First games. Boys Lose all Three & Girls Win one Lose one

Underway at last. Playing the Victoria State XVs, all three side went down to defeat. In a close game, the 1st XV took a lead midway through the first half, before going in 10-7 down at half-time; this observer thought the RGS were the better side for much of that first half, putting on serious pressure in the line out and at the breakdown. In the second half, it was harder to establish a platform as the referee's interpretation of the breakdown hurt us, as did some boys of Polynesian extraction the size of the proverbial brick facility. Despite and excellent Pearston try, tries either side from them kept them in front and they ran in two in the last few minutes to flatter them somewhat.

Earlier, the 2nd XV lost having been 19-0 up at half time before a mixture of tiredness and substitutions let the opposition score 36 points without reply in the second half. Meanwhile, the Under 16s in a mudbath fought out a close first half before crumbling against some more rather large Polynesian backs in the second half to lose 51-0: bit of a lesson in the end.

The honour of the RGS was however upheld by the girls' Netball A team, who came from behind to win their game in the last quarter; the Bs lost a hard fought game.

More, with photos, to come. Sunny Australia?

 


Well, the sun does shine sometimes... training yesterday...

On the bench at the MCG. Unfortunately, on the first night we went to what was quite possibly the worst Aussie Rules game in history, mostly notable for ten jet-lagged party's tendency to fall asleep and the locals amusement at an entire row of girls asleep (and it was bloomin' cold).

The Sky Tower was, well, high...

These lads may well now weigh up to five times more following the vast quantities of food their billets have given them. Others have been to a Samoan dance, gone to church (oh yes), Lord knows what!


Meanwhile, if Mrs T is reading the beer is not hideously expensive, I am not in a rather nice bar with (finally) free wifi and yours truly definitely did not end up in the place below in the early hours! What a country!

Sydney here we come......