Yorkshire Terriers New Zealand 20...

The day started off well with everyone up on time for breakfast, with 8:30 being the judgement time when the team was announced. Twelve of the lads had early starts going bungy jumping, and the rest of the lads spent the day around queenstown shopping and going to the cinema etc.
The pre-match team meeting started at 3:30, which was when all the final preparations and touches that had gone on for the last 18 months came to a head. We then had an hour journey to the Cromwell rugby ground. The pitch was in good condition despite the amount of rain we had for the last 2 days, which made for perfect playing conditions for all the boys. With all the final strappings done, it was time to take to the field.
The warm up was by far the best we’d done all tour, it was done with pace and precision, you could tell all the boys were switched on and ready for it both mentally and physically.
The game itself was played at a fast pace, especially when we had the ball in our posession. We were definately the stronger, more donminant team both in the forwards and the backs. We won all of our own scrum ball and we took one against the head as well. We probably had 65% of the territory enabling us to play in the right areas of the field. A good kicking game plan resulted in putting pressure on their lineouts, which set up numerous occasions for the backs to run riot and score the tries.
We set ourselves some targets for the match, but unfortunately, we weren’t always able to meet them. We will however persist with these same targets and hopefully we will stick to them next time.
One thing were were proud of was the defence. Cromwell were very physical in the tackle and the ruck area, which is what we expected but we definaltely gave as good as we got, one or two of us having a bit more fun in the one to one physicality.
It was the first game we have all played together and for the majority the first full competitive game since april, and I am proud of the boys’ performance and how we have gelled as a team. We are all looking forward to thetwo back to back games in Christchurch which are played Monday and Tuesday. Head Coach Dave Francis added; The first game on any tour is the most important both in winning and setting the standard. This result is particually pleasing as we won in the back yard of the best rugby playing nation in the world.
Three targets were achieved: to win the game, give no points away, and enable all the squad to play some part in the game.
The performance was pleasing, but with tougher opposition to come, there is still plenty of room for improvement. Onwards and Upwards.

Captain Stephen Maycock and Head Coach Dave Francis

Team: 1. Sowery, 2. Maycock (c), 3. Quigley, 4. Smith, 5. Theakstone, 6. Cross, 7. Dempsey, 8. Kirwan, 9. Gemmell, 10. Bowler, 11. Honey, 12. Taylor, 13. Gill, 14. Downey, 15. Almond

Final Score: Cromwell RFC 0 - 48 Yorkshire Terriers
Tries: Gill x 2
Smith
Almond
Cross
Gemmell
Downey
Rhodes

Conversions: Downey x 2
Watkinson x 2