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

Sunday 18th Getting closer , getting hungry , getting fiesty . .

Before anyone is concerned that the title of this blog is showing an early indication of the tour going to pieces can I reassure you that the comment is referring to the Netball. The three sides are now, three games into the tour, beginning to see what it takes to beat these guys. We are on a steep learning curve and we have to get closer, get hungier, get feistier – all in the best possible taste of course.

Anyway the day started with a late reveille, a peaceful breakfast and a morning stroll through a rose garden. JMS still coming to terms with why in the restaurant of some 30 empty tables with varied settings of 2 , 3 and 6, one large lady with a newspaper HAD to sit at his table !! Where was FW and CMD when you want them the most?

STEEEEEVE arrived on time – group photo shoot splendid in Netball dresses. I especially liked the ‘angry stare’ shot. FW is stitches with JMS pose - she’s obviously not seen Steve McQueen. In fact STEEEEVE had arrived too early and we got to Auckland GG too early with the gates still locked. So he took us off for a drive over the hills and far away ( Sharpe quote ). Indeed we went over the bridge we’d sailed under the day previous. The beeches that we saw from the coast were lovely and white. The marinas were enormous. 1 in 4 in Auckland own a boat !! Our prompt whistle stop tour over, we headed back to the locked gate No.4 and waited for the keys. Initial indications were that we were to face a Maori side – small / compact and built like tanks. This was going to be an entirely different kettle of fish to anything we had encountered so far.

Game ON . . . a long wait and long warm up later . . . the Sopwiths with the injection of experience provided by Katie Reynolds started slowly . . no very slowly . . the score was 10 – 0 before we’d even got the ball to Anne-Marie. This was all put aside however when Anne-Marie scored and the cheers were, if nothing else uplifting. In retrospect the game at the end of the first quarter was over – 1 – 17 and all that was left to play for was RGS pride. Too many passes were either going astray or intercepted – the dodging in Australia that was so prevalent had all but gone – yes the court was wet but . . . the team rallied but to little avail and in the end were glad to get off the court in one piece, losing 8 – 50.

At the same time as that was going on, the Spitfires were have a real dogfight of their own, with Becci and Ella providing some extra fire power from the second team. End of the first quarter and it was nip ‘n tuck 6 – 7 . The pace intensified as the game progressed and we began to see signs of the RGS side at its best. There were glimpses of pure brilliance from Naomi and even more intellectual thought from Fran. Holly was her usual bustling self – not bad really when she’s suffering with feet problems! The second quarter went to Auckland but RGS returned in the third and final quarters again putting pressure on the opponents. Although the score 18 – 28 was another defeat - the girls came off the court in a far better frame of mind. There was a real positive sense to their attitude and play that because of the acclimatisation period to the Southern Hemisphere we had not seen before.

After the excitement of the Spitfires, the Hurricanes took to the court and again met the Maori challenge head on. It was clear by the end of the first quarter that if we played with anything less than 100% we were going to be taken to the cleaners. Ella and Lauren were in a real tussle and did their very very best not to be fazed by the pace and sheer physicality of their opponents. The second quarter was closer than the first and several of our first team heard at the interval, the Auckland coach describe our team as a pack of mongrels !! Compliment or what ? Got to be a compliment – we might be scrappy but hey a mongrel in a tight corner is where I would NOT want to be !! Hannah had her WA in tears, Georgia was running on maximum and the short crisp passes were getting to Auckland – they just couldn’t handle it. Whilst the game was always in Auckland’s favour, the team just wouldn’t lie down and we were still getting our fair share of possession and goals. In the end the score of 15 – 25 was the best the Hurricanes have achieved so far on tour.

Return to hotel – quick shower and change into formal gear for the meal of a lifetime. STEEEVE picked us up and within 5 minutes we were under the Sky Tower, looking up at the monster piece of concrete. Arriving slightly ahead of schedule we stopped off at the observation deck and looked over Auckland with clear crystal skies. Some of the girls did not appreciate the ‘holes’ in the lift as it ascended – you could see out as it was going up! Buffet meal was A*1 . . eat as much as you can and it was all top class. Mainly seafood – oysters / scallops / crab / sole / salmon / muscles to name but 6 . . all were sampled by the brave !! The puddings were also first rate and several of the girls must have eaten my share as I just had no room left. A visit to the shop was also welcomed and Jess again bought a badge for her bag – nice idea. Back to the hotel and bed . . .