b KEARSNEY X H i-H PQ O The squad, consisting of23 boys and 3 masters, left for New Zealand on March 22expecting cold and rainy weather. After a butt-numbing flight via Singapore we arrived in Christchurch to surprising hot weather. The New Zealand public proved to be friendly, hospitable and extremely passionate about rugby. The first match was against Shirley Boys' High School in Christchurch. Shirley Boys'is renowned for its cricketers with two current Black Caps in Nathan Astle and Craig McMillan. After leading 32-0 at half time, Kearsney won 46-0 (6 tries, 5 conversions, 1 penalty and 1 drop goal). From Christchurch, the team travelled to the West Coast where we were hosted by Westland High School in Hokitika. Playing conditions were as^^|| anticipated,pouring rain and gale force winds. Kearsney played an Invitation team and triumphed 55-5(9 tries and 5 conversions). he most that takes great pride in it's rugby, and has produced 16 All Blacks. The teams changed halves at 12-12 and Kearsney ran out victorious at 54-12(9 tries, 1 penalty and 3 conversions). The Kearsney New Zealandsquad: Chris Hartwig,Dax Barker, Leon van Rooyen, Ian Bester,Daryl Visser, Derek Brunskill,Lloyd Becker, David York, Brent Taylor, Justin Howlett, Mushi Siwisa, Roan Heming, Marc Parker, Murray Baillie, Steve Meyer, Andrew Borgen, Richard Hall, Charl Claassen, Zan Bezuidenhout, Keegan Scott, Ayanda Mkhize, Gareth Wilkinson, Greg Goosen (Captain). Matt Stevens,who captained the Kearsney rugby side for the season was in Chile playing for the South Africa U19 side and did not tour with the team. Pretoria Boys'High Centenary Rugby Festival The squad then travelled south, spending a night at Fox Glacier and two nights in Queenstown. At the stop over, bungi-jumping and Whitewater rafting were the order of the day. The squad then travelled to Invercargill to play what was to be the most challenging match on our tour against Southland Boys' High School. After trailing 6-8 at half time,Kearsney scored in the last moment ofthe game to tie the match at l6-all(Itry, 1 conversion and 3 penalties). The bruised squad then moved on to Oamura on the East Coast to play Waitaki Boys' High. After leading 19-5 at half time, Kearsney ran out winners 31-10(5 tries and 3 conversions). The squad now had one match left in New Zealand against Timaru Boys' High, a school memorable results were those against Hilton, Michaelhouse, Glenwood,Pretoria Boys'andDHSon their Founders'Weekend. Three days after our return from New Zealand,the exhausted squad travelled to Pretoria in great anticipation ofwhat proved to be a most enjoyable rugby festival. Kearsney beat Parktown Boys' High 24-9(3 tries, 3 conversions and 1 penalty)in our first match ofthe festival. A physical and hard fought match againstJeppe Boys'High followed with Kearsney the victors by 25-7(3 tries, 2 conversions and 2 penalties). Our worst and probably our only disappointing performance ofthe season followed against KES,which we deservedly lost 13-18 in a match marred by basic and technical errors. However,valuable experience was gained on the two pre-season tours and we confidently faced a tough domestic season. All coaches, players and supporters appreciate that the results against the domestic and traditional rivals are the most important. Eleven challenging fixtures lay ahead but unfortunately, the Westville Boys' fixture was cancelled due to the flu epidemic. - w. .... m «» I
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