Bolton School

Game Day

Every tour has one big day and every day so far has been leading up to this one. All coaches have been aware of it and in fact team selection was considered before that last game because of it. The boys knew they would be facing a very different challenge today and their apprehensive behaviour was evidence of how nervous they all were. Today’s game was against Westville Boys High School. The school has 1200 students and 25 rugby teams, 8 of which are senior teams and with 4 of those players playing in Craven Week this was going to be one very testing afternoon. All the games so far had served only as warm up matches for the test ahead.

After a relatively relaxing morning the teams boarded their coaches for the 45 minute journey to Westville Boys High School (WBHS). On arrival we were greeted by a beautiful walled ground that sunk away from the road and looked up to the school in the distance. The school's coaching staff were there to welcome us and show Bolton to their changing rooms. As the 2nd XV emerged changed and ready to go through their warm up routine some of the WBHS boys were practising their drop goal skills and were pinging them between the up-rights from the half way line.

Bolton School had learnt something from their previous games and duly formed tunnels and clapped and cheered each other onto the field of play and supported each other very vocally throughout each match.

The hospitality and indeed the presentations after the match were superb but this is now something we have come to expect in South Africa. Once the school plaques had been exchanged and ties and t shirts had been left for the home team the boys tucked into Lasagne and Salad before heading back to the hotel for a planned surprise.

The hotel manager Regan had gone to extreme lengths to show his appreciation of the Bolton School Boys and had put together a slide show, starting with the School Emblem and followed with pictures provided by us. Before starting the show Regan congratulated the boys on their impeccable behaviour. He even went as far as to say that the other hotel guests had voiced their delight at having the boys around, saying that they were charming, polite and full of fun and laughter, which speaks volumes for their teachers and the education they have received whilst at Bolton School.

After the slide show the teachers held the traditional Kangaroo Court but…as everybody knows “what goes on tour stays on tour”.



2nd XV Captains Report by Ed Grundy

This game had always been acknowledged as the toughest whilst we were in South Africa with strength in depth beyond our 50 players with 8 senior teams. The school grounds were imposing and as we walked into the sunken arena the true weight of the task ahead of us began to hit the players. Our pre match warm up left a lot to be desired and when we stepped out onto the pitch we may not have been ready for the challenge ahead quickly losing ground and an early try. The opposition gave what can only be described as a lesson in how to scrummage and how dangerous quick ball to backs can be, however the defence was stronger than the 3-33 half time score line indicated with the back line impressing, especially in the tackle area against admittedly superior opposition. Jack Roberts put over a relatively simple kick to get our first points on the board The half time team talk and some tactical substitutions by Mr Jackson led to a second half revival, replacing rightfully tired legs. The second half showed to the crowd, the teachers and the opposition how the second team can play rugby, with great defensive performances all throughout the team and a work rate that showed the pride of the players who were unwilling to be embarrassed on the pitch. The second half was only 0-5 overall showing the improvement, the performance overall was hugely creditable with many people acknowledging that the WBHS 2ndXV would give our first team a good game. Thanks go to Mr Jackson and all others involved with the second team throughout the tour to South Africa and the year as a whole.

Report by Peter Jackson

The final game, the final encounter of what has been an exceptional tour both on and off the field. Our opposition were the mighty Westville High School for Boys in Durban, one of the top Rugby schools in South Africa.

A full strength 2nd team took to the field only to be knocked back by an early try by Westville who were skilled and very tough competitors. However, Westville did not have it all their own way. Jack Bentham and Jordan Lambert providing a resilient defence in the back line. The Bolton School forwards played well in the loose picking and driving forward. Gaps in the Westville defence were few and far between but the forwards battled back with Grundy and Harrison making inroads. As the first half progressed it became apparent that it was going to be a long afternoon with Westville crossing the Bolton School line five times to leave the score at half-time 33-3. A lesson in Rugby.
Zolghadria, Holt and Cryer came on at half –time and Bolton School improved. The forwards made it difficult for Westville to get into a rhythm and some excellent rucking meant that Bolton School gained good territorial advantage. However, an awesome Westville defence kept their visitors feeling frustrated and were unable to cross the line to score a try. Westville won one more try to make the final score 38-3.

This had been a great experience for the Bolton School 2nd XV and hopefully one which they will learn and progress from as young rugby players. Before the match I asked for togetherness, commitment and 100% effort and that is exactly what I got from the whole squad. The fact was that Westville were an excellent side in the day but if the boys show this level of enterprise and effort in the future, rugby will be sure to prosper at Bolton School.
Finally, to those Y13s who are leaving us, I wish you success in your futures and as you have found in South Africa you will always find friends in Rugby.

Sam Hardy

Sam’s final comments before going to Harrow!

For the 1st team the fourth and final game of the tour against Westville High School was certainly the hardest. Reflecting this, the best team played; it included many players who were seasoned veterans, retiring at the end of the game but also three Y11 boys. It was played in wonderful weather, sunny but not too hot and watched by a large crowd. Westville, coached by ex-Springbok Tim Rees, played a style of rugby far more physical than the other teams encountered on tour (and much more like that encountered at home). |However, they lacked none of the back-line skills expected. Bolton defended ferociously in a tight physical contest where the front five were superb but a period of Westville yielded a try in the corner. Bolton responded with pressure of their own forcing Westville back. However, an unfortunate floated pass was intercepted and Westville scored under the posts, which was easily converted. Acv well won penalty though soon allowed Alex Reilly to put Bolton on the score board. Shortly before half-time James Radcliff was sent to the sin bin following an excellently worked move to give Westville another try.

A reinvigorated Bolton side came out for the 2nd half and immediately it looked as though Westville would crack. However, they were thwarted by the whistle (not always fairly blown)! Many times as they got within the Westville 22. The resultant penalties and unexpected introduction of the ELVs to the match (which Bolton were, of course, not familiar) allowed Westville to slip through and score again. After a prolonged Bolton attack a player from Westville was none too soon sent to the sin bin for repeated offences. Despite their best efforts Bolton could not force a way through a strong Westville defence. With the return of their player Westville found new strength and scored in the last minutes of the half.

The final score of 33-3 did not reflect the match. The 1st team all put in a huge performance, one which Tim Rees admitted had him worried. Special mention must be given to retiring Captain Chris Newman and No. 10 Will Bate, who will led the game well and controlled it decisively and respectfully.

It only remains to congratulate the 1st team on a successful tour and wish all Year 13s well with future rugby exploits.



1st XV Captain’s report by Chris Newman

For more than half of the 1st XV, the final match of the tour would also be their last appearance in school colours. It was with very mixed emotions therefore that we took the field against Westville H.S. By repute, we were also facing by some margin the
most challenging opponents we were to meet on tour. In the event, a score line of 33-3 showed the high quality of our opponents, but did not fairly reflect what was a hard fought and combative encounter, with a few lucky tries and breaks widening the gap between the two teams.

Westville, with 8 senior teams to their name, were in truth the favourites from the off. In the shadow of the beautiful school buildings the opening exchanges were edgy, nervous and adrenaline full, with an excellent start made by Bolton being negated by some highly physical play from Westville. It would be fair to say that our hosts were more used to the style of refereeing than we were, the emphasis throughout being upon quick release at the breakdown rather than the more technical style we are used to. James Radcliff in particular suffered being unlucky to be yellow carded. Nevertheless Bolton competed throughout, and was unfortunate to be 19-3 down at the break.

In the second period we began to exert some real pressure on the Westville line but sadly, it proved to be one of those matches where the final pass was never in the right place. The final score meant that the better team had won but in no way reflected the skill and commitment of the whole of the Bolton XV. Everyone emerged with credit, and had benefitted from the lessons they had learned from their hosts.

Given the warm reception we had received from everyone we had met in South Africa, it was no surprise that we met with generous hospitality from our hosts after the match, where we were able to pass on our thanks, together with the usual presents. It was the most memorable way of concluding our career as school rugby players that any of the year 13 boys could have imagined.


The Final Countdown

Over two weeks have gone by and it is difficult to remember all the marvellous sites and remarkable people we have seen and met.
Eight games of rugby have taken place; 4 wins, 1 draw and 3 losses. A fantastic set of results, much better that we could ever imagined? All fifty players have taken part, making selection a difficult but necessary task.
The Durban leg took us to a warmer climate, which began with two days on the Bayala Game Reserve and a trip down to the St Lucia Estuary. The “Big Five” were not quiet achieved but the list of species spotted was impressive with; Elephants, Giraffe, Rhinos, Hippos and Crocodiles were among our sightings.
Our final destination, Blue Martin Hotel at Scottsburgh was the perfect destination for our last days. We would like to thank Regan and all his staff and guests for making us so welcome. Our two drivers in Durban Kevin and Ashuk also deserve a mention for their superb driving a very busy schedule.
So with the tour court out of the way (what goes on tour stay on tour!) we set off for Johannesburg to return home.
A fitting ending – we stayed one more night! Perhaps a gifting way to allow us to enjoy each others company one last time!
Finally our last two thank yous; firstly to Daniel our local rep, who once again assured us our schedule was met and secondly Matthew Casson who accompanied us from S&C. Matthew is has been a great pleasure, you and you company have provided Bolton School Rugby with a truly memorable experience.

Thank you!

Where next?

Paul Fernside
Master of Rugby

Today saw the first really slow start to the day on tour with late breakfast enjoyed by all and some free time to enjoy the hotel facilities before boarding our coaches and heading into Durban and The Kings Park Stadium home of the Natal Sharks. As you drive through the gates the stadium fills the sky line with its sheer size. The stadium itself was increased to seat 65,000 for the 1995 historic World Cup Final which saw Nelson Mandela hand the World cup to a victorious South African side. The Sharks regularly attract 25,000 spectators which just shows how rugby mad the people are in this part of the world.

Lunch had been organised and once everybody had had their fill we were taken on a stadium tour showing us the difference between home and away teams changing rooms. The most impressive sight however was standing on the side of the playing field and staring up into the stands and out onto the pitch. I wonder how many of the boys were secretly thinking to themselves, one day maybe one day.

After the tour the boys all changed into their training kit for a 'once in a life time' opportunity to train with two legendary 1995 World Cup Winners, Balie Swart and Dean Kayser. Balie took the forwards and from the very first word to the very last word he spoke the boys were transfixed by the sheer size and forcefulness of his nature. The school coaches just stood and watched as Balie showed their boys how to do their jobs as forwards, whilst logging to memory some of things Balie was saying.

Meanwhile the backs had been taken to a completely different field such is the size of the ground and put through their paces by Dean. After assessing the boys handling skills it was clear he had a few areas he wanted to work on. It seems that the Boks pass the ball differently to us and after a fantastic couple of hours he ,had the Bolton boys doing the same.

After the training sessions everybody got together for a group photo with The Kings Park Stadium in the back ground. Before we headed back to the hotel there was just enough time to go to the club shop, after a while a whole new band of Sharks fans emerged sporting a wide variety of gear.

Once back at the hotel the lads had plenty of time to smarten themselves up before tonight's group dinner down at Enzo’s Italian Restaurant to celebrate Thomas Ince's birthday. Thomas was presented with a Pizza Box birthday card which had been signed by the whole of the touring party and all the boys enjoyed Enzo's delicious, complimentary Tiramisu as a perfect finale to a fantastic meal

Game Day

Early breakfast as the rugby fixtures today were both being played in the morning. Again the boys looked immaculate as they boarded the coaches in their ones for the short journey to Pietermartinzburg where Midlands Development Rugby Squad would be there to greet us.

As we arrived at the very impressive rugby ground it was clear that the boys would have to be at their best. Once off the coach and in the ground the lads dropped bags and spread out to throw a couple of balls about and get used to the new surroundings and take in the atmosphere whilst sizing up yet another rapid looking township team. Both teams changed and went through their drills before the ref blew his whistle signalling play was about to begin.

The opposition formed a tunnel for both games to welcome the Bolton players onto the field which came as a bit of a shock but touring is all about new experiences and being clapped on was certainly that.

After two competitive games both played with excellent spirit there were presentations upstairs in the main club house. The teachers gave short speeches thanking their counterparts for two great games. The Bolton School Plaque was presented and ties exchanged by the Captains followed by the Bolton Tour Anthem. The local team then shook hands with all the boys, collected the tour T Shirts and left the boys to enjoy a quick snack before we all departed for the hotel.

The tour up until now has been so hectic that there has been little if no time to chill out and relax. The next 24 hours will be just that R&R time to enjoy the pool take a stroll on the beach catch some sunshine before tomorrows training session at Kings Park Stadium.

Captains Report by Dave Cryer

After a long journey and a lack-lustre training session, we surprisingly started well with an early try from A. Harrison and the forwards. We carried on playing in the forward pack and we persisted to make in-roads. As the half moved on we had failed to make the lead greater. With the sweltering heat and increasing pressure our defence finally broke. The home team scored two quick tries making the score 12-7 at half time. During the break we made a few changes and they certainly made an impact. We battled them all half and with 10 minutes to go Alex Riley crossed the line only to hear the referee say “held up”. Not surprisingly Alex crossed the line again and converted his try; the score was then 14-12 to Bolton. With the seconds counting down and a few mistakes their winger scored with the last play of the game to make it a 17-14 loss. Although the team were disappointed we had played well and thought we maybe deserved the win. We switched off after our last score and paid the ultimate price. We still enjoyed the day and go into our last match looking to make amends for our collective mistake.

2nd Team Report by Peter Jackson

In temperatures reaching 25’c Bolton School’s B team took to the field in the their 3rd tour game at the Woodburn Stadium near Durban. The side started well with forwards making good inroads into the Midlands Development Squads (MDS) defence. Matthew Birch all was awesome in attack and defence making it difficult for MDS to find any rhythm. Early forward pressure and some very good rucking saw Alistair Harrison crash over from close range. Davis Cryer converted to make the score 7-0.

However this was as good as it got in the first half for Bolton School. Several mistakes and poor decision making allowed the fast MDS backs to make the most of bad ball an they were able to slice us open us open on two occasions making the score 12-7 at half time.

Half time gave us a welcome break from the Durban heat and several changes were made to the experimental side. Bolton then camped inside the MDS half for most of the second half but some excellent defence by the home team made it difficult to score. Alex Reilly came to our rescue or so we thought with a well deserved try after much good work by the forwards. Reilly converted to make the score 14-12 with seven minutes to go. With two minutes remaining Bolton were awarded a penalty just inside their own half. A missed kick to touch allowed MDS backs to penetrate into our 22 metre line before being bundled into touch. The referee announced “last play of the match” Bolton line out, which had been excellent all game came unstuck when we really needed it the ball, was lost and MDS passed swiftly through several sets of hands to score in the corner, 17-14.

The result highlights the importance of decision making, defence and set piece play, if this team is to develop and improve before their final game against Westville Bys High School on Thursday.



1st Team Captains Report by John Allcock

With several key players sidelined for the 3rd match The Midlands Development Side proved difficult and dangerous opponents. Despite initial dominance up front by the Bolton pack, and with Bolton having the majority of the possession, it was Midlands who took an early lead after a cruel bounce lead to a breakaway try from the home team, giving us our first glance of their clinical finishing. Indeed strong defence was needed from Bolton, with Grundy and Newton racking up a high tackle count.

Bolton regained their composure quickly, with Whelan and Jones in particular providing plenty of impetuous at the breakdown and the Bolton pack making the hard yards that were required. Especially as the Bolton back line had failed up to this point to break down an accomplished Midlands defence.

The good field position lead to Bolton’s first try through a quick penalty tap close to their line from which Jones crashed over, duly converted by Clegg tying the scores at 7-7.

Another quick break led to Midlands second try. After a hack through of a wayward pass the rapid Midlands backs were quick to pounce on the loose ball to record their second try in the far left corner. Taking the score to 14-7 which was how it finished at the half.

At the beginning of the second half replacements were made in the pack, with Chisnell, Hough and Smith coming on further increasing our dominance up front. Further replacements were made with Newman and Stimpson coming onto the field adding composure and decision making in and around the ruck area.

After a series of penalties leading to great field position a catch and drive maul was taken over the line from a close-range lineout, unknowingly scored by Whelan. However the difficult conversion was missed meaning that Bolton were still behind 12-14.

The lead was taken when heavy pressure by Bolton lead to a poor clearance kick, with Radcliff seizing the loose ball in the in goal area.

The win was sealed after a penalty try was conceded by the Midland team after Goswami was taken out off the ball after a kick and chase from Stimpson. The easy conversion was taken resulting in a final score of 26-14.

1st XV Report by Caspar Joseph

Game 3 – The weather could not have been more different from what we left in Cape Town as we set off to Pietermatinzburb for our first fixture of the Durban leg of our tour. Selection had led to a decision to field a team of predominantly year 13 players and to rest several 1st XV players who had played two games already. Most pleasing personally for me was to give the opportunity to John Allcock the privilege of Captaining the side, a job which he did with distinction.

The fixture was to be played at the Woodburn Stadium were Natal Sharks have played in front of 20,000 passionate fans. It was a slightly smaller but enthusiastic crowd that greeted our team who again made a shaky start to the game and conceded an early converted try after the pace, penetration and silky skill of the MDS team caught the somewhat lethargic Bolton Boys. This was the tonic we needed and it led to some fierce exchanges up front with Whelan, Coulston, Grundy and McDermott doing the hard yards and setting up good field position. A team that had not played together since year 10 now began to click onto gear and Jones went over for a superb try converted by Clegg to level the scores. The penalty count began to rise as the MDS side scrapped for possession and tackled their hearts out, and it was no surprise to see them increase their lead with a future converted try after a big midfield hit had spilled the ball and blistering pace on a rock hard pitch proved too much for the Bolton defence.

Half time was a chance to take on water and make some changes and reinforce what our tactics had to be to maintain our unbeaten record thus far. The cavalry duly arrived and Chisnell dominated the lineout, stealing opposition ball and setting up driving mauls. Which eventually led to Whelan crashing over for a try wide out on the right which Bate tried to convert and only narrowly missed striking the upright leaving us two points behind. The Newman boys, Radcliff, Smith and Hough now began to combine driving play with expert offloads and the power and pressure applied by the forwards proved too much for the MDS side who conceded a further try Radcliff converted by Roberts. Now ahead for the first time we began to play a more confident and expressive game with Newman doing the spadework and Bates, Stimpson, Allcock and Sanders probing and pushing forward which led to a penalty try under the posts converted by Roberts. The final whistle saw a drained, relived but happy and triumphant Bolton Team now more determined to take things up a notch for the final game.

After the match we enjoyed splendid hospitality in the club house where some thirty years before a North West County Side including Billy Beaumont, Steve Smith had played against Natal, What an experience for us all. A novel rendition of “you are my sunshine” was enjoyed by our hosts who looked resplendent in their new Bolton 2008 T-shirts. In 2005 the U19 World Cup semi final between England and South Africa had been played at the Woodburn Stadium, England lost that day, today Bolton 1st XV triumphed, but most importantly we had made new friends and left behind a good impression of our school. The opposition coach Khayn Memela spoke glowingly about the team and looks forward to our return to Pietermartinzburg so do I.

Being on holiday you’d have thought there would be time for a lie in now and then but not a chance. Today was again a full one with a trip to uShaka Marine World.

On arrival everybody enjoyed a walking tour of the marine world before enjoying a live Dolphin show in the pool auditorium. The dolphins performed some amazing jumps and somersault all seen in the wild before the parks oldest dolphin entered to pool and to everybody delight, literally introduced himself to one lucky little girl.

Once the show was over the main attraction was waiting for the boys, “Wet & Wild”. A combination of Kamikaze slides and tubes falling from great heights in to the waiting pools below, there wasn’t a dry pair of shorts amongst us. The boys enjoyed a full afternoon throwing themselves down the slides again and again, absolutely the perfect way to unwind after a hectic 10 days touring.

Tonight’s diner was down by the beach overlooking the Indian Ocean enjoying a meat feast earned by all.

As we had a lot to cram in today we were off again early as we had a boat to catch. Once everybody had had breakfast and checked out. The staff again treated us to terrific farewell with another local song and dance to with us all the best for the rest of our tour. As we journeyed back to Durban we made a small detour to the town of St Lucia were our boats were waiting to take us on a cruise of South Africa’s largest salt water lake and a morning water safari. Once we were on our way we didn’t have to wait long before our reason for coming was evident. Crocodiles, Hippopotamus’s were everywhere, the Crocodiles lazed on the backs while the Hippo cooled off in the deeper water obviously enjoying the water after a night spent feeding on land. The bird life was in abundance with everything from Kingfishers to Sea Eagles. The cruse lasted for about 2 hours and the time drifted by quickly with everybody enjoying the experience.

Once back on dry land we had a quick pit stop for lunch before heading onto Durban and the Blue Marlin Hotel. On arrival we were greeted to a welcome drink before the boys dispersed to their rooms for some well earned R&R after a hectic couple of days. Later to teams spilt into two and went their separate ways for dinner.

We had a leisurely morning with nothing more pressing than a swim in the pool a walk round the grounds or watching the tri- nations match between the All Blacks and the Springboks. After lunch we boarded the coaches and headed the short distance to the Hluhluwe Game Drive. On arrival all the game jeeps were waiting for us and after a quick visit to the little boy’s room we were off into the bush. The park itself is the oldest in the country and houses all the big five but would anybody be lucky enough today to see anything let alone the big five?

After a fantastic few hours the jeeps started to return and the chatter between the lads began. "We saw this, we saw that!" ...but no one truly knows only the people with you on your own jeep. Our jeep and the others quickly came across a gnarled old elephant that stood some 10 foot tall. He had obviously got sick of family life with the herd and struck out on his own. The jeeps now started to go in different directions and soon we were making sightings of our own. We came face to face with White Rhinoceros, Buffalo, Zebra and all kinds of Antelope. The most memorable sight was a full herd of Elephant making its leisurely way through the bush. As the herd had young with them you always have to keep a respectful distance just in case the Matriarch or Bull Elephant take a dislike to your paparazzi style intrusion. On this occasion we were allowed to enjoy the spectacle although for a minute it was touch and go with the big bull and boy was he big.

We had seen 3 of the big five and had all enjoyed our day although just a little disappointed that we hadn’t seen any cats. Then as if by magic there was a Hyena gorging itself on carcass down by a watering hole. It was not a Lion or a Leopard but it was still a meat eating carnivore.

The day had been fantastic and everybody was giddy with their own stories of animal sightings.The ride back to Bayala was a noisy one. On arrival the Braii Barbecues had been lit, giving everybody the chance to change quickly before tonight's evening meal.

After the barbecue Mr Fernside gave a small speech thanking all at the Bayala Lodge for their hospitality and presented the lodge with a school shield and gave all the staff a tour tee shirt by way of thanks, which prompted another local song and dance. Not to be out done the Bolton boys returned the gesture with a song of their own. The rest of the evening was spent relaxing by the fire before heading off to bed ready before tomorrow's journey back to Durban.

Breakfast at 7.00 am, bags packed, bills settled, coach boarded. We transferred down town to Cape Town’s Airport - all done with military precision, just check- in to deal with. After a little persuasion we managed to get a group check in and before you knew it everybody had their boarding cards and were enjoying a coffee in the world's smallest departure lounge.

We left the Atlantic side of Africa in more torrential rain but landed 2 hours later at Durban in blistering sun shine. The difference the warm Indian Ocean makes is astonishing; from the heat of the sun to the landscape itself it feels like you are in a different country not just a two 2 hour flight away. Once the airport stuff had been taken care of we were back on the road trying our best to enjoy the 4 hour drive to the game lodge.

Eventually we left the main highway and headed off down a dirt track, literally. Once we were well and truly in the bush with nothing around us but the black night and the stars above, the lights of the lodge appeared. Turning the final corner and entering the Bayala Lodge grounds we were treated to a true South African welcome. All the staff were there to greet us, one playing a drum whilst the rest danced and sang a local song at full strength. The look on everybody’s faces was a real picture.

First impressions mean so much and go a long way in deciding how things will turn out. Our first impression of the lodge was fantastic and when the boys absorbed the sights and sounds of their home for the next 2 days it was clear that they were going to be good ones.

As you walked through the main building of the lodge and out onto the terrace all the rooms encircled a large grassy area with the swimming pool taking centre stage. The subtle lighting made the sight even more enchanting. The boys quickly dispersed to there rooms and re-appeared just as quickly to get the best seat round the camp fire. Dinner was served and everything on the menu had been provided by the farm itself.

The night slipped past easily with much laughter and a few songs from the boys with Alistair Harrison providing the music on his treasured Guitar. Slowly but surely everybody eventually went to bed ready for tomorrow's game drive.

Game Day

For the boys, today was like any other day when preparing for a rugby match. Big breakfast to get the necessary fuel on board. Prepare kit bag; get numbers ones ready, relax and stay focused.

Not for Mr Joseph and Karien our tour guide though. Bolton School, Silk Group and Medicina have been collecting various charitable donations from local businesses for over twelve months which, despite all the planning, still hadn’t arrived. The very large consignment had been dock - side for nearly a months but the final thread to finish the weave had yet to be spun. Earlier in the week David Newton who is out here watching his two sons play rugby had stepped up to the mark and been down to the office of the shipping agent and paid the duty so everything could be released. This morning at 08.00 Mr Joseph and Karien were in a cab heading down to the warehouse to pay the storage charges. 12.00 noon and still no delivery. One coach headed off to the V&A Waterfront to buy food for lunch whilst the rest of us waited anxiously at the hotel. Everything arrived just in the nick of time and we were off and running.

We arrived at Kasselsvlei Comprehensive High School in torrential rain that just didn’t look like stopping and didn’t for the rest of the day. This suited the Bolton coaches as they were will aware of this teams pace and ability to move the ball around.

On arrival the boys were ushered out of the rain and into the assembly hall. Initially the boys felt a little out of place which is normal the first time you experience a truly black community and being in a minority. However, no sooner had everybody skulked off to one side and dropped their bags the local boys were introducing themselves with huge smiles and warm hand shakes. This changed the mood immediately and set the tone for the rest of the day. All the boys mixed easily with each other and there was much laughter enjoyed by all.

Both games were played in torrential rain but very good spirits as it was clear to everyone watching that all the boys were enjoying themselves. After the match the hospitality shown to both teachers and boys alike was fantastic. The charitable items that Bolton had collected and worked so hard to get to South Africa were truly well received. The medical equipment donated by Medicina had an amazing impact . One of the day’s helpers worked at the local hospital and couldn’t believe her eyes as she opened each box with child like excitement exclaiming over and over again how 'they just didn’t have these supplies at their hospital' and that they 'would truly save lives!' This struck a chord with all the teachers and made the day all the more special. Leaving any club or school after a great day is always hard but leaving Kasselsvlei had an extra pang of sadness as it was probable that the boys would never see each other again and they had become friends. The rest of the day was spent preparing for tomorrow's journey to Durban and on to new sights and sounds out in the Hluhluwe Bush.


2nd Team Report by Mr Jackson

Kasselsvlei 10 Bolton 10.

The second game of the tour took Bolton School to Kasselsvlei Comprehensive School in a township of Cape Town. Conditions favoured the touring team with a severe downpour before and during the match. Bolton started brightly with forwards dominating the first 15 minutes. Alex Zolghadria, Andrew Freer and Johnny Elliot worked very hard to break the home teams defence. However spilled ball allowed the opposition to break from their own 22 and into the Bolton School half. It was now their business to defend with Thomas Ince and James Kuligowski putting in big hits. Kasselsvlei fast backs and good ball handling skills a way through midway through the half and a further try was added five minutes later leaving Bolton 10 – 0 down at half time.

The second half saw Bolton make excellent in roads into the home defence. Edward Grundy, Allistair Harrison and Josh Hughes increased the intensity, picking and driving down the right side of the pitch. This created an overlap and the backs moved the ball well for Nick Belshaw to crash over in the corner. Bolton was back in the game. The pressure continued and it was only some excellent tackling by the home defence that kept Bolton at bay.

David Cryer, Bolton’s scrum half rallied his forwards for a big scrummage on the Kasselsvlei line. A tremendous push saw the ball pop out Dave Cryer was first to react leaping like a Lynx to score. The wet conditions and uneven ground meant that Nick Belshaw narrowly missed the conversion so the game remained at 10 – 10. An excellent game played in difficult conditions and a result to keep everybody happy.

The tour now moves to Durban where there is a short break from the rugby at the tourists take in a safari and game drive.

Captains Report by Thomas Ince

In weather that was more reminiscent of Bolton in December the 2nd XV kicked off against Kasselsvlei. In a close first 15 minutes there was little to choose between the two sides, with the forwards dominated game of Bolton clashing with the free flowing rugby exhibited by the opposition.

However over the next 10 minutes the home team began to exert more pressure on the Bolton defence, as the conditions began to make handling more difficult and the opposition kick and chase game exhibited began to make greater inroads behind Bolton’s defensive line. This eventually resulted in two tries which both went unconverted. As the half began to close Bolton began to find more territory and began to put a few more phases together, which was a sign of things to come.

During half time Mr Jackson rang the changes with Alex McDermott, David Cryer, Nick Belshaw and Hector Smethurst replacing Peter Eckersley, David Devine, Thomas Rimmer and Michael Clegg in the backs whilst in the forwards Sam Hardy and Ed Grundy came on for Alex Zolghadria and Andrew Freer respectively.

After the half time interval Bolton began to dominate the second half with some precise set pieces to gain a foothold in the home teams half. This was supported by the excellent ground that was being made by the Grundy and Harrison combination in the back row. Whilst the rest of the pack and importantly my Man of The Match Chris Gregory hit every ruck and every tackle with increasing ferocity until the breakthrough came via Nick Belsham diving try in the corner. Unfortunately the conversion attempt failed. At 10 – 5 down the team started to build momentum and again the pressure began to tell with an excellent push at a scrum jus short of the line and when the ball came out of the scrum David Cryer was there to score the try. The try converted would have won the game for us but again the wind and uneven ground intervened and the game was all square at 10 – 10. The match then descended into a struggle to break this new deadlock. This resulted in both teams throwing everything at each other as Kasselsvlei attacked through their snipping runners whilst Dave Cryer attempted a long range drop goal and McDermott set up a driving maul that was well held. As the ref drew the game to a close both teams were happy with the result.
1st Team Report by Mr Joseph

Kasselsvlei 0 Bolton 17

On a wet and windy day Bolton took on the toughest team so far on tour and had a wonderful day and evening at the school and with local community all standing in the rain to watch the boys play rugby.

It was a fiercely contested game played in a splendid spirit throughout and excellently reflected by Jerome who summed up that even in the rainiest conditions a fluent and competitive game was possible. The larger Bolton pack played to their strength with driving mauls and vigorous rucking leading to the opening try by Nick Holt, converted by Matt Strang who also bagged a first half penalty. The home team tackled superbly and showed a refreshing willingness and ability to throw the ball around, but Bolton’s defence stood firm with Chris Newman at the fore. The second half matched the first in terms of intense tackling and the vocal crowd appreciated both sides efforts and appreciated Bolton’s forward play which resulted in Will Bates diving over for a well deserved try, converted by Jack Roberts.

In many respects the game and result was incidental to our real mission, to create a bond with the school, pupils, staff and community and to leave behind a lasting legacy of friendship and memories to last a life time. Due to the generosity of the sponsors and the extraordinary fund raising of too many people to mention we was able to donate to the school and community many gifts ranging from rugby kit, sports equipment, educational aids, stationary and clothing. This was facilitated by Silk Group and by the staff of Sports & Corporate Group Travel. What was particularly moving was the donation of a massive and invaluable amount of medical equipment for the local hospital. I will be eternally grateful to Ken Harrison from Medicina for his generous support and the parents, staff and local community expressed their own gratitude with an emotional and eloquent speech from their first team coach Graham and their school principal Ronald Bantom. So the Bolton School 1st XV leave Cape Town unbeaten as they fly to Durban. Behind they leave new friends and a determination to return soon to a city and people who have left an indelible mark on a very happy group of rugby players and staff from Bolton.

Captains Report by Chris Newman

The weather could not have been more different that our first game at Plumstead. It would seem that we had brought some truly Brits weather with us which fortunate for us as we came up against a side with a highly talented and very fast set of backs.

We spoke before the match about how the game would be won or lost upfront and the lads duly took this to heart with a commanding performance from the start. Good ruck ball a strong catch and drive from the lineout and a dynamic back row ensured that during the first 15 minutes Bolton had the majority of the possession. After a good series of pick and goes by the forwards Bolton were able to open up the scoring through Nick Holt after a penalty was kicked to tough and the resulting line out and maul was driven over the line. The rain slackened a bit allowing the home team more scope for attack. The Bolton backs must be congratulated for great defence, both centres Bates and Bolton in particular with players happy to offload after contact and trying never to die with the ball. As the first half came to a close Bolton were able to extend their lead through a converted penalty by Stang after great Bolton pressure.

The second half started at a faster pace with more possession from Kasselsvlei resulting in Bolton needed to defend at their best. With the wine in their favour they also started to send barrage after barrage of high ball down our back three throats. Relph, Roberts and Sanders all did an excellent job under severe pressure. With our backs against the wall Bolton resorted to setting a slow tempo, building numerous phases with the forwards, Hough, Smith and the substitute Whelan all added the hard yards for the cause.

A rare break against a committed defence by Radcliff a scoring opportunity was presented to Jack Roberts after a series of offloads by the Bolton backs. Unfortunately Taffy’s eye sight failed him, mistaking the 5 metre line for the try line, and blowing an easily finished chance. A mistake sure to highlighted at the court at the end of the trip.

Breathing space was made but a score from Bate’s, who playing at scrumhalf picked up from the base of the ruck and scored from 3 meters out. The conversion put the score at 17 – 0 for Bolton. The final minutes were spent desperate defending from Bolton as the home team tried their best to put a score on the board.

At the final whistle each player gave his 07 Bolton shirt to their counterpart. This was really rewarding for me not by the score or the win but by the massively warm welcome given to us by the hosts and the friendly atmosphere on the pitch enjoyed by all the players.

After the match we were treated to hospitality. A good chicken curry and fruit juice was received with gratitude from all the Bolton players. However the best part of the day came with socialising with my players afterwards and the swapping of songs in the main hall.

Paul Fernside

Friday – Flight to Durban.

With a hint of sadness we left our hotel Cape Suites in Cape Town. The rugby had gone well possibly much better than anyone could have imagined. Our hotel and its facilities were first class, but the people with the hotel were superb. At every occasion we received quality service, always supplied with a genuine smile.

Our local tour guide Karien had done a first class job, going way beyond her expected duties as she kept us on time for our very busy schedule, Karien many thanks. The tour party would also like to say a big thanks to everyone at the Cape Suites and our two coach drivers Roy and Hanslo.

On to Durban

After a very successful day on the field the boys were again back sight seeing and today promised to be extra special with a boat ride around Hout Bay in the morning and Cape Point in the afternoon.

There were a couple of tired faces at yet another early breakfast following the previous day’s rugby but all the boys were in good spirits. The Coach’s left at 09:00 and headed along the scenic coast road through some of the most up market residential areas of The Cape before arriving in Hout Bay. After a quick coffee is was time to board our boat and head off for Seal Island. The weather had changed over night from glorious sun shine to a misty moody morning which cast a completely different perspective on the surrounding scenery. The Mountains were now dressed in a misty skirt that clung tightly to their peaks and faces changing all around us as the wind blew. Seal Island was exactly that; an island that seals inhabited and despite many attempts to make it more interesting than it was the boys just seemed to enjoy each others company and laughed and joked in general. The highlight seemed to be docking on our return where a Kid Creole and the Coconuts tribute band were waiting to greet us. Bobby Bolton & Daniel Whelan even showed them how to dance which went down well with everyone.

The onward journey to Cape Point is truly spectacular with ever rising and falling scenery to take your breath away around every corner. Before long we were making our final climb up the base point ready for lunch at Two Oceans Restaurant. As everybody tucked into burger and chips the view of False Bay and the back drop of the coastal mountains disappearing into the distance was truly magical. After lunch everybody meandered slowly to the highest point of the Cape and its Global Atmosphere Watch Station. The view stops you in your tracks as you literally look at the place where two Oceans collide. After everybody had taken more photos than anywhere else it was time to descend and board the coach for the final photo opportunity of the day at the Cape Of Good Hope.

The group headed back to the hotel for some well earned R&R before heading out for Dinner at the V&A Waterfront.

Game Day

After a furious start to the tour today had a relaxing start with lie ins and late breakfasts enjoyed by all. The boys once again made the most of their free time by playing ball games at the hotel before game preparation started in earnest. Lunch was served at mid day and pasta was on the menu, the perfect pre match fuel for today’s fixtures.

All the boys were immaculately dressed in ones ready for the short journey to Plumsteed High School. On arrival the two teams took to different parts of the playing field to get used to their surrounding. Once changed and ready for action the 2nd XV went through their pre match warm up routine before taking their places ready for kick off.

Match Report by Mr Jackson.

Bolton School's first fixture for their much awaited tour to South Africa got off to an impressive start with a 48 – 0 victory over Plumstead High School in Cape Town. The game was contested under bright blue skies at a temperature of 20 degrees with Table Mountain as a beautiful back drop. Bolton showed their dominance in the early stages with a try by prop Alex Reilly. Good work from Bolton on the Plumstead try line and Reilly peeled from the side of the maul to crash over. This was soon added to with 2 tries from Bobby Bolton and 1 from Jack Bentham and 1 from Nicholas Belshaw, all who had impressive games in the backline. It was the forwards dominance that gave the platform for the backs to run at the Plumstead defence. Richard Newman, Chris Gregory and Alistair Harrison all recycled the ball well in the loose. Newman was particularly lethal ripping possession from the Plumstead players and scored a try in the corner and deserved the man of the match award.

Six changes were made at half time with Josh Hughes, Hector Smethurst, Chetan Khatri and Tom Rimmer all stepping up to the mark. Two more tries were added in the second half to give a final score of 48-0.

David Cryer the Captain lead by example and said after the game “This is a very good start for us. Although we were nervous before the 1st match of the tour, I thought the lads performed well. It was a good all round performance”.

Bolton School have a rest day on Wednesday before taking to the field again on Thursday against Kasselsvlei High School in Bellville South Cape Town.

Try Scorers

Josh Hughes 1
Chetan Khatri 1
Bobby Bolton 2
Alex Reilly 1
Adam Greenwood 1
Nicholas Belshaw 1
Richard Newman 1
Christopher Gregory 1
Jack Roberts 1 plus 5 conversion kicks.
Dave Cryer Captain

Being our first match we knew it would be vital for the tour to start with a win. We started well, with Chris Gregory opening up the game with a well hit tackle on the opposition number 4. With early tries from our forwards it was clear that Plumtead were dis-heartened, we took advantage of this and led at half time 50 points to nil. In the second half we slacked, however with a few more tries and no points conceded the final result of 60 – 0 was achieved. Some individual tries from the rare try scorers, Chris Gregory and Josh Hughes made the game extra special. However, possibly the worst celebration from Chris slightly ruined the moment.

1st Team Match Report by Casper Joseph

History was made today in all sorts of ways – Bolton Schools first ever fixture in South Africa and a victory to boot. In beautiful conditions we started the game in a nervous manner but after ten minutes the forwards began to ruck with vigour and off loaded in the tackle to make space for expansive back play giving Will Bate his first of three tries. The back row were superb, Captain Chris Newman, James Radcliff and James Newton were everywhere, clearing out mauls, turning over ball and creating space for Andy Stimpson to play an expansive game.

Plumstead competed vigorously and tackled above their weight but the 1st XV clicked into gear and by half time led by 24-0. All seven substitutes were used with Dan Whelan and Mat Coulston making a physical impact. Plumstead rallied in the second half and scored a well deserved try through excellent side stepping play of Andy Foster. Bolton came back to finish the game with a couple of from James Radcliff and Chris Newman. What was of particular joy was the sight of John Allcock returning returning from a serious injury to play the last 20 minutes and make a real impact. Referee Neville Foster officiated superbly and after the game played tribute to the fixture and the manor in which the game was played.

We enjoyed an excellent meal at the school and the hospitality showed by all the Staff. We left the school and headed off to meet one of our friends mother at the local called the Westlake Arms for a couple of thirst quenchers after a fantastic day. We returned to the hotel with wonderful memories and many new friends and a 42-7 win under our belts.

Captains Report by Chris Newton

Plumstead proved a tough and hard fought encounter. Bolton did well to match the host’s intensity in the opening exchanges. We started to string some impressive passages of play, with the forwards showing great strength in providing plenty of quick ruck ball which allowed the backs to play with pace and penetration. The first try came from Will Bate after a good period of pressure from the Bolton forwards and after shipping the ball through hands and touching down in the far right hand corner. By this point the forwards were starting to enjoy themselves, off loading out of contact very well, with Radcliff Qureshi and Chisnell in particular showing great support play. The Bolton backs did very well to contain a rapid Plumstead and showed solid defence when needed with both wingers Goshwami and Sanders putting in big hits when needed.

The gap between the two teams started to grow with tries from Strang, Radcliff and myself adding to the distance between the two teams. However our hoists showed a great fighting spirit and were rewarded with a try from short range after a series of penalties conceded by Bolton. By the end of the game Will Bate had recorded his hat trick whilst I had scored two.

The final whistle was received with a little relief as the hard encounter and very hot weather had left our players rather fatigued. Overall we were extremely happy at the result and excellent start to our rugby tour.

Try Scores

Will Bate 3 plus 1 Conversion
Chris Newman 2
Matthew Strang 1 plus 1 Conversion
James Radcliff

Today’s schedule was a very busy one and everybody was a bit jaded at breakfast due to our early start. The coach left for the port at 08:30 and the boat sailed for Robben Island just after 09:00. As we left the mouth of the harbour and Cape Town fell away into the distance the true beauty and size of Table Mountain and surrounding peaks came to life and the closer we got to Robben Island the more magnificent Cape Town looked. It must have been a sight for sore eyes when sailors laid eyes on its splendour for the first time.

As you arrive at the island there is a strange silence that resonates around the harbour and as the people disembark no one really knows what to expect. As Bolton School were pre-booked the manager of the Island himself was there to meet us and in fact had insisted on looking after our tour personally. The tour takes your past the main prison were the political prisoners were held including Nelson Mandela and onto the Prison House where Robert Sobukwe was held in solitary confinement for the whole of his sentence. The bus stopped at various points allowing the guide time to explain the history of the island from its early beginnings as a place to send Lepers and other sick people that were believed to be harmful to others.

Eventually we arrived at the famous sports field where once a week the inmates played both Rugby and Football. Here we were met by a once serving inmate who explained the true meaning of reconciliation and what his time here and that of every political prisoner, including Nelson Mandela, had meant. Despite the beatings and torture that were an everyday occurrence,education was also important and a lot of inmates left with two or three degrees thanks to the help of the Red Cross and the Open Universities. Once out they were better equipped to fight for racial equality in South Africa.

Our guide showed us a typical cell and everybody sat in silence as he explained the true horror of his 5 years in prison which started at the tender age of 16. His story touched everybody present upsetting some in the process but making all understand the struggle that had to be endured for Black South Africans to be free from apartheid which eventually came in the early 1990’s. Our final stop before we left the island was at Nelson Mandela's cell.It was so small it was hard to believe that he and others like him spent so many years in such conditions.

Once back on dry land the group headed back to Cape Suites for a quick change before heading off to Plumstead high School for their first light training of the tour. The coaches put the lads through their paces, giving everybody the chance to run off any stiffness picked up over the last two hectic days.

Later we again set off for another breathtaking experience, sun set at Camps Bay. As the boys entertained themselves playing beach football and Rugby the sun slowly slipped into the sea casting a beautiful red glow across the ocean.

Dinner tonight had been organised by Mr Joseph through contacts back in the UK. The Managing Director of Nandos Restaurants UK Phil Lynas had been in contact with South African counter part Lawrence Rock and organised a complimentary meal at their Camps Bay Restaurant and the Manager there Gary Matz made everybody feel extremely welcome the food was superb and a fantastic night was had by all.