Entabeni Game Park

We all had a lie in today until 0815. It was great! The hotel is fabulous, I wish we were staying here for another day. Breakfast was also fantastic and we all stocked up for the long journey. I heard that the boys had gone to a place that had live music last night with Mr Unsworth and Mr Seymour. James D-C pretended he was American and spoke to a lot of girls!

The journey to Entabeni was very long (nearly 4 hours) and the last bit was on a dirt road. We are staying in huts with a thatch roof. Dad said there wouldn’t be any electricity but there is. The huts are really good with a shower. We had lunch when we arrived. The boys ate AGAIN! After the boys had eaten we had down time where most of the boys went to the pool. Dad and I were dipping our feet in the pool and suddenly Rob R came along in his Speedos! He was teased a lot! Though it was pretty funny! The water was freezing! The only brave person to go in was Jo J who just went for it!
We then all got onto jeeps and went on a game drive. They said that it would get really cold and they were right. The boys all had blankets except for Alex H who said that his Reading shorts would be warm enough. Our jeep saw a hippo, a crocodile, giraffe (Duncan B said it was a walking tree at first!), impala, jackal and lots of lovely birds. We searched for animals in the dark too with a spotlight. Our jeep didn’t find a lion but another jeep did. The lion was very close to the jeep and he roared at the boys!

We got back at 7.30pm and went straight into dinner. The boys ate a lot AGAIN. Afterwards we sat around a big campfire. You had to get a Ranger with a gun to escort you back to your hut in case a lion came into the camp! There were other families there. Dad said the boys were flirting with one of the girls!

At 6:00 am a wake up call went round and rangers were at the doors saying it was safe to walk about! I don’t think the boys were very happy about that!
Everyone set off except for 2 of our boys who slept through the wake up calls and the rangers!

The drive was another 3 hours in the very cold air!
On the drive we saw 5 lions, 3 rhinos including a baby rhino, warthogs, 2 hippos and some giraffes!
Some boys were even lucky enough to see a cheetah after a kill!
In my truck we had: Mum, Dad, Andy U, Alex H, Duncan B, Henry K, Michael S, Nick H and I!
I felt sorry for Nick H because he was the only year 13!
Except for our driver commentating we also had Alex H talking about mating calls etc.
Near the end of our drive we had a choir at the back of the truck doing remix’s and it was hilarious!
The songs included: In the Jungle from the Lion King, Jingle Bells, I believe I can touch the Sky and 99 green bottles sitting on shelf! Dad will try and add photos later! Please look later on! Photos now at http://picasaweb.google.com/anna7davies/EntabeniGameReserve#

Everyone loaded the coach and headed off to Spring Boys High School for the boys to meet their hosts.
The hosts seemed really nice. But I felt sorry for 1 lady who took home 5 boys who were very hungry!

Anna
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3rd Match versus Menlo High School

After a very early start (wake-up call at 0615!) and a quiet flight to Johannesburg we loaded the bus and headed for lunch at Menlyn Mall.

We arrived at Menlo Park High School for our 3rd game. Despite jet lag and the altitude the team tried their best but were overwhelmed by a more skilful, more physical and bigger team. Please see the photographs. This will be the best team that these Shiplake boys will ever face. It included a schoolboy Springbok at fly half and a number of provincial players. It was a case of men against boys but Mr Seymour told the boys that if they learnt a little from the opposition it would have been worth it. Our boys were VERY brave. They did not take a step backwards but they were just really, really good. Pictures are: http://picasaweb.google.com/anna7davies/3rdMatchAgainstMenloHighSchool#

After the game Menlo Park had organised a special meal for the boys and staff. The meal was fantastic!
The boys were making a lot of noise so I presume that they were having a good time!

There was a little presentation where Shiplake and Menlo Park gave out ties, balls, etc. the surprising thing was that when Menlo Park were giving out the Port they even gave me one! They also offered me a glass of wine!

The hotel that we are staying in is gorgeous!
The boys have gone out to eat again I don’t think they’re ever full!

Just a quick note to say that I will not be updating you for two days because we will be staying at a game reserve and there is no internet.
Bye for now!
Anna
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Court In Session

A court session was held in camera at a local restaurant last night. The prosecutor, Mr Unsworth brought a number of felonies to my attention and I, as judge, had to give out appropriate sanctions. There was, of course, a defence attorney, Mr Seymour, but in all cases he could not adequately defend the perpetrators for their heinous crimes on tour. In fact, on a number of cases, he thought it appropriate that the court severely punish the defendant in an attempt to get the individual back on the straight and narrow.

James D-C was first in the dock for uncontrolled hair. He was given hair wax and told to ensure that, whilst in “Number Ones”, his hair was under control at all times. Ross R had, apparently, eaten a “dodgy” curry the night before which had made him sick. The court came up with an age-old remedy of onion with Tabasco. Ross is feeling a lot better today. James B was accused of wearing an earring whilst in uniform. The court decided that if he wanted to look like a girl he should wear a prettier earring and produced a very attractive clip-on item to be worn with his uniform. A similar earring was produced for Henry K after the court found small round holes in the defendant’s ear lobe. The prosecutor alleged that Craig H had worn underpants to walk up Table Mountain. The court was provided with evidence and refused to accept that the lycra garments should be worn without additional clothing. In addition the court found that the garments in question left little to anyone’s imagination and therefore sentenced the defendant to use a sweet potato to enhance the defendant’s reputation. At this stage there was some disturbance in the court which I had to deal with by use of the South African judicial method of making the heckler bite a chilli pepper dipped in peri-peri sauce. This worked extremely well as those who had spoken out of turn could now not talk at all.

James W was next in the dock accused of leaving the rugby game without the coach’s permission. This was an open and shut case and the defendant was given some baby food to supplement his nutrition as he was finding solid foods, following his mouth injury, difficult to masticate. Sam Q was next accused of spending a disproportionate amount of time on his hair. The court produced a pink Alice band to assist the defendant who was told that it must be worn with his uniform. Tom W was found guilty of wearing inappropriate lime green socks. The court produced some black nylon pop socks for the defendant to wear with his uniform. Alex H was found guilty of careless behaviour over personal possessions and was ordered to wear purple sunglasses whenever he was in uniform. Rory O’C was accused of poor balance. Evidence was put forward which clearly proved that the defendant had slipped over and landed on his coccyx when no-one was in the vicinity. The court granted leniency and produced some “bum cream” which will be used to massage the damaged area when appropriate.

Court was adjourned for the evening with further cases pending. One particularly nasty allegation brought to my attention for the next court session was that Elliot Q had worn a mankini whilst on the summit of Table Mountain. The court granted the defence time to prepare.

2nd match versus Hopefield

The boys all made it in for assembly at 0730. Some of them had indeed had to wake up at 5am. Some had to wait at school-bus stops for 20 minutes in, what seemed like sub-zero temperatures. On balance they thought the Shiplake assembly time of 0820 was much better! There are about 600 pupils at the school which is co-ed. We listened to the Principal tell us a story about a competition between the wind and the sun to see which one could control man. The wind blew as hard as he could but the man just turned up his collar and went about his normal business. The sun beamed warm gentle rays on to the man and the man took of his coat and had to rest. The moral was that if we are gentle with one another we will all be more compliant. Getting nasty with each other will make us more determined to stick to our guns.

The school is bilingual, but the Principal spoke in English, not Afrikaans, for our benefit. They sang their school song for us and I was invited to address the school. After assembly the boys went to the first lesson of the day with their hosts, sometimes in classes of 40. The Principal has a closed-circuit TV in his office with cameras in every classroom. I thought this was a fabulous idea, but I can’t see it being allowed in the UK!

We left to train at Langebaan beach at 9am when the sun was beginning to make a difference. By the time we reached the beach it was like a good summer’s day in the UK. We did some light training focussing on improving some of the weak areas from the first game and then the boys went off to find lunch and to have a paddle. Photos here http://picasaweb.google.com/anna7davies/TrainingAtLangebaanBeach#

At 1.30pm we boarded the bus to get back to Hopefield High School to prepare for the sevens match at 3.30pm and the 15-a-side game at 4.00pm.

I refereed the 7s game which was the least like 7s that you can imagine. Both teams played 15-a-side tactics but with only seven players. However, our willpower won through and we finished the three 7 minute sessions victorious. Photos are here http://picasaweb.google.com/anna7davies/7sMatchAgainstHopefield#

The main game started ferociously but I was proud that our boys did not take a step back. Our defensive organisation was much better, as was our talking. Unfortunately, after twenty minutes James W took a frontal blow to his lower jaw and his bottom incisors were pushed back. Alison and I have driven him to the local hospital (27 miles away!) and I am now writing this blog from the dentist’s waiting room.



We got back, with James having been really brave. His teeth are now looking like they did this morning. We found out that e had lost 12 - 7, but had played fantastically well and had earnt the respect of the opposition who had thought we would be a pushover. Actually the coach was good enought to say that their converted try had come from a definite offside, so technically we had won 7 - 5! We were treated to a great after-match dinner and then the boys went out for a quiet evening with their hosts. Photos are http://picasaweb.google.com/anna7davies/15ASideVersusHopefield#



So 3 matches played and 2 lost, but our performance today gave great hope for the domestic season.

Cape Town once again!

Today at 8:00 am the boys got dropped at Hopefield School.
They said goodbye to their hosts, packed the coach and headed for Cape Town. The boys stopped off at a petrol station which had a Wimpy. As you can imagine that was it for the boys straight out of the coach and start into Wimpy to buy cheese burgers, milkshakes etc. I am guilty because I did have a Banana Milkshake which was delicious!
Everyone arrived at Table Top Mountain where the boys got ready to climb the Mountain!
Mum and I decided to not climb the mountain as we have no walking shoes and it would be to expensive to buy some!
It took the boys one and a half hours to climb the mountain and an hour to get down!
After the boys loaded the bus they arrived at the hotel where the boys settled down and went for a wild swim in the freezing pool!
Most of the were pushed or forced to get in! Even Mr. Unsworth had a quick dip!
Tonight the boys are going to have a court session in a restaurant called Best Ugly just a 10 minute walk down from the hotel! Photos are at http://picasaweb.google.com/anna7davies/Court#
We have just had a surgery in room 44 which is my families room!
We've had knee injuries, neck problems, sore teeth and aching legs!
Got to go to the restaurant!
Anna
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Hopefield

We travelled about 90 minutes north west of Cape Town today to a small town called Hopefield. It really is small, about 4000 people, but it has a fantastic sense
of community. Everyone knows one another and everyone follows the high school rugby. It is a massive thing because there is no adult team so the XV does get huge local support. The boys choose who they would like to share with and they were allocated host families. The boys went to be entertained and we went to the coach’s house for the local “braii” of a fish called snook. We were made to feel very welcome and a lot of rugby was talked.

Some of the boys were staying locally, whilst others were about 30 minutes away in the coastal town of Langebaan. Most of the boys met up, with their hosts, for a game of touch on the beach. As you might imagine, the touch part of the game quickly disappeared and it almost became full contact – I am told. The boys certainly knew that the game tomorrow would be VERY physical.

We also knew that it was going to be very cold during the night but we were really not prepared for how cold. Andy Unsworth went to bed fully clothed in his fleece and tracksuit bottoms!

The other thing I “failed” to tell the boys was what time school starts in SA! Assembly is at 0730 in the morning. The boys who are being hosted some distance away will have to get up at 5am!

Hopefield is very different from Cape Town. A very different culture exists. The people have more time for you, perhaps because technology is not as advanced in a smaller, more remote town (apart, of course from the ubiquitous mobile phone). Anna could not believe that the hotel we stayed in did not have a TV, internal phone or shower! It is VERY good for our boys to experience such a close community, where friendship and loyalty is valued above financial gain.

Tomorrow we are going to play a 7-a-side game in addition to the main event. I hope the boys are not hosted too well tonight!

Photos at http://picasaweb.google.com/anna7davies/Hopefield#

There is no internet connection in the “hotel” so we will have to post this blog when we get back to Cape Town.

By Gregg

Our hotel at Cape Town

Our hotel is the Protea Cape Castle. We all have great rooms with a small kitchen. The views are great and there is a small outdoor pool, though nobody has been for a swim yet!! I was wanting to go in, honest!!http://www.proteahotels.com/protea-hotel-cape-castle.html

Photos at http://picasaweb.google.com/anna7davies/CapeTownHotel#

Anna

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Waterfront, Cape Town

Tonight we all went together for a meal at the famous Waterfront. We went to the Spur Grill. There was lots of red meat which the boys thought was great. Mummy wasn't so sure!!

Photos are at http://picasaweb.google.com/anna7davies/TheWaterfront#

We had a great time and afterwards the boys went for a wander but Dad says they all came back safely AND at the right time.

Anna

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How a rugby shirt travels

When we visited Langa Township today imagine our surprise when we saw a boy wearing an old Shiplake rugby shirt. We asked him where he got it from and he said from a school team who visited two years ago. The blue letters on the front of the shirt said "AM". Burr House, because of the blue. AM.................. Adam Middleton, last year's Head of College!!!! Dad says Mrs Middleton has been looking for that shirt for ages but we knew Adam had given it away when he came with the last tour.

How amazing is that?!!!

Anna

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1st Game against South Bellville

The big day arrived, our 1st match! Unfortunately the boys lost 35 - 24 to South Bellville Secondary School.

We did not start well!! I think the boys were shocked by how fast the opposition were. Everytime we let them have the ball it seemed that they might score. Their fly half and full back were unbelievably quick and we did not put enough pressure on them. (Dad's helping me now!). We also gave away a lot of penalties and did not learn how the referee was playing the contact area. However in the second half, the boys got into their stride and we comfortably won that half!

Photos are http://picasaweb.google.com/anna7davies/1stGameAgainstBelvilleSouth#

Elliot Q, James DC and Alex B scored our three tries while Sam Q slotted over a penalty and three conversions. Thankfully there were no injuries. We all enjoyed an after match tea and enjoyed getting to know the opposition a little better.

After this we set off to Langa Township where we had a guided walking tour. Followed by an amazing lunch at Shelia's Cafe.

Photos http://picasaweb.google.com/anna7davies/LangaTownship#

During lunch we were entertained by a local band who were fantastic and really amused the boys. They even joined in with the singing. I have the evidence on video!

Then it was back to the hotel for a freshen up. Some Boys may have watched the test match SA V NZ before an evening at the Waterfront!

Anna

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Western Province against Free State Cheetahs

Tonight the boys went to watch Western Province play the Free State Cheetahs. Mum and I stayed at the hotel to have a “girls” night

Dad said the match was great, though he said he would have been a better referee. I don’t think so!!!!

For some of the boys it was their first live rugby match. What a place to do this!!! Western Province won 19 – 13.

Further photos: http://picasaweb.google.com/anna7davies/WesternProvinceGame#

1st Day in South Africa

At 10:00 am this morning we all arrived at Cape Town International. Where Rob R and Edwin Doran met us. The boys all got on the coach and set off for The Waterfront where they had some free time to eat lunch and have a window shop.
After The Waterfront we checked into our hotel and after a quick turn around it was off to Training Session number 1!
The Training Session was by the beach which was very beautiful!
The boys had about an hour of training then back to the hotel to freshen up for a night at Newlands to watch Cheetahs V Western Province!
I think the boys are really looking forward to seeing this game and will enjoy the evening very much!
I shall write to you tomorrow after the 1st match!
Anna
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P.S More photos http://picasaweb.google.com/anna7davies/Day1TrainingInSouthAfrica#

South Africa Flight

I’m sitting in ‘The Bridge Bar’ in Heathrow Airport.
Watching over 5 boys! But don’t worry they’re only having soft drinks!
We’ve checked in and passed through security except for Mr. Unsworth who left his deodorant and some sun cream in his bag! Actually not only Mr Unsworth, Charlie E had all his toiletries in his hand luggage. He’s going to be pretty smelly in a couple of days!

Our flight is in 90 mins time. I can’t wait! Sam E says he must have an exit seat because he is so tall. I think he’ll have to chat up the stewardess if he wants one!

I’m on the plane with 4 Shiplake Boys in front of me and they’re being particularly good!
Poor Tom W couldn’t get comfortable and kept moving about!
Shiplake Boys would have to be the best Tour Group on the plane!
They are the most polite, the best dressed, not to mention they smell better!
There are 4 Tour Groups on the plane including Shiplake so the Air Stewards have been rushing up and down the plane!
We are about to land. I’ll write to you as soon as we get to the hotel and where the boys will have their 1st training session in South Africa!
Anna
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Training Day 2

The boys looked a little tired today but Mr Curtis said they worked very hard. Mr Unsworth is very excited about the trip. He says he has never been out of Europe before.

Dad said that Duncan had to get his hair cut so Mummy used the hair clippers. I think he looks worse now!

We're all looking forward to tomorrow when we leave Shiplake at 4.30pm.

More photos at http://picasaweb.google.com/anna7davies/SATour2ndDayOfTraining#

Anna

1st Day Training

At 9.00am this morning 26 boys turned up for their first immense training session. They first started in a classroom with Mr Curtis and Mr Unsworth giving them a talk about admin. and giving out kit or "stash". The kit is really cool.

I wandered up with a big camera ready to snap away at the boys which I hope they didn't mind. When I got to New Field the boys were split into two groups, forwards and backs, or Dad says those who can't dance and those who can! Both groups did different drills and a lot of running. The boys looked really puffed but the "dancers" looked less tired. I took a few photos and you can find them at http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/anna7davies/SATour1stDayTraining#

I hope you like them. I will head over there tomorrow to see them practice again with my camera. Dad says some of them better have shaved!!!

by Anna

The Players

Playing rugby in South Africa in July will be really tough. It is their winter and they will be part way through their rugby season. We will have had two days training before we go! The boys will have to learn and adapt very quickly but, whatever the results, the experience of playing will be good for them when their season starts in September.



Most of the players who are going played for the Under 16 XV last autumn. They were undefeated. Mr Andy Dix and Mr Cane-Hardy were their coaches. Mr Dix used to be in charge of the 1st XV before he became a dad of twins and housemaster of Skipwith House! The other boys going have already played for the 1st XV or 2nd XV so know what senior schools rugby is about.

Game Reserve

On Thursday 30th July the team will be travelling to Entabeni Game Reserve for 1 night. The team will be sleeping in Luxury tents over looking the Game Reserve!

At around 3:30 pm we will be going on a late afternoon game drive into the reserve, hopefully seeing 'The Big 5'.

The next morning no one will be very pleased because they will be having a wake up call at 5:30 am for a hot drink then at 6:30 am we will go for an early morning game drive!

This morning is the perfect chance to see all of the animals on the reserve as the sun rises!

We will be having a wonderful breakfast after we come back!

By Anna Davies

What is in Cape Town

When the team arrive in Cape Town this is hopefully what they will be doing!

The boys will have a lot to look forward to;
from Table Top Mountain to the Waterfront etc. Last time the boys went to Table Top Mountain the cable car had broken down and they had to climb the Mountain but hopefully this time for the boys the cable car will be working (though Dad wants them to climb it anyway!)

The Waterfront is a massive shopping mall! For Mum and I it will be great but I'm not sure about the rest of the team!

Cape Town is a brilliant place! The lights, the sights, the beaches and not to mention the fantastic cafes and restaurants!

Usually Dad goes for long walks very early in the morning! I hope he doesn't take the boys (and especially me). I would be so embarassed!

Also to look forward to is the visit to the Cape of Good Hope which is where the Indian and Atlantic Oceans meet.

You can't forget the penguins on Boulder's Beach in Simonstown! Normally the boys would have a quick look then get out. They don't always seem that interested!

I shall be updating you with all the places that we are going to and the training sessions!

By Anna Davies

Preview

A week on Thursday 26 boys from Year 13 and Year 12 will be going on a South African Rugby Tour. The staff are: Mr.G Davies (Tour Manager), Mrs.A Davies, Mr.D Seymour and Mr.A Unsworth. And of course me, Anna Davies, who will be main supporter, photographer and diarist during our time in SA!

The boys will be put through immense training and tough opposition in SA.

Firstly we will be travelling to Cape Town from Heathrow. The journey will take about 12 hours so I would make sure all of your Ipods are well charged!

The boys will have 2 days of training at Shiplake with Mr. Curtis, Mr. Unsworth and Mr. Davies. As you all know the three teachers put together will make the training extremely hard 2 days!

I will be updating this diary when I get more information and when we are on the trip!

By Anna Davies