The Final Game v San Francisco Golden Gate Rugby Football Club
Hi All,
The tour just gets better. San Francisco is indeed a spectacular place. Again the boys have been taken under the wing of a wonderful group of people, who have shown them around this great city. Yesterday we visited Alcatraz. A few of us felt that we may have been there in a previous life, but I'm sure if we had, we would have been on the right side of the bars. Many of the famous prisoners held at Alcatraz had been done for tax evasion, so this is a timely reminder to get those tax returns in before the Australian tax authorities have any bright ideas. The boys were as usual, on their best behaviour. The views of San Francisco and the Golden Gate Bridge are fantastic from this little island in the middle of the bay. But I'm sure you would rather hear about the game than a travel digest.
The game was held on Treasure Island, an old Naval base that has been handed back to civilian use. It was initially warm and dry, about 15 degrees but becoming quite chilly by the end of the game. There were 2 halves each of 35 mins duration. The crowd numbered about 100. It soon became apparent that we were up against a formidable opponent, with age, weight and height favouring the locals.
The first half was dominated by the SFGG players. They tested us at every facet of the game and overpowered us. They scored three tries in fairly rapid succession, and 12 mins into the game we were down 17-0.
We hit back after a few penalties favouring us, and Alex Repsevicius, following a quick tap scored a well deserved try. Not converted, score 17-5, with the locals leading.
The local team then gave us a lesson in rugby, and holes began to appear in our defensive line. Two further tries followed before half time. The score at the break was 31-5.
The second half was a different game. It was characterised by frequent infringements, particularly by the locals who were blooding a few new players more accustomed to American Football. The referee showed no fewer than three yellow cards and one red card against SFGG. At one stage, they were down to 13 men on the field. Our boys did their best against a hardy opposition and 15 mins into the half, Ben Melville managed to score in the corner. Not converted, score 31-10, favouring SFGG.
The game seesawed for the next 15 mins until, in the dying minutes, Callan Phipps received clean ball from the robust TC scrum to cross the line. This was converted. The game concluded following the conversion. The final score was 31-17, favouring the local team. Nil significant injuries.
This was no doubt, the toughest match of the tour. There is a long tradition of rugby in San Francisco and the competition is fast and tough.
The usual post match formalities followed and SFGG gave Man of the Match to Danny McAuliffe.
The boys have returned to their billeting families tonight and will enjoy their company until we all meet again on Monday prior to flying to Singapore, and then onto home.
We thank the local organisers and the billeting families for their hospitality and hope we can return the favour when they visit our fair shores.
We are pleased to hear that Tim Badham is recovering rapidly. His Dad, Mark has joined Tim in Portland. We hope to reassemble the travelling party prior to our flight to Singapore.
To say this has been the experience of a lifetime is an understatement. Your boys have become men in this time. You will notice the difference when they return. They have done us all proud. Their behaviour has been impeccable. We have not had a single complaint about anything or anyone.
I would like to record our thanks to the organisers of this wonderful tour. Jerry Scott has been a true leader - he has faced any issues with good humour. Always immaculately dressed in a suit, tie and black shoes, he has left a lasting impression on our opponents. His tireless work has resulted in a remarkably successful tour.
Toby Trewin has had the unenviable task of treasurer on the tour, a task in which he has shown considerable skill. We wish Toby well in his future career at Hale School.
Ian Hailes, the old man of the tour party, has been the voice of reason and experience. He stayed behind in Portland to watch over Tim Badham. We thank Ian for his help in all aspects of the tour.
Finally, I wish to record my thanks to Katie Shaw for her tireless and meticulous efforts in organising the nuts and bolts of the tour. Katie not only helped in organising things pre-tour, but was there when we needed assistance with getting Mark Badham over to Portland in a hurry. Katie, you are just a champ and we all thank you for everything you have done.
We have now converted our boys into "rugby tragics". Forever more, they will want to go on tour and relive the excitement of this tour.
Looking forwards to home,
Bob Graydon
The tour just gets better. San Francisco is indeed a spectacular place. Again the boys have been taken under the wing of a wonderful group of people, who have shown them around this great city. Yesterday we visited Alcatraz. A few of us felt that we may have been there in a previous life, but I'm sure if we had, we would have been on the right side of the bars. Many of the famous prisoners held at Alcatraz had been done for tax evasion, so this is a timely reminder to get those tax returns in before the Australian tax authorities have any bright ideas. The boys were as usual, on their best behaviour. The views of San Francisco and the Golden Gate Bridge are fantastic from this little island in the middle of the bay. But I'm sure you would rather hear about the game than a travel digest.
The game was held on Treasure Island, an old Naval base that has been handed back to civilian use. It was initially warm and dry, about 15 degrees but becoming quite chilly by the end of the game. There were 2 halves each of 35 mins duration. The crowd numbered about 100. It soon became apparent that we were up against a formidable opponent, with age, weight and height favouring the locals.
The first half was dominated by the SFGG players. They tested us at every facet of the game and overpowered us. They scored three tries in fairly rapid succession, and 12 mins into the game we were down 17-0.
We hit back after a few penalties favouring us, and Alex Repsevicius, following a quick tap scored a well deserved try. Not converted, score 17-5, with the locals leading.
The local team then gave us a lesson in rugby, and holes began to appear in our defensive line. Two further tries followed before half time. The score at the break was 31-5.
The second half was a different game. It was characterised by frequent infringements, particularly by the locals who were blooding a few new players more accustomed to American Football. The referee showed no fewer than three yellow cards and one red card against SFGG. At one stage, they were down to 13 men on the field. Our boys did their best against a hardy opposition and 15 mins into the half, Ben Melville managed to score in the corner. Not converted, score 31-10, favouring SFGG.
The game seesawed for the next 15 mins until, in the dying minutes, Callan Phipps received clean ball from the robust TC scrum to cross the line. This was converted. The game concluded following the conversion. The final score was 31-17, favouring the local team. Nil significant injuries.
This was no doubt, the toughest match of the tour. There is a long tradition of rugby in San Francisco and the competition is fast and tough.
The usual post match formalities followed and SFGG gave Man of the Match to Danny McAuliffe.
The boys have returned to their billeting families tonight and will enjoy their company until we all meet again on Monday prior to flying to Singapore, and then onto home.
We thank the local organisers and the billeting families for their hospitality and hope we can return the favour when they visit our fair shores.
We are pleased to hear that Tim Badham is recovering rapidly. His Dad, Mark has joined Tim in Portland. We hope to reassemble the travelling party prior to our flight to Singapore.
To say this has been the experience of a lifetime is an understatement. Your boys have become men in this time. You will notice the difference when they return. They have done us all proud. Their behaviour has been impeccable. We have not had a single complaint about anything or anyone.
I would like to record our thanks to the organisers of this wonderful tour. Jerry Scott has been a true leader - he has faced any issues with good humour. Always immaculately dressed in a suit, tie and black shoes, he has left a lasting impression on our opponents. His tireless work has resulted in a remarkably successful tour.
Toby Trewin has had the unenviable task of treasurer on the tour, a task in which he has shown considerable skill. We wish Toby well in his future career at Hale School.
Ian Hailes, the old man of the tour party, has been the voice of reason and experience. He stayed behind in Portland to watch over Tim Badham. We thank Ian for his help in all aspects of the tour.
Finally, I wish to record my thanks to Katie Shaw for her tireless and meticulous efforts in organising the nuts and bolts of the tour. Katie not only helped in organising things pre-tour, but was there when we needed assistance with getting Mark Badham over to Portland in a hurry. Katie, you are just a champ and we all thank you for everything you have done.
We have now converted our boys into "rugby tragics". Forever more, they will want to go on tour and relive the excitement of this tour.
Looking forwards to home,
Bob Graydon
posted by trinityrugby at 5:55 PM
