Two parents, up at sparrows fart, sit on the steps at reception waiting for a lift for fishing. Expecting it to be Fiji time they give it 45 mins and retire for breakfast. Cereals, followed by eggs, sausages and toast. The coffee was a good pick-up.

It was an easy morning with the U15s having a light run aimed at running through the patterns of play they need to establish to win the game. We have been assured that the Fijians are putting out strong sides and want to win both games. With the focus “Keep it in tight” some of the boys felt this was more a commentary on their bowel movements than the rugby.

Lunch was fresh fish deep fried in batter with fresh chips. It was fantastic 9 out of 10 and just what we needed.

The coaches are ready to leave at 12:45 except the U15 coach whose alarm clock did not go off after his power nap. Quick stop at Sigatoka to pick up cases of water – critical to keep the players hydrated as it is a stinker. One the way we pick up the team the U14s are playing so we are testing the school bus loading.





The dressing sheds at the ground have been upgraded but a little warm - aircon for the next game please.



Like a pride of lion escaping the mid-day sun the parents shelter under the fig tree by the side of the pitch. The temperature is noticeably cooler here without the sun and a very strong sea breeze. This will make it both games, games of two halves. On the opposite side of the ground locals have climbed a tree on the side of the cliff to get a good view and escape the scorching heat. I hope they don’t fall out of the tree because they are 20 meters above the level of the pitch.





The U14s ran on in the heat at 2:00 with the ground baked hard like asphalt. “one of the few grounds in the world that can scratch diamond” – Dave Gritchen. They fought hard against the gale and up the hill coming in 7 : 0 at half time. Second half saw the wind, hill and fitness coming through with Wakehurst running over the oppo convincingly. They were just too good and too big for the oppo. Mark Ronald, verbose as ever, when asked about the game said “played hard, done good”. Yeh thanks Mark for that in depth analysis of the team’s performance. Ryan Cambell gets an honourable mention for some awesome goal kicks in the wind.







The U15s game was set to be a tough one. Running against the gale in the first half saw the score 5 : 5. During half time the schools shut and the “second half” team came down the hill. The second half kicked off and saw Wakehurst 5 : 12 down within two minutes. Could be a tough day at the office. The 15s tightened up and showed raw power in what turned out to be a brutal contest. The game swung and the 15s were a try down with 1 min left. Camped on the line the 15s forced a try, 2 mins after the siren. This brought the score level which Mitch converted from the 15 meter line for the win. The oppo are wearing the Drummoyne jerseys they gave us which we brought out for them (for those who thought we came all this was to play Drummoyne.







Notice in one of the pictures the substitute coming on and changing shirts on the run. Also – he has NO BOOTS and half the team had no socks.



Both team ended with clean sheets and the tour came home 6 wins and no losses. There was then the exchange of gifts, singing of songs and speeches. A fantastic end to the playing side of the tour.



One bus goes back to the resort while another takes players, parents and locals to the beach where a combination of low tide and a smaller swell makes the beach is must kinder today. The water is a great temperature, eases tired muscles and arching joints. The picture below has Alex Church, Nick Smart, Tom Drewett, Ben Cambell, Ryan Cambell coming in on a wave. There was an usual waterhole further down the beach, fenced off so we could not get to it.





The Fijians just love rugby and a game of touch starts up on the beach. Some of our guys join in once the water has lost its allure.



A group of the guys catch the last waves before we get back on the bus. The sunset is a must.



On the drive home, we pass open grassed spaces all of which have guys playing touch footie. We counted eight games.

Jo Ronald spent a good chunk of time patching up the guys and treating cuts so they do not get infected. Dinner was served and was some lovely beef, chicken with the obligatory stir fry vegetables followed by ice cream. For the first time the rice had grains rather than glug rice (probably the only time we actually needed a glug sealant). We sat around as one big group chewing the cud and arguing over who should get the points from the games. Dave G is adding the scored into his spreadsheet that is taking on a life of its own. The tour is catching up as players and parents fell into bed early.