get back to sleep . . worried about what the doctors will say in the morning ;- fingers crossed.

Wednesday 28th - The sun shines at last on the Hurricanes

A lie in saw a new bus driver Maurice arrive one hour too early !! Even so after a hearty breakfast we boarded the bus to go to the Antarctic centre by the airport. Following the blue footprints we were met by such hospitality that is was easy to get swept along . . ALL got to see the penguins fed and then we got two private trips on a Hagglund with a brilliant running commentary from the driver who came from Hagley !!! he was brilliant ! as was the 10 minute trip . .up and down and through a pond – recommend you look at the photos

The Antarctic centre also served as a good lunch spot before we returned to Christchurch for some more retail therapy and a final chance to show our progress with three matches against Hill Morton High School. The school looked large as we entered and the receprion we got was lovely. For the first time since Australia we were going to play outside in the sunshine and warmth. The school had also remembered that we were young and were to provide a social side of sixth formers as well as a Year 9 pack of enthusiasts – the plan being the Hurricanse were to play the Sixth formers and Sopwiths the Year 9’s . . . that was until they warmed up and CMD got it changed. In the end Cia’s plan would have worked both ways. . . . the Sopwiths started well but were struggling with the umpiring – the rules ARE different wherever you go . . . just like the weather and in the end were on to a loser . . . we had every chance to put the game away but every time we got into that position a passage of play went completely against us and we lost the plot. . . the longer the game went in the more difficult it became to fight everything around us . . and we lost – end of story.

As we came off more angry than anything else, we were delighted to hear and see the Hurricanes cheering and hugging as if they had won a game . . and sure enough they had !!! Well done the Hurricanes . . they out of all the teams have been the furthest away form a win but have always kept their spirits and energy and thoroughly deserved the win. Apologies but I do not know any more details as I was in consoling mood consoling my Sopwiths.

Then the turn of the Spitfires came and again we looked at the ages and sizes of the opponents and again had every reason to call the game off. The team looked more like adults than girls and were certainly not U.16. Still we’ve learnt the hard way and understand that everything we can put into such a game will count in triplicate for us next season. So we began the final 40 minutes of Netball and as usual held our heads up high with some very respectable play. At the end of the first quarter we were only 2 down – the second quarter was a mare and although we rallied and kept the margins down to 2 in both the final two quarters we knew we could not recover from the damage in the second quarter. Nonetheless Hill Mrotn were very complimentary about us and I think a little guilty about the age difference !! and gave us a very nice NZ send off with cakes and pastries in the library. . . and CMD still had time to push a gorgeous cream cake into JMS’ face !!

Back to the hoetl to change into posh kit for the end of tour dinner. I must say at this stage that I knew I had brought with me 23 young girls and 2 ladies on tour some 19 days ago but when CMD took us to this lovely restaurant and I looked around at the tables it was clear that they had all become 23 ladies and I was proud to be at the head of the table . . where any Maori chief should be !! And then the live musician started and the girls ( sorry – ladies ) just sang with him – it was fantastic. By the way the food too was A*1 too. The meal ended far too quickly for my liking and we walked back to the hotel and arm in arm the girls just sang . . . the 800m . . .23ladies singing ‘Reach for the stars . .’ Unbelievable it was as were the looks we got from passer-bys and drivers . . ALL of them smiling I might say with bewilderment.

Back at the hotel we went to the top floor to have the end of tour presentations and speeches. As you’d have expected by now, it was done so well and respectably too. We had been told to be as quiet as possibly as there were people occupying the rooms close by . . so when it came to clapping the ladies just clicked fingers !! Amazing maturity !! The awards were given the Naomi and Toni in a humourous and light hearted fashion with lovely anecdotes too. Then Naomi and toni were thanked by Jane and Georgia with two excellent speeches. After this it was time for the extra special awards . . . the most improved player – Katie Russock, the Player’s player was shared between Jane and Fran and then the most special contributor on the tour went to Sophie Eaton. The words by CMD were excellent and epitomised the contribution made by Sophie and how she had never let anything get her down and making every one else happy – what a star. . . . she had even had time to mature too !! Lovely girl.

Then we had a fun quiz and off to bed for a final time . . . but that was not before the coaches Fran / Cia and myself had been given gifts which coupled with thanks brought tears to everyone’s eyes. I only had to look at Alex and B for them both to have flooded eyes. After this the girls had some girl circle time and vowed to keep themselves in touch with several moving on in September . . and still the tears flowed.

Tuesday 28th - A whale , a win and a wonderful cartwheel . . .

You had to be up early to really see the morning view. Opening our curtain we saw a beautiful mountain range, the top third covered in snow and coloured a beautiful pink . . . the sun not having been up so long either. It was truly beautiful and I don’t think the pictures will do it justice. Girls in the bus with bags ready for a breakfast at Flukes Café down on the chisel bank-like beach ( spelt correctly this time HG . . . you’ve gone awfully quiet HG these last few days . . are you still there ??) right in the centre of Whale Watch country. Superb breakfast but signs NOT good for whale watching. The board predicted swells of between 1 and 2 m and the trip we were booked for said “pending” . . . fingers crossed . . decisions decisions . . do we take the tablets or do we not and if YES . . then when ?? Flight WW01 was called for and we attended a briefing before being bussed out to the ship . . . superb jet driven vessel – criuising at 30knts . . . jMS and Anne-Marie ( Navy Cadet ) were in their element. Usual whale jokes emanating and lots of pointing to get others confused. Disappointed the girls hadn’t heard of Moby Dick or indeed the call by Capain Ahab ‘ Thar she blows !!” . . no matter . . small things please small minds . . 15 minutes in and we stopped . . no the world did not turn purple . . rather the Captain said he’d seen a whale and all should go on deck and look out. Some saw it but by the time those that really mattered we out it had dived . . needless to say I did not see it !! Undeterred and enjoying every minute of the journey the team waited on deck for the next sighting of our ‘Moby’ and sure enough we did not have to wait long before what looked at first like a large log of wood actually spouted a 3 metre jet of water to then be identified and a Sperm Whale. Photos were madly taken as the vessel crept closer and closer . . then with the commentator giving us warning to load up your cameras, the whale dived and we all had a perfect view of the infamous tail flip. Down she blew never to be seen again by us . . . the Captain then using his washing ling of a sonar sounding device told us that there was a whale beneath us who had been down for 35 minutes and was due to surface ( blagger !!! ) We waited in the ever-increasing swell until the last possible moment before heading back. The return journey with the waves and tide causing us to ‘roller-coast’ in took its toll on the girls as several fell asleep and at least one couldn’t keep their breakfast down. Having just docked the Captian came down to say goodbye and wish us well. Sitting right at the front and having just got her best friend Lizzie on the mend following the motion sickness journey, Sophie was then seen to jump 3 feet in the air – was this an omen for the afternoon ??? – as a Haka was performed right in front of her !!

Then the rain came and we were not looking forward to the prospect of playing outside. Then when we arrived at Kaikoura high School we were told one inside and two outside – no way . . . . with a lunch in the Hall and FW and CMD persuading the oppo to play ALL three indoors for shortened games we settled down. Again JMS not impressed with the age of the opposition – looked far older. The order of play was Hurricanes , Spitfires , Sopwiths . . . . and off went the Hurricianes and with the sea motion undoubtedly still in their legs they were blown apart. With 3 10 minutes thirds being played there was little time for recovery and despite fighting hard the early start and the sea sickness told very badly on the girls and they just couldn’t find any rhythm to their game and went down 9 – 31 . . . up stepped the Sopwiths – the opposition asking us to reverse the order as one of their senior girls was still at work and couldn’t get off – we smelt a rat here and not for the first time either . . . So we reluctantly agreed and the Sopwiths took to the field . . . totally demoralised when we saw the giant of a GD – talk about seven foot !! and then you look at Jess at Beth !! The last call from the bench was ‘Cancel the OTT’ ( OTT = Over the top ) and so we get stuck into them . . end of first third and we were 4 – 5 down . . end of second third and it was 9 – 10 down and the end of third chats were getting so so animated . . Sophie Eaton was made for this game – she was briliiant . . as were the others of course. Anne-Marie was baggin’ them every time and the defence of Katies x2 was superb. The running and competitive spirit of Hannah was unbelievable With two minutes to go we had them at 14 – 11 only for them to score . . . we needed one more and Anne-Marie GOT it . . . 15 – 12 then became 15 – 13 and the clock was still ticking . . . with 15 seconds left on the clock the WHOLE RGS squad on the bench got on their feet and were screaming as they counted down the seconds . . when it got to 3 . . . we all looked at court and could see Sophie counting down too and dancing . . . when the hooter blew the RGS mass invasion happened but that was NOT before Sophie had managed to do a cartwheel on the court – if only I were 40 years younger and I’d have done a triple salko with reverse split !! What an atmosphere . . . there was mass hugs going on everywhere – I think I even hugged the kit bag it was so exciting. Wheeeewwww we’re out of breath.

Follow that if you can . . . well the Spitfires did try despite being told to warm up in 1 minute . . quote of the tour so far FW – “We’ve not come all this way for UK to warm up in one minute – we need 10 please, thank you” Sorry to say but the Spitfires game again was against older opposition - a club side more than a school side let alone U.16 !! and like the Hurricanes just couldn’t get enough quality ball in the right area . . . end result they went down 9 – 34.

Today was the day the Sopwiths came of age – and NO-ONE will ever forget it.

Then we left Kaikoura and bombed the two hour journey down to Christchurch and the Camelot Hotel . . girls relaxed and showered before a good evening meal in the hotel restaurant. Girls now looking tired . . three days and we’ve played three matches and with a triple header to follow tomorrow.

Thursday 29th – Coming home with tears in our eyes.

No time to do blogs for Tuesday – Wednesday so short blog will be enlarged with pictures etc. . . and video when home but….. all safe , all sound all in Christchurch airport, all pass passport control . Plane to Dubai late. Expect tears in b’ham.(especially Alex)

Results vs kaikoura

Spitfires lost

Hurricanes lost

Sopwiths (with cart wheeling Sophie) WON!

Results vs Hillmorton

Spitfires Lost

Hurricanes WON

Sopwiths lost (extreme poor umpires JMS could have done better in his sleep)

More detailed blog to follow

Shozza Out..

Monday 26th - A day of mixed emotions . . .

The day started well enough with us sharing a welcome with the rugby team from Cooper’s Coburn from Essex and would you belive it JMS coming off seconds best in his thanks giving speech. The shock that reverberated around the hall when the Tour manager of the other school said some well prepared words and then sang alone a song was as audible as the relief amongst our girls when JMS said he was not going to sing !! Oh if only I could have done a ‘Danny boy – the lights are . . ‘ So speech over then the coaches and captains had to shake the hands and noses with the Senior Teachers. Rugby players left and the RGS girls witnessed a school assesmly run by the two school captains !!! The head teacher and others were to the side. Notices and awards given by the captains and then a raffle chosen by the RGS girls for those who had received commendations last week – the winner to get a free lunch !

Girls then watched the rugby with their hosts – half time we trooped into Nelson for some R & R – JMS visited the same shoe shop he did 6 years ago but did not buy some trainers. Girls bought some lunch. Returned to Garrin to take up positions in the balcony, ready for the appearance of the whole school. The Spitfires warmed up nicely and included Becci Jane and Ella. Final rallying call was a video by JMS and then into the action. First thing to notice was the size of the opposition – yet again they looked like 18 + year olds . . still we can only play what is in front of us. A nip and tuck start saw us hold our own in the early stages and with Fran and Elle doing well up front we were happy to be down and the first break. At the end of the second break however whilst JMS gave the pick me up pep talk of his life, FW was ‘seeking clarification on the ruling of obstruction as seen from a Southern Hemisphere perspective’ – in other words she was not happy !! The girls to be fair clung in far longer than expected and were finishing each quarter breathing hard and looking more and more angry. They were having a rough time and we told to give as good as they get but still play netball with the speed and tenacity of a cougar. Speed of thought was one aspect that was noticed by the coaches as a place to improve upon. We delayed the penalty pass too long and the opportunity was lost to fire in a bullet pass to GS / GA whi would then score. If we had converted all of our chances then scores would have been closer and like Wanganui – which seems an age ago – we would have liked to see the opposition react under pressure. So in the end we trudged off defeated but again as JMS referred to in his closing ( and worst yet ) speech we finished with a smile – win draw or lose we are RESOLUTE / GRACEFUL / SEFLLESS.

What was great was to see Jane Shaw who in the end was not used encouraging the team from the bench . . . with words like “You only got 10 minutes to turn this round – you can do it . . play till you drop . . and we want nothing left in the tank.”

After the post match ceremonies we trooped back to the bus and made our way slowly to Blenheim and then to Kai-Koura - and the long long winding road took its toll on the girls as all went silent and some felt yukk . . . but we still made it to seal corner just in time to witness the seals on the rocks before it got too dark.

Seals spotted we then zoooomed off with Paul the driver – different character to STEEEEVE – to Kai-Koura and supper at the Aromas café. Delightful meal of hot soup / fish & chips or pasta or lamb / ice cream sundae or banana split. Then on to our motel with the most amazing views . . . yes I know it was dark but when the full moon shone red / orange and the stars were out and the snow on the mountains reflected orange you felt like you were in paradise . . .

So with only three days to go and the tour begins to close down a phrase has emerged through the excitement of all, through the tribulations of all, through the spirit shown by the girls and that phrase is “ NO REGRETS “ . . . we the RGS Netball tour of 2010 intend to leave this beautiful country with no regrets.

Shozza out

Sunday 25th Injuries and fatigue beginning to take their toll

Returned to the school to hear lovely tales of the night before from the girls – all of which were positive . . we even had a couple that had seen Gloworms ( JMS very jealous ). Lovely weather lovely reception lovely sport hall with good ventilation. Sopwiths to go first and were well warmed up. Recruited in to join forces with the team came Naomi and Toni. The result was a more balanced look and feel to the team. We needed the players as the girls in giving 100% each quarter just need to come off and recouperate / rest. The result of the first quarter was that we were 7 – 3 up. And although we’d have liked to play the Senior girls for more we felt we couldn’t. The rest of the game saw its toll on the players with several close to the point of collapse. . . . . touring and playing at this level in intensity with little rest between players will take its toll. Anne-Marie was suffering – not in her shooting – but just generally . . she did not look well . . a head cold looks as if it’s on its way. . . still she and the rest of the girls did not give up. The third quarter saw the RGS girls come back to close the gap but in the end it was the small things that made the big difference . . . the small dropped pass, the interception – Katie Ruddock made one glorious interception and the clattering of Lizzie into the oppo was fantastic to watch ( Lizzie came off much the better by the way !! ) . . but it was just the small things that if we had a week before the next game we could have sorted out . . . the sad fact about touring is that you don’t have the luxury of that time . . next game Tuesday !!! So it was a rather saddened team that came off defeated 13 – 25.

It was similar story for the Hurricanes but closer and with injuries taking their toll. Hannah had a recurrence of her shin splints / Georgia couldn’t come out for the final quarter with an ice pack on her ankle neither did Immi who had a temporary breathing problem. All sorted now but it caused the team to require a major refit / reorganisation . . . and when players are being asked to play in positions that they are not totally familiar with it can cause disruptions to the performance. This is one reason why as coaches we stress the need for players to train and play in alternative positions. The first quarter was nip and tuck 4 – 4 and indeed at the end of the second quarter, with Lian and Jane combining smoothly the score were still close 8 – 9. It was then at the half-time break that the injuries really hit us and some would say we faded badly – I would only say that we were looking tired and worn ( out ? – not yet !!! ) . . . but isn’t that what touring is all about . . pushing yourself to the next game no matter how you feel and with little time for re-energising ? We are there and have felt that . . another experience that we can tick off in our large box of experiences. The end result for the statisticians amongst you was a 13 – 24 defeat but again it was the manner of the performance that again was highlighted by CMD in her post match chat. We again gave a performance full of pride and passion.

The hospitality of Garin College was again immense and after the matches we enjoyed a delightful spread of cakes and buns to which ALL were grateful for. Then the girls found their hosts and those with ailments were given the magic FW tonics and sent away to bed – hopefully to return a little more energised.

Shozza

Saturday 24th - Getting closer to the Pole

The title is not a reference to a request to Sophie to get closer to her opposition who happens to be Polish . . . nor is it a request for our dancers Beth and Gabby to get closer to the pole . . . rather it refers to our journey across the Cook Straits from North Island to South Island.

Bags delivered to hotel reception for 7.45 am – to be picked up by surly young man – now known as ‘Jennades’, whilst the girls breakfasted well. Tearful journey on the bus and all we knew what was going to happen when it stopped . . we’d have to get off !!! The bus did stop at the Ferry Terminal, JMS said some tearful words using his best choking voice as the tears flowed . . . sorry not told you why the girls were crying . . . we were saying goodbye to STEEEEVE. Quick JMS speech – handed him a card and sang a final song in memory of the best coach driver ever. Then a couple of photos and Jane then screamed ‘GROUP HUG’ and all 23 girls made a B line / hug for STEEVE !!! Poor Chap . . .

Got on the ferry – found a good base camp – girls settled down to sleep /cards whilst FW and CMD spent the whole journey on deck in the freeeeezing cold. Journey highlights were Georgia spotting a seal, followed by Jane spotting some seaweed followed by Fran and Anne-Marie narrowly missing out on the Junior Ship treasure hunt, followed by CMD / FW spotting a dolphin ( and debating whether it could have been a shark ?? A jumping shark I must see !!!?? ). It was in theses moments of calm that you realise what touring is all about . . the matches and the journeys. After one hour several of the girls were asleep and although I felt like shaking them up to get them out to watch the magnificent scenery I knew they needed their sleep . . so I took photos . .

Arrived at Picton and found Paul our new bus driver who was pleased that we were early. Lunch stop in Picton saw the staff meet an ex Kings girl in a café to cap the Evesham chap we met on the ferry . . . the world if you didn’t know is shrinking fast . . . we were soon expecting a chap from Warndon villages to come round the corner….. back on bus and a three hour journey to Nelson and the Richmond. The scenery again was fantastic as was the weather – which has not let us down. Despite the bends in the roads and the frequent calls of nature on board loo, the girls made it to Garin College in good spirits. The hosts were lovely and well organised and all went away very happy – including the staff.

A lovely end to a lovely day with the promise of more smiles to come tomorrow.

Shozz

Friday 23rd . We’ll be singing when we’re winning . . . . .

This blog was written by Toni Johns and Elle Reynolds . . and NOW contains photos. . sorry . . same too for Saturday/ Sunday.

After being dragged out of bed for another early start, we made our way to the Te Papa museum in Wellington to find that we were in fact, an hour too early to gain entry. I’m sure you can imagine our delight at this situation, so, to suppress our wounds, we sat on the museum floor and had a good old game of Fizz Buzz for Shoz’s birthday (and all you other mathletes out there). Shoz, the Equadorian champion of 2009, was loving every second, but didn’t enjoy coming second to Fran Short. Finally, our time came to explore. We have decided we will summarise the museum in a few words: interactive, informative, intellectual, interesting, irrelevant and giant squid. We learnt that Charlotte Badger from Worcestershire, England was the first white woman to land on the islands of New Zealand. Lunchtime came, and a lot of us braved torrential downpours to find our lunch. Quickly, we returned to sniper STEEEVVEEE (who had earlier stolen my hat) who took us back to the hotel in the STEEVVEE-mobile. We had a brisk turn around in which we changed into our kit and mentally prepared ourselves for the match ahead.

After arriving at the Samuel Marsden School, we were presented with a table laden with luscious cakes. Believing that the cakes may be suspicious tactics being used by the opposition, the RGS first team avoided them with caution, unfortunately nobody could stop Georgia “the Cake” Richardson as she attacked the mounds of sweet delights. Following an intense warm-up from coach Wootts, Shoz bundled the first team into a small and echoing room where he motivated us with the famous “inch by inch” speech (from the film, on any given Sunday featuring Robert DeNiro) bringing tears to our eyes, passion in our hearts and fire in our bellies (where there was not much room in Georgia’s case). Dear Fran Short didn’t know where to look or how to respond to the motivational speech and was desperately looking for a team-mate to give her a clue but none came . . ALL were speechless and determined . . Alex was in tears again with the emotion but then we’ve found her to be a lovely emotional lady ( You just have to say lambykins and she bursts into tears !! – only joking ) . Games commenced at 1700 hours and we were raring to go. The game started with a bang as the Spitfires went up 9-4 in the first quarter. Featuring Georgia’s debut to the first team and great playing by all. Next quarter went well but the Marsden team came back at us by achieving half of our goals leaving the score at 14-7 for half time. The third quarter finished 21-13 to Grammar and in the last quarter there was inspirational play by all and the game ended 31-15. Being the first victory for any of the Royal Grammar school teams the whole squad was in high spirits.

Then came the turn of the Hurricanes team, with gallant effort and glimmers of hope, they looked at the first quarter stage to be buried being down by 4. However the girls with the inspirational Jane and Immi held everything together and closed the gap to 3 and then kept it for the third and final quarter, thereby narrowly losing 21-24. Player of the Match was given to Georgia Richardson who stood out with her sharp, angel-like movements. Again this is a tremendous achievement considering the amount of changes this team has had to face. To still be in the game –one turn over and centre pass away from tieing is just fantastic. The Sopwiths team were also defeated but all showed huge amounts of commitment and passion with the final result 9-31. Player of the Match was given to Katie Reynolds, second time running, whose balance and determination shone through. Sophie Eaton should be mentioned for her consistent optimism and team spirit.

Whilst the matches were being played, sniper Steve lurked in all corners of the hall, dressed in a black coat and leather gloves, searching for sniper holes in the balcony and protecting his pack.

Again, as I hope the photos will show the games were played in the best possible spirit and the RGS girls whilst being disappointed were not down heartened. They have come a long way . . and still have some way to go.

Thursday 22nd Peace at last . . . after ALL the excitement.

Collected the girls from the school – all waiting for us in the lobby with smiles. Off we trooped singing our tour song to some of the Wanganui hosts. Waves and see you next time. The weather was horrid – rain but at least we were in the coach and travelling. Now for another long drive – some three hours to Wellington – the southern most capital city in the world ( Sue Johns Quiz No.2 ). Stopped on the way at a retail factory outlet township for some retail therapy and several cups of coffee. Re-hydrated we boarded the bus for a further two hours of non-eventful stuff. Girls quiet and several sleeping – Sophie reading !! Lizzie happy that she now had an All Blacks shirt !!

Arrived in Wellington in time for a late lunch. Dropped our bags off at the hotel – booked a meal for the night. Staff not used to nice girls so it seems – treated them like teenagers – ooops they are teenagers . . Girls went shopping whilst the staff went shopping. JMS found a nice museum to have a sleep in so he did. JMS also found Molly Malone as well as Green Parrot for those in the know . . . . LOTR rule OK.

Back to the hotel for supper with ALL looking smart in the RGS gillets. Good meal hopefully followed by good sleep.

Shozza out

Wednesday 21st The girls give their all and do us proud – again.

As I write this blog, it is less then one hour since the end of the first team game against Wanganui Girls School and if you don’t mind I shall start this blog from there and go backwards…… indeed it is tempting just to start with the last 20 seconds of the game and give you an accurate account of just that. Unfortunately that would do no justice to the previous 3 hours on entertainment.

After a good warm up the Spitfires came out of the traps or should that be starting blocks brilliantly. 6 – 6 neck and neck, nip and tuck . . became 6 – 9 at the end of the first quarter. Things didn’t change much in the second as the lead stretched to 9. All were playing well but we were not making the most of the possession we had or indeed worked hard to get and coupled with their hot shot shooter we went down 11 – 20. Then in the early stages of the third quarter sitting in the stands with the Hurricanes and Sopwiths, I could smell something in the air – no it was not Georgia’s deodorant or Sophie’s nail varnish – it was the smell of victory . . . the RGS girls were closing the gap. The defence were intercepting more and the C / WA / GA combo of Holly Naomi and Fran was electric – coupled with Elle scoring every time the score at the third quarter was 20 – 24. The Wanganui side just could not handle the pressure and so it continued in the final 10 minutes of the game. We clawed our way back to 24 a piece and then went 24 – 26 down but still Fran / Naomi / Holly controlled the D and when right fed it in and scored. . . . with tears now streaming down our eyes and screams of encouragement from the stands – both from the RGS girls and the Wanganui supporters we witnessed some of the most exciting Netball you will ever see . . . forget Team Bath vs Leeds Carngie .. remember RGS vs Wanganui . . . we got ‘em to 26 – 26 and we were inside the last minute . . . we had ‘em at 27 – 26 with 20 seconds to go and we were screaming POTATO SALAD . . keep the ball – just keep possession. They had the centre pass scored to make it 27 – 27 and then with one second left the ball fomr the Wanganui GS lifted over the ring of the goal and dropped in just and the hooter went. Tears of sadness – hell no – tears of joy that we had come so far and had pushed these U.18’s – sorry I forgot to tell you this was their first team – an U.18 team….. and we pushed them to the limit. What a game – ALL who witnessed or indeed who played in it will remember it for a long time to come. What a game !!

The rest of the day that proceeded that event was as exciting just not as heart throbbing . . . we picked up the girls and all dived into a coffee shop for some R&R time. Returned back to the school to get used to the Sports Hall. The Sopwiths warmed up very well and then cooled down as we were asked to partake in a Maori ritual very similar to the one of a previous night. Maori chant – we process in behind JMS and CMD / FW . . . . welcoming song and speech followed by returning song and JMS speech then JMS handing over of gifts in the Maori fashion – I was getting good at this – RADA watch out . . .

Then we went into action with the Sophie’s Sopwiths . . . what a start . . .for the first time on tour we began competitively from the start. The example to all was set by captain’s Sophie and Lizzie. Lizzie tactically was to be subbed at the end of the first quarter with clear instructions to drain herself in 10 minutes and then get on for the rest of the game. She was playing out of her skins – she didn’t have them on in fact. Hot shot Anne-Marie was missing nothing and indeed getting rebounds. Sophie was driving herself to her physical limits. With two minutes to the end of the quarter she signalled to the bench that she was going to be sick. Hang in there girls was the call – you can do it. . . sure enough she played on like the courageous girls she is turning out to be. End of the first quarter and both Sophie and Lizzie were off and the score 6 – 7 down. The second quarter saw Becci help us and with both Katie’s on at the back we tried desperately to hold on. The score got away from us a little and we were down by 4 at half time. Much the same story in the third quarter except that we played all our big girls up front and it looked good. Katie Reynolds took charge of the Centre and the dynamic Lizzie, still playing out of her skins went to WA and Gabby and Anne-Marie still scoring at will. The gap stayed at 4 and we held our own. Jess and Lizzie were intercepting nearly everything and Sophie with renewed spirit was becoming a great GK leader. There were times where the play was electric and both FW and JMS just bowed our arms in worship to the girls . . . one such goal by Anne-Marie just had us in awe . . so we bowed and then to our delight heard Anne-Marie cry ‘Go Worcester’ – it was a delightful moment especially for those who have yet to see Anne-Marie come out of her shell. The Sopwiths new found spirit and commitment saw them fight to the end but unfortunately run out defeated by 6 . . the score 18 – 24. But it had set the scene and standard for the rest to follow.

The Hurricanes still high on their magnificent performance against the tough Auckland girls warmed up very aggressively and looked the part. Shooters Lian and Becci took little time getting their range and movement – Lian was finding acres of space deep down court. Georgia had lost none of her rasamataz. The omens were good. Like the Sopwiths end of first quarter –nothing in it 5 -6 down. Second quarter changes seemed to take time to work and with Ella and Jane dominating both the vocal and defensive parts of the game, the movement into the D was getting scratchy and not as effective as before. Wanganui moved to be ahead by 5, which then went to 7 by the end of the third quarter. The fluidity was just not there – and to be confirmed later neither was the response from the crowd – it all was too quiet, certainly for a game of Volleyball – sorry Netball !! We fought and played to the end but in the end the result was fair 13 – 24 . . . and the players on both sides knew that they had been in a contest worthy of the name. Well tried Hurricanes – we’re getting there.

Then the world turned purple . . . . and we’re back to the start . . .

20 seconds from glory . . . 1 second from a dream . . and still Fran W is smiling !!

Tears of joy at defeat – what a game – not seen the like since . . . . ever.

Tuesday 20th The tour goes South

With a heavy heart we said good-bye to the thermal town of Rotorua and headed South for colder climes and on the way saw the most magnificent of sites – volcanoes everywhere and all bathed in glorious sunshine and snow. But that was after we had experienced some hair-raising moments at the Agrodome. The name in itself did not give the game away, but the advert did. We entered an arena and promptly went to the front as no one else was there and sat patiently as little well mannered girls do . . and then Beth saw a sheep. No not one sheep rather eleven. Then B said can we go and have a look – yes then Alex spotted a nursery and that was the last we saw of the little well-mannered girls sitting on the benches so angelic-like. No seriously the girls just bomb-blasted and loved the sights and sounds. When the show did start it was great to see the girls taking part. Fran milked a cow – Alex and Toni were set up with milk bottles and told to give themselves a drink . . on the count of three ONE / TWO / THREE and on three in came several lambs for the girls to feed. Boy the picture on Alex’s face tells it all. After that B and Becci were asked to catch two sheep which turned out to be ducks !! . . and the show went on to great applause. After that it was a quick trip to Rainbow Springs and Jon the tour guide who showed / told us all about the fish and birds of Rotorua. He was good and had a great sense of humour just like another Jon we know. Jane – of the sensible observation / questions asked how the fish were caught to transport them from A to B indicating that she thought it was a fishing line ! No a NET silly. . .there were thousands of trout to catch !! We then said goodbye for real to the smells and sights of Rotorua and headed off . . .The pictures abound . . then the desolute mile after mile. Stopped off in Taupo for lunch and met a Londoner from London would you believe? Told us we had another three hours to go to Wanganui – right and cheerful was he !! Then to make it worse on the way to Wanganui with the setting sun, Georgia pipes up and comments that she hasn’t seen a person for hours and this is rather reminiscent of some scary movie she saw – the Texas Chain saw massacre? This then put us all on tent-a-hooks . . it was however true we hadn’t seen a living person for miles . . and every car we saw seemed to be driving OUT of wherever we were going. Every hole in the ground was a potential burial pit . . .aaagh . . . the town of Wanganui couldn’t come any quicker for us.

Arrived at the girls school after 5.30 and was met by a warm welcoming party. I met a fellow kindred spirit in Adam – the only male and head of sport ! Our girls then went away with their billets and the staff got back on the bus, already planning tactics for the morrow.

Monday 19th The long and winding road . . . .

Got up – fed and watered - packed - said our goodbyes and then sat / sang in the coach as it made its way down South to Rotorua. The journey was broken with an uneventful pitstop – so I don’t know why I told you that ?

Got to the sulphuric smells of Rotorua in sunshine and on time. Hotel located / bags off loaded and then off to Te Puia – the thermal reserve where with a lovely guide who took us to her heart we were shown 2 live kiwis, 3 mud pools and 4 old geysers ( JMS not being included! ). Alex S found a kindred spirit in the Kiwi as we were told that they sleep for 19 hours a day and eat for the rest. Any time left over they just peck their friends ( Fran – that’s you ). On board a little electric train the stories from our Maori guide just flowed. One fast hour just flew by and then we realised . . . . in was three o’clock and we hadn’t had a proper lunch. Sorry folks but MaciMacs was visited as a fill in. Indeed not knowing quite how the girls were going to take a hangi as their evening meal I suggested they ‘pig out’ a little.

Waiting nervously for the bus, not knowing what to expect – we waited . . . the itinerary just said Maori concert and songs with a hangi. . . . we waited . . then at break neck speed around the corner came a bus. It couldn’t be for us . . could it ? Doors flew open and Mark the Maori screamed Ki-ora at us . . . no this bus wasn’t for us genteele folk from Worcester. But it was . . . the next three hours I’m afraid folks were just a blur in my memory – no I haven’t touched a drop since leaving Blighty. If you was to know exactly what happened it’ll be on You-Tube by September I am sure. But for those of you who cannot wait . . the story goes as follows – for a slightly different angle please ask your daughter . . . our driver Mark then proceeded to officially welcome us to NZ explaining Ki-ora to us. What followed next would put most of the MFL team at RGS to shame. Mark then went through the welcoming ‘hello’s – how are you today’ of at least 50 countries. There was plenty of mickey taking with regards rugby and the rest of the world. We took it all in the best of British. It was a hilarious start. But believe me, what was to follow was from another world . . of entertainment AND education. By the way Mark the driver was driving us in the dark out of Rotorua – we had absolutely no idea where we were going. After the welcoming speech he then told us of the protocols for entering a Maori village. Our chiefs would wait and be challenged in a most horrific manner with daunting chants from the ladies of the village, by the host villages chiefs at the end of which a peace token was offered to the visiting chiefs. This was duly accepted and picked up. The visiting tribe would then follow their chief into the village and all would be well. All that was needed was for our bus to elect a Chief – with several men to chose from the RGS girls including so called colleagues FW and CMW made their vocal support known to everyone . . . as they chose me !! Thank you girls. I now have anew nickname – the Chosen One. Standing along with two other chiefs alongside me, I was subjected to the most horrendous of challenges but I stood my ground and held my eye contact – legs shaking like mad . . then the peace offering was made and . . . a hand landed gently on my shoulder indicating that I was the chosen one and I had to pick up the offering. With Mr Howell’s drama lessons going through my mind I picked up the offering keeping my eye firmly fixed on the warrior. By the way everyone we’ve met knows Rico Gear and is related to him – from the delivery man in Auckland to the barman in the village. Anyway with the dramatic welcome over we trooped into the village with the girls rallying round and giving me a well done high 5 hug. We then went round the various huts in the village and talked and experienced the sights and sounds and the sheer manliness of these guys. The pictures the girls have taken will tell a better story. On the signsl of a sea conch and led by Chief Jon the tribe of Shozzalot trooped into the assembly hall and were thoroughly entertained by song and dance – the facial expressions were magnificent. A Hangi then followed which was well received by all – then to finish with the chiefs ( there were 3 of us ) had to partake in a HAKA !! Yes that too will be on You-tube no doubt. Try as I might I couldn’t get the tongue bit but I reckon I did OK on the eyeballs !! and as for the thigh slapping and chanting – no problemo.
Even then the experience was not over as our driver then entertained us on the journey home and challenged us to sing – so we duly obliged . . S Club 7 was the start. In the end a great 3 hours was had by ALL – the only sadness was that because we were late getting back and the girls were not surprisingly as high as kites we did not have the opportunity of bathing in the hot calm mineral baths of the Polynesian Spas which were just across the way from the hotel. Still the baths will be there for the next trip in 2014 !!!

Bedtime.

Shozz out