Welcome to Farrer Memorial Agricultural College 1st XV and staff. It is a genuine pleasure to have you with us and we look forward to showing you the best of New Zealand.
THEY MADE IT!!
At long last the Farrer Ag group touched down in New Zealand. Not even the ash cloud was going to stop them this time. All arrived safe and well and headed off to Terrace Downs for a good nights rest.
The team has a very comfortable night in Terrace Downs and woke to a cold and slightly overcast morning. Shaking out the cobwebs and lethargy from yesterday’s travel the crew fronted up for breakfast and even managed to come up with a few questions for breakfast guest Isaac Ross. Isaac spoke extremely well and recounted some of his experiences playing for the Highlanders, Crusaders, Chiefs and All Blacks. It was a great 45 minutes with some great insights provided as to what it takes to play at the highest level.
TRAINING WITH CANTERBURY COACHES
John Haggart and Brent Frew spent a couple of hours with the team prior to their first match. Brent spent time with the forwards and John worked with the backs. Frubee is on the coaching staff list with the Crusaders and Canterbury team and is also a staff coach with the CRFU. He is a master in the field of run, catch, pass but also has great knowledge of forward fundamentals, which he passed on today. John, has coached Otago, Canterbury, NZ Colts and is currently director of the Canterbury International High Performance Unit. He passed on some valuable knowledge regarding defense and lines of attack.
TERRACE DOWNS
Terrace Downs is a well known high country luxury resort located at the foothills of the Southern Alps. I suspect that not too many rugby teams have enjoyed the level of accommodation being offered at Terrace Downs. The boys and staff appeared to be happy with the food, comfort and stunning scenery.
GAME 1 VS CHRISTCHURCH BOYS HIGH SCHOOL 27-21 to Farrer Ag
It was something of a historical momentwhen the CBHS team ran out to meet Farrer Ag. Never before had a team from this most prestigious rugby school played a game here at Terrace Downs. It turned out to be a game well suited to the significance of the time in history as it was a momentous battle between two evenly matched sides. CBHS started the more strongly and soon had points on the board through tries and penality kicks. However, once the Farrer boys settled into their work the slowly started to compete more effectively and were soon crossing for tries of their own. Half way through the extended second half they began to gain ascendency at the breakdown and kicked intelligently to keep CBHS pinned down their own end. Mistakes came through applied pressure and the visitors were able to pounce in most cases and convert mistakes by the CBHS team into points. The blue and blacks scored late in the game to threaten the lead and were pressing hard on the Farrer line as the final whistle went.
GAME 2 VS WESTPORT UNDER 18 42-14 to Farrer Ag
This was a tougher game than the the previous encounter with a higher level of physicality required. Kylie Dawson described the overall team performance as a considerable improvement, up to 75% better than their last game. A couple of backs who performed very well were Jarrod Penfold on the wing. He played exceptionally well and his attacking skills made a big impact on the game. His try tally is 4 from 2 games. John Porch at fly half also had an impressive game, kicking very well and reeling in the territory whenever he could. Cameron Young also had a strong game at full back with a lot of breaks made and a tidy overall performance. The tight five performed admirably, especially at scrum time.
GAME 3 VS KAIKOURA UNDER 18 29-7 to Farrer Ag
This was another game played in a spectacular setting. The roar of the surf only a couple of streets away and the Kaikoura mountains forming a backdrop on the other side. A fearsome haka was performed by the hosts and was well faced by the Farrer boys, who were not intimidated by it. In fact they scored first and were into their work earlier than the hosts. A strong performance by the tight forwards again ensured that Farrer had the lions share of possession. Clever kicking also saw them take much of the territory in the first half, where they kept Kaikoura pinned in their 22. Too many mistakes, especially in the backs enabled Farrer to make the most of their opportunities and they scored several tries through consistent pressure and pouncing on mistakes. KRFC did score a try late in the half after several minutes pressuring the line through driving forward play. By half time Farrer were well in the lead and it looked like the home side might capitulate in the second half. However, this was far from the case and only 1 try was scored by Farrer in the second half. The intensity did not wane at all and there were still some big hits going in late in the game. Both sides stuck to their work gallantly with a lot of the match played in the middle of park as neither side were prepared to concede territory. It was a fierce encounter but Farrer were too slick and their backs especially had the pace and skill to beat their man and offload to willing support.
WHALE WATCH KAIKOURA
Enjoyed by all, but some more than others (a few just a little sicksick!!) And perhaps not the best way to prepare for a match. . . .