Welcome to Marcellin College Victoria Australia. It is our pleasure to be hosting you here in New Zealand for the first time. We are very pleased to be managing your tour and look forward to meeting you all in person in April 2013.
DAY 8
Posted on by Susan Kiernan
8th April 2013
After parting our ways from our billets houses, the 8th day had begun. The team met at the Roncalli College at 8:30am, ready for our departure to the Indoor Paintball which was delayed due to the late arrival of the staff, who had set the times for the tour. On their arrival we embarked on what was said to be the most exciting day on the agenda. We all suited up, yr11 vs yr12 + 10s, acting all hard and wanting to get into the action as soon as possible. After the first bullets had been fired it was obvious that many individuals were not up to the consequences of entering the battlefield! Many bullets were fired, and it was obvious to see how many hit our targets, though you could never be sure whether it was friendly fire or actually the opposition. After we had wiped away our tears and shown off our battle-scars, one member came out of the battlefield balling his eyes out! If the person is comfortable to tell you he will.
After we finished our 150 pellets, most of us made our way over to the beach where we enjoyed our lunches that had been prepared by our billeting families (a number of hardcores stsyed back to enjoy more pain!). After our food had been consumed we went up to the main road and were let off our leashes for a couple of hours as we roamed the streets of Timaru. Still recovering from the paintball, some of us were starting to feel the nerves of the game that was ever so slowly approaching. As the time finally arrived we boarded the bus to depart for the game that was talked up to be the hardest game yet!
On arrival at Roncalli College preparation for the game started in earnest. As we advanced towards the field we were confronted by a fast growing and boisterous opposition crowd. We lined up opposite our opponents as they performed their schools Haka. This traditional declaration of battle again provided stirring motivation for all players! And then, the onslaught began! Despite our relentless determination, we quickly slipped behind on the scoreboard. The tries. As we said goodbye to the Rocalli boys, the highlights of the match were two gutsy tries from Lucas Bosio and Josh Teo, the later playing a significant part in both. There was genuine warmth shown by the Roncalli College Community, and James Dell was glowing in his praise of the mothers who had welcomed the boys into their homes and provided players with a post-match meal, in his Captain’s speech. In the wee hours of tomorrow morning we will be heading home for a well-earned sleep. We’re looking forward to a the season ahead. We have a few new tricks in the bag and a competitive edge that was missing 9 days ago.
Matthew Corcoran and Tom Blake
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DAY 8 – Match Report
Posted on by Susan Kiernan
Marcellin College vs Roncalli College, Timaru. 8th April 2013
Today was another picture perfect day for football as we prepared to take on our fellow Marists from Roncalli. They are a co-ed school and have about 550 students, of whom 85 play rugby (all of them from birth, it would appear.)
The Marcellin boys prepared well with a thorough warm up and were really switched on after heightening their focus during Roncalli’s haka. Unfortunately our opponents were even more fired up and ran in three tries to our nil in the first ten minutes to go 15-0 up. Roncalli’s size, strength, speed and well-drilled, disciplined use of the ball and dominance in rucks and lineouts were proving more than problematic. Their Number 12 Inside Centre was a very solid lad from Samoa, a brutal tackler and powerful in his ball-carrying. We later discovered he is Vice- Captain of the Samoan Schools team!
However, all was not lost and as usual the Marcellin lads dug deep, refused to lie down and each did his bit to arrest the slide. Conor Harkin sparked the team’s revival with an inspiring run across the Roncalli defence and shortly thereafter we hit the scoreboard. Josh Teo ran long, hard and straight, brought down agonisingly close to the line whereupon James Dell fired out the perfect pass to Lucas Bosio who crashed through the final defences to score the try, duly converted by Tom Blake.
Roncalli replied quickly with a penalty then a try of their own and after Tom again kicked truly for a penalty we went into the break a respectable 23-10.
The second half did not begin well as Roncalli took advantage of our tiring legs and bodies battered by two and a half games of rugby in seven days. After conceding four more tries our boys once again lifted and stemmed the flow with a tremendous team try. A ferocious counter-attack in our back half via Lucas Bosio wrested possession back from a momentarily subdued Roncalli attack; the ball ended up with Daniel Kicaj who passed to Josh Teo streaming opportunistically and optimistically down the wing. Seeing a gap and a little window Josh drove forward and was never going to be denied as he crashed and sprinted to get over the line for our second try.
We did allow a couple more tries through and the score blew out to 62-17 but the important feature of the match was the spirit displayed throughout and the Marcellin boys’ steadfast refusal to lie down and accept the inevitable defeat. James Dell, Matt Corcoran and Jacob Williams provided superb leadership and while disappointed in the scoreboard they can hold their heads high. Joe Martin’s tackling was again fearless and Tom Blake never stopped running.
Roncalli put on a very impressive after-match with speeches and presentations in the College Hall where we had an opportunity to thank our hosts and acknowledge all the work which went into the billeting and organisation.
Peter Houlihan
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DAY 7
Posted on by Susan Kiernan
7th April 2013
Not much to report from Day 7!! We were all sad to leave the beautiful Queenstown region this morning. We took our packed lunches with us as we headed on the 5 hour journey to our last stop before home- Timaru. Lots of scenic views were spotted on the way, with explanations of the sculpted mountains and valleys ably led by our bus driver/ ‘fountain of NZ knowledge’ John.
On arrival at Roncalli college, the boys quickly got focussed, having their final training session of the tour. Once this was complete, they were introduced to their billets, and went on their merry way for the evening.
More thorough posts will be made by the boys following the paintballing, match and final group meal tomorrow night (directly from the airport!).
Susan Kiernan
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DAY 6
Posted on by Susan Kiernan
6th of April 2013
This morning we woke at 7.30am- a well-earned lie in! After a filling breakfast we made our way down to the beach where we followed Mr Mapleston into the freezing cold water of Lake Wakapitu to heal our bumps and bruises from yesterday’s match.
After this icy dip, we headed to get some hot chocolate and coffee which was fantastic help in dealing with the cold. Once we finished this, we jumped on the bus and went on a short ride to get on a cable car up one of the steep mountains overlooking Queenstown to view the town’s magnificent scenery, and more importantly to get to the luge. We all got three rides on the luge and had a great time, the only problem was this made us very hungry. Luckily, we had a huge feast in store, as we were taken to an ‘all you can eat’ lunchtime buffet with an outstanding clifftop view, which really hit the spot.
The teachers then let all of the boys spend some quality time together touring the shops and sights of Queenstown. This allowed us to bond as we learned more about each other. Even though we had dinner on our return to the hotel, most of us ate and shopped together, and a couple of us went to the movies. At 6:00pm we all hopped onto the bus and we made the trip back to the hotel. On the way back we all had a lot to talk about- including how nice the shops and locals were, and how we hope to return here again in the future.
After we got back to the hotel we had dinner and dessert we then had to get packed for the long journey which is ahead of us to Timaru tomorrow. Finally, we finished up the night watching the Super Rugby- go Rebels!!
Anthony Di Natale and Alastair McDonald
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DAY 5
Posted on by Susan Kiernan
5th April 2013
Today the whole team had an early start in the morning so we could drive through Skippers Canyon, along Shotover River where we went jetboating. Going through the canyon was a mind blowing experience with the most magnificent mountainous views the eye can see, when arriving alongside the river the team had to prepare themselves for the boat ride in the -2 degrees.
The jet boat ride started off a very exhilarating day and most definitely got the boys’ adrenaline pumping going through the river, nearly missing the cliff sides at 50 miles an hour. Afterwards we went back up the mountain to the skipper’s canyon museum where the tour guides discussed the history of goldmining and life of a gold digger in the canyon for the past 120 years.
Before our game we spent a short amount of time in the town centre, looking at the stores in the area so we could all clear our minds relieving the pressure before the game.
As we began our warm-ups you could notice a difference in the team attitude, definitely taking a more serious approach throughout. Motivation from the captains helped fuel us for the beginning of the match as well as witnessing the Haka from the Wakatipu Team. Watching the Haka was one of the most exciting experiences for the majority of the team, giving us extra motivation to play well. To the boy’s credit, the change in attitude payed off for the fellas as we played much better as a team- it was just unlucky that we were facing stronger opponents today who were playing at their best as well. It was great to meet and chat with players from the other team at the after game function, learning different things about the New Zealand teenage lifestyle.
Justin Cullen and Lucas Bosio
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DAY 5 – Match Report
Posted on by Susan Kiernan
MATCH 2 VS WAKAPITU , Queenstown Fri 5 April
We journeyed to the magnificent setting of the Wakapitu Rugby Club in downtown Queenstown for our match against the region’s new school boys’ representative team for the Highland Cup. Nestled in the valley below towering pine-covered mountains and craggy peaks, with an even cover of rich, thick green the pitch is perhaps the most picturesque the boys will ever play on. The game started with a rousing Haka from the entire opposition squad, performed with passion and venom. The sight of the local boys rallying in unison, the Marcellin lads opposite, arms linked, and the sun dropping behind the misty mountains beyond, was something to behold.
The intensity of the initial forays in the match resulted in an early setback with Anthony DiNatale off with a knee injury in first five minutes.
Marcellin conceded two quick tries to go down 12 – 0 early but the boys lifted and the intensity increased dramatically as they fought hard to peg back the Kiwis before they got away again.
Tom Blake embarked on a characteristic run, Josh Teo on another, Daniel Kicaj and Turlough Sullivan launched some fierce tackles as we held the tide for a good stretch of time and pushed forward towards our line several times. However, the strength of Wakapitu proved telling as they crossed and converted once again to go up 19 – 0.
Evander Kairouz was desperate, tough and skilful in winning and keeping possession, but trouble in our rucks allowed them back in and the locals were able to score and convert several more tries as the match unfolded.
Josh Teo scored an outstanding try after receiving an excellent pass from Tom Blake then running, dodging, weaving and brushing off / breaking through several tackles to cross.
The Marcellin boys were fighting hard and some of the tackling was first-rate but our difficulties in retaining possession and trouble in our rucks proved costly time and again as the Wakapitu lads stole the ball away from us far too easily and often. There were several terrific passages of play, often launched by Conor Harkin, Joe Martin and Jack Weston combining well down back with James Dell tireless in his leadership and willingness to keep throwing himself into the fray.
The Kiwi players were a pretty formidable outfit; well-drilled, skilful and tough and presented some quality opposition which simply wore our blokes down, despite their courage and tenacity.
With the injury toll mounting by virtue of a series of knocks, bumps, strains and cuts the Marcellin bench was getting a real workout but most players were keen to get back out there and do their bit after a quick respite.
The final score was 60 – 5 but it didn’t really tell the full story as in general play our boys really held their own a lot of the time but just leaked a few tries under the constant pressure from their Kiwi counterparts. Well done to Mr Strachan and all 25 players who battled so valiantly against the odds.
We were treated to some impressive aftermatch hospitality in the clubrooms upstairs after the match and as always, live to fight another day, this time vs Roncali College in Timaru on Monday.
Peter Houlihan
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DAY 4
Posted on by Susan Kiernan
4th April 2013
Today began with a hearty breakfast and a teary farewell to Christchurch. After the bags were packed and stored on the bus, we departed for the first leg of our 6 hour journey to Queenstown. We stopped and admired the stunningly photogenic lake Tekapo, and continued to the hot springs around the corner. The boys enjoyed a relaxing swim in the 38 degree pools, this allowed for some of our knocks and bruises to recover. A few daring teammates endured the intense chill of an 8 degree plunge pool which was equal to the temperature of the lake. This was followed by the next leg of the journey where we admired the rolling green hills and glistening lakes from the bus.
The trip led us to the town of Cromwell where we stretched our legs with a quick training run. This allowed us to practise our structures and plays for tomorrow’s much awaited game. From Cromwell we rolled up mountains which bore a strong resemblance those featured in the Lord of the Rings trilogy. The enchanting scenery was accompanied by the absolutely dismal singing performance of certain members of the team, the spirit was there but the talent was lacking. Another fantastic view was supplied by Lake Wakatipu, bordering Queenstown. All of the players are excited about tomorrow’s game and Jet Boat adventure.
Jacob Williams and Jack Weston
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DAY 3
Posted on by Susan Kiernan
3rd April 2013
Today we started early with the privilege of having breakfast with two professional Rugby players, one a former All Black legend (Reuben Thorne) and the other a current Crusaders player (Jeremy Su’a). They gave us insights into the life of a modern day athlete and many of us came away inspired and motivated to reach our potentials. Following our breakfast we went down to the rugby fields and had a “master class” training session for two hours with elite coaches, who have played and coached at the highest level. Many of us walked away saying that this was the best training session that they’ve ever done.
After a simple lunch we got on the coach and headed “Adrenaline Forest” where we had an incredible team building experience. Three hours after a very vigorous high ropes course, which definitely got the adrenaline flowing, we all got back on the coach and headed home with a quick stop off at the beach. After all being exhausted from climbing we were blessed with a lovely dinner, we sat down as a team to watch our most recent game under professional video analysis. The result of this was the conclusion that we have clearly defined areas of our game to work on, however it was one of the most beneficial activities we have done thus far.
Joshua Teo
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DAY 2
Posted on by Susan Kiernan
2nd April 2013
We awoke in our billets house and after a brief breakfast, we returned back to St Bedes College. From there, we hopped onto a bus for a sightseeing tour of Christchurch where we were able to see the destruction and rebuilding of the city following the 2011 earthquakes. With a quick stop off at the Canterbury museum we were able to see the history of the Kiwi culture (highlight being the shelled sitting room!).
We continued on through the city to the main and largest shopping outlet in Christchurch where the boys were able to walk around grab lunch, look about and experience the city’s lifestyle. After that experience we headed back to check in to our motel for next two nights, before returning to St Bedes College again for our warm-up and our first game. At the beginning of the match we started strong, capitalizing early after a St Bedes turnover. Throughout the match we were challenged and in the end they grabbed the win. Once the game had finished the Marcellin and St Bedes boys joined each other with a short presentation and BBQ before the MC boys headed off.
During the evening we gathered for dinner at the restaurant beside the motel, who set up a delicious buffet. At the cessation of dinner we headed off to see a movie, G.I Joe, with a short walk back to the motel getting back at around 11:00 the fellas settled down for a well deserved rest.
James Dell and Mitchell Knowles
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DAY 2 – Match report
Posted on by Susan Kiernan
2nd April 2013
Marcellin College, Bulleen vs. St. Bedes College, Christchurch
In almost perfect conditions for football – bright, warm and sunny on a beautiful 23 degrees Christchurch day – we travelled to the idyllic setting of St Bede’s to make our debut on Kiwi soil. The facilities at St Bede’s are superb with vast playing fields – almost as good as ours at home!
The match began well with 24 of our 25 tourists stripped ready for action; only Lucas Bosio missing with an ankle injury. Within six minutes it was first blood to Marcellin with Tom Blake slotting through a penalty kick to give us the lead. St Bede’s ran in three tries in the next ten minutes to take a little wind out of our sails but there was still a lot to be confident about.
Our Kiwi cousins – a fellow Marist school – were clearly vastly more experienced but there was none of the monstrous opposition the boys had been expecting. With the quick realisation that a super effort was going to be required to give a good showing the Eagles stepped up the pressure and really took the game to St Bedes.
There some terrific examples of great courage and ferocity on our boys’ chasing and tackling, with full blooded hits on strong, speedy and confident ball carriers, especially several times when they got away on a break and had to be brought down running at full steam. Joe Martin was superb in defence and his running an tackling set a great example.
St Bedes did break through for a few more tries but we were improving as the game wore on. We did run in one try after a tremendous build up from the centre of the ground with Josh Teo running and dodging before handing off what was unfortunately a forward pass and the resultant try was disallowed but it did instil a bit of confidence. We were desperately unlucky not to cross on two other occasions, getting into good scoring positions with perhaps the sheer strength of the New Zealand lads and a couple of skill errors on our part denying potentially two more tries.
It was a great team effort on the day as even when the scores got away from us the boys refused to drop their heads and their endeavour, running, tackling and desire to create a contest was great to see. Better players across the match were Tom Blake, who eventually ran in our only try and duly converted ( i.e giving Tom our entire score for the match !) Justin Cullen, Turlogh Sullivan, Evander Kairouz and Joe Martin.
With plenty of work to do in the scrums Anthony DiNatale, Dion Xidias, Jacob Williams, and Matt Corcoran were all great contributors. In defence Conor Harkin did very well and James dell at half back used the ball well and marshalled the troops.
It was great to see the match played in such great spirit against our fellow Marists and the after match function with speeches, presentations and bbq was a fitting conclusion to the day. The boys are a little tired and sore but ready to go again tomorrow with breakfast hosted by former All Black Captain Reuben Thorne, followed by a two hour training session with another ex-All Black at 9.00am.
Final score: St. Bedes College- 55 St. Marcellin College- 10
Peter Houlihan
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