Day 2

An early morning was necessary for everyone as the party had to be at their respective schools for the start of the school day (7.30 for the girls – 8.00 for the boys). With a morning to spend at our leisure it was decided to take the opportunity to visit Johannesburg Zoo, the highlights amongst a very fine collection of well cared for animals were the; Siberian Tigers and the only two Polar Bears in the African continent. After a very enjoyable and leisurely morning it was time to begin to prepare for the major purpose of our African adventure; the first set of matches.

Girls Hockey v St Dominic’s

2^nd X1 – report written by: Sarah Reid & Katie Paul

One of our first challenges was getting used to the unfamiliar surface – GRASS.

Katie Paul led us confidently from the start with the ball quickly making its way into the opposition’s D. Good teamwork from Emily Shea and Mimi Pincott worked well in attack while great determination from Amy Lawrence at the post led to numerous short corners from which St Edward’s were unlucky not to score.

Non stop attack and defensive skills came from Ellie Hunt who contributed well throughout the game. In the defensive phases some fantastic tackles came from Clare Royle which prevented St Edward’s from conceding any goals. Despite the unfamiliar surface St Edward’s managed to maintain a high standard of performance, particularly evident was the accurate passing and good ball movement. A neat touch in the D from Mimi Pincott set up by Hannah Smith and Emily Shea led to the St Edward’s 1 – 0 win.

St Edward’s 1 – St Dominic’s 0

Player of the match was awarded to: Georgia Dyer

1^st X1 - report written by: Alice Shea & Kate Jones

The first 5 minutes was spent adapting to the different surface, the players coped well with this change altering their play accordingly. The Midfield line of: Pascoe, Harris, Hunt & Cannon were dominant throughout creating many opportunities for the attacking line. The goal came from a quick reaction in defence from Jones & Tupper with the ball moving swiftly through the midfield and an initial shot being saved by the St Dominic’s goalkeeper only for Mimi Pincott to neatly lift the ball into the net, to put St Edward’s ahead. St Dominic’s reacted well to the St Edward’s goal with several attacking plays but the defensive line of: Jones, Parnham, Tupper & the Captain Alice Shea together with goalkeeper Dyer managed to keep a clean sheet thus ensuring a well deserved victory.

St Edward’s 1 – St Dominic’s 0

 

Player of the match was awarded to: Mimi Pincott

Rugby Report written by: Scoop Watson

St Edward’s won their first match on tour in SA  playing on the High Veld at altitude against CBC Boksburg School.

MartinWhittemore opened the scoring in a planned back row move with Number 8 George Knowles but sidestepped his way to touchdown close to posts unaided. The try was converted by flyhalf; Tom Hage .

Boksburg then bounced back with a well worked try of their own but failed to convert leaving St Edward’s ahead 7 – 5. In the second half  Boksburg took advantage of a dubious forward pass unseen by the referee to release their speedy winger who scored from 80 metres, but again they failed to convert. As the game moved at a ferocious pace from end to end St Edward’s were unlucky not to score on several occasions, indeed  George Knowles & Matt Watson were both tackled just short of the try line. In defence George Pearson & particularly Sam Hartley were exceptional with Sam making no less the 3 try saving tackles. As the clock ticked down St Edward’s began to play with greater confidence and cohesion, particularly in their counter attacking and one such move with 2 minutes to go resulted in a trade mark outside support run from George Knowles to bullock his was to the line close to the corner to huge congratulations from his team mates. However the touchline conversion from Tom Hage was equally impressive.

Final Score: CBC Boksburg 10 - St Edward’s 14 

Man of the match: Tom Hage

At the conclusion of the matches both squads enjoyed  post match receptions hosted by the opposition. As is a feature on such occasions gifts were exchanged and brief speeches of thanks were made by the captains and the staff of both schools’.

The girl’s reception took place in a local pizza restaurant, whilst the boys enjoyed a Brai with the opposition and the coaches at the school. Following these pleasant occasions the tourists dispersed to spend their second night with their host families.

 

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