Day 6

An early rise was needed today and we all met at 07.15 for a swift 07.30 departure to head to Boulders bay, Cape of Good Hope and Cape point. With the journey being over an hour time was of the essence due to game 3 later today.

Boulders Bay is one of South Africa’s many National Parks and home to the African Penguin. Once called the Jackass Penguin because of its Donkey like braying but due to several other local birds making the same sound was renamed the African Penguin as they are the only example of the species that breed in Africa. The tour was a very calm affair with the local inhabitants not showing a great deal of interest other than going about their daily business of digging, waddling and sleeping, next stop the Cape of Good Hope.


The scenery en route is absolutely breathtaking with awesome mountains plunging steeply into a blue sea. The road twists and turns as it follows the very edge of the land stopping only when you’ve reached the furthest point. We then had a photo in front of the famous signs at the Cape of Good Hope and a clamber on the rocks before making our way to Cape Point and the lighthouse. Everybody made the long steep walk to the Global Atmosphere Watch Station where the old light house stands proudly. The panoramic views of False Bay were breathtaking and the sheer drop down to Cape Point, awesome to see with your own eyes. The team gathered for a group photo which I’m sure will be treasured for the rest of their lives. The Journey down was as tiring as going up but just as beautiful.


Once back at the hotel there was just enough time for a quick turn around with lunch and to get back on the coach to start journey to Kasselsvlei Comprehensive High school. En route we saw a plethora of different living conditions form the upper class golf course houses to the slum villages it was a real eye opener. As we arrived into Kasselsvlei there was mixed feeling on the coach, some felt unsafe but a lot were stunned at the conditions that the local people called home. This was soon forgotten as the coach made its way down the streets as we were greeted by plenty of waves and smiles. It was clear that they wanted to make us the most welcome they possibly could and many stopped going by their own business to wave.

Upon arrival, we were greeted by 3 younger boys who just wanted to play rugby, this soon turned to six and Simon, Richard and Jamie plus others played touch rugby with them, it was like their dream had come true! After a good warm up and pre match discussion the game started!

Match Report –

After the two previous games Basingstoke was generally affected by injuries these included Richard and Alex. When we met the opposition we were shocked to see the team was made up of particularly quick backs this came as a shock and they were quick to succeed their first try. This immediately hit moral but the boys soon picked up and started enjoying themselves.

As the game developed the opposition managed to slip in a second try as a result of overlap and a big gap at the wing. At this point it still wasn’t clear to which direction the game was going to go but Sam Lewis made it clear going to stay very competitive and the first Basingstoke try touched down.

Half time soon came and the team seemed to be on a much better footing, the opposition scored another 2 runaway trys but despite this Basingstoke managed to keep focused most of the time and as a result Jamie Connor squeezed in one of his famous trys!

After the final whistle it soon became clear that despite initial judgments the school was full of incredibly entertaining characters and some of the most hospitable places you are every to visit.

FINAL SCORE Kasselsvlei 26 - 12 Basingstoke

The hospitality was in full swing and many kind and generous words were made by the assistant head and chair of governors, little did we know that this school had 1300 pupils with 55 in each class and 97% of the male attendants play rugby. Following the inspiring talks and presentations the team was treated with traditional African chicken curry and a full hour of entertainment with they eye opening lads. A truly unforgettable experience!

We then made a way back to the hotel where a relaxed evening was enjoyed and an early night was on the cards.