Basingstoke RFC

The final morning has soon come upon us a final early rise was in order for everyone. Another true full African breakfast was had by all before quickly moving to get on the final game drive. Everyone was soon to embark on the game vehicles and get their final look at the wildlife on offer, as the weather was bitterly cold we only saw very similar animals to previous game drives but this didn’t dampen any feelings as seeing these animals in their natural environment is a truly amazing sight.

Once back at the lodge we continued packing before a BBQ lunch and saying farewell to this wonderful reserve which has provided us with a truly memorable experience. William met us at the gates ready with our baggage packed into the coach for the journey back to Cape Town International.

Upon arrival we said goodbye to our South African tour rep, Christelle and moved on to check in which ran without hiccup. Last minute souvenirs and duty free was purchased by many whilst waiting in the departure lounge before boarding the slightly delayed South African Airways flight back to home soil.

Once touched down everyone made their way through the usual process of immigration before all bags were collected and put through customs.

All there is for me to say is thank you to Basingstoke U16s for such an inspirational and enjoyable trip and may the memories and experiences on this once in a lifetime tour stay with you for many years to come.

All the very best to everyone for the future and good luck to all the players who are due to join Basingstoke Academy in September.

Tim

Today as intended nothing was planned. The only thing letting us down today was yet again, the weather! Once again this did not put a dampner on any joviality or tour banter the majority of the group just enjoyed each others company playing numerous games in the lodge and some serious R&R.

Due to uthe adverse weather conditions the scheduled nature walk was cancelled and a short dust game drive was had by a select few of the group who didn’t want to sleep!!

Once the evening was upon us we all sat down for dinner and on the menu this evening was a very wide selection of traditional African dishes and stews. Many of the team agreed to sample some of the dished but of course the fussy one stuck to what they know best!

Following dinner, the evening had the confidential court planned and plenty of games for everyone! Before the final sleep in South Africa

Today started very leisurely as it is our last day at the Cape Suites. To ensure everyone was packed in time for a 10am departure, breakfast was in place at 9am (the earliest yet!). Slowly but surely each team member filtered into the breakfast room, looking jaded but certainly looking forward to going up Table Mountain and on to the second and final leg of the tour, Fairy Glen.

Once all packed and room inspections had been done, we said goodbye to the Cape Suites Hotel and headed up the mountain to where we to catch the cable car to the summit of Table Mountain.

All team members piled into the cable car and enjoyed the breathtaking view of Cape town which was before us. Due to the visability being low this didn’t last long and we where soon up into the cloud with the wind hurling round the cable car. Needless to say the revolving floor of the cable car was now useless!

Upon arrival at the summit, we were greeted by a white fog with no view and gale force, freezing wind. The lads with shorts and flipflops on were no regretting their choice fo clothing. We took all of 5 minutes for the photo opportunity before everyone piled into the newly refurbished café for a hot drink and biscuits. This was a great disappointment for everyone involved as on a clear day you can see for miles including the Robben Island which we visited yesterday.

After a good warm, we then made our way back to the cable car station for our decent. This time the cloud was slightly broken and we got a glimpse of the view which we could have seen but unfortunately the weather was against us.

Once back on the coach we went to the V&A Waterfront for the last time to purchase last minute souvenirs and have one last exploration, at this point it was very clear all the touring party was ready for the down time at Fairy Glen game reserve with all team members back early!

We then boarded the coach bound for the game reserve. En route we passed through the longest tunnel in South Africa and on the otherside the backdrop of snow capped mountains was out of this world. We also got our first taste of the wildlife we were about to experience, with baboons on the side of the road watching the world pass them by!

When we arrived into the Fairy Glen Game Reserve every player and coach commented on the spectacular mountains we found ourselves surrounded by it was certainly a sight no-one will ever forget. We all then boarded a game vehicle and made our way up the drive to the lodge where we will be staying for the next 2 nights accompanied by 2 elephants who were intrigued to who was visiting them.

Before long we were on the game vehicles again and on our first game drive. This first game drive was to give everyone a slight taste to what the game park has to offer. We saw Buffalo, Lions, Zebra, Spingbok, Elephants to name but a few. This really was Africa how everyone imagines and at its best!

On the menu this evening was a traditional African Braai where everyone gathered round the fire to eat in true bush style. Here everyone sat until the night was out and ready for another well earnt rest.

Today’s schedule was a very busy one and everybody was starting to fade! 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.



As we 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. The tour started by taking us 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 6 year sentence on the island. 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.

Following such an eye opening experience, we were soon back on dry land and on the coach heading for some team bonding in the way of paintballing. We parked the coach and continued our journey a good 10 minute walk into this vast forest. We soon stumbled upon the base and were swiftly sat down for safety briefing or no safety briefing as the case actually was. The only stipulation everybody was given was if they take their masks on the will be shot at by 5 people!



On went the brown cotton jacket and helmet before the marshals armed the Basingstoke group with their guns and they meant business! Off everyone went including William the coach driver playing several different games and blowing each other apart. No paintball game would be a success if there were no injuries, Michael Murphy has a sprained ankle and everyone has bruises all over their bodies. Everyone agreed it was worth the pain as a superb afternoon was had by all.

With tonight the last evening at the Cape Suites we arrived back for dinner. Following that, everyone was sent packing ready to move to our second and final stage tomorrow.

This morning it was decided that the lads would be given the option of breakfast due to so many early mornings and late nights. They were told the coach was leaving at 8.30 prompt and breakfast served 6am till 10am. To our surprise most of them actually got up and had the feast before gathering together and boarding the coach bound for the Waterfront for the rescheduled jet boats.

The weather today was gloomy with very low cloud but the main thing was that the seas swells were low and we could venture onto the jet boats as planned. Everyone was ready for some adrenaline and we soon belted up in our life jackets and boarded our boats. We left the harbour in convoy admiring the sea lions and the picturesque harbour behind and we were soon being blown by the fresh sea air and being bounced by the waves. En-route we were given a commentary by the very knowledgeable drivers pointing us at every landmark and interesting history of Cape Town. We passed trough Clifton bay and then onto our destination of Camps bay which is located on the other side of Table Mountain.

We then made our way back over the waves now picking up some speed and using some of the 500bhp these boats had to offer. Before we knew it we were at full speed and the lads hair was brushed back we were bouncing high on the waves, the open sea was ours!



On arrival back in the harbour we disembarked the mean machines and separated for lunch in time for the game this afternoon. We then re boarded the coach bound for Wellington and the Boland V Western Province game.

Match Spectators Report

Western Province 38-7 Boland Kavaliers

Boland made life difficult for the visitors in the first half, but after half time Province took control and Boland just had to defend for long periods. Province got on the scoreboard in the 23rd minute when the left wing was left open and they scored an easy try in the corner with no Boland defender in sight. Province took the lead for the first time in the 32nd minute when they succeeded with a penalty right in front of the Boland posts. Province constantly let themselves down at crucial stages and their execution was not what you would expect from a team of their calibre. But the second half produced a different story.



Province started to control from the kick off and ran the ball with every opportunity. In the 55th minute, WP's second try was succeeded. Then a further 2 tries pinned the final nails in the coffin for victory. Province also excelled in defence and did not allow a single point in the last minutes.
This was a fantastic experience to see local South African rugby at this homely stadium with the sun batting down we could not have asked for a better afternoon. We then headed back to the hotel for a BBQ with some interesting meats on the menu followed swiftly by the kangaroo court. Another inspiring day for Basingstoke U16’s and their tour of South Africa.

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.

Day five kicked off early morning the sun was shining and the day was our own! All the touring party gathered at 8am armed and dangerous with packed breakfasts to eat on the way to the Waterfront where we planned to embark on the Robben Island excursion.
Upon arrival Tim & Christelle (Tour Managers) went to investigate where everyone had to gather in order to board the boat form the 5km boat ride to the island. They soon returned with bad news.The Island was off limits due to the height of the waves and roughness of the sea therefore our plans were out of the window once again! After some quick thinking all re boarded the coach and we set off for Hout Bay.

En route the scenery was breath taking, travelling through the richer areas of Cape Town such as Camps Bay. Here the sea was visibly far too rough to travel on! Once we landed everyone piled off the coach and started to enjoy the first fine weather experienced. Several activities took place swimming, touch rugby, sand castle building the list is endless. The team enjoyed letting their hair down in a natural environment this is what South Africa is all about!

Hout Bay was formerly a fishing village and has managed to maintain its unique combination of fishing harbour and country atmosphere, despite the development surrounding the bay. Its long, sandy bay is overlooked by several mountains.

Following a quick fix of South African winter sunshine, we reboarded the coach to journey back to the hotel for lunch and game preparations and then got back on for the transfer to the game (See a pattern forming?) against Milnerton School.

Match Report

Basingstoke were in a winning mentality as they entered the school due to the opposing team's complimentary comments on their size.To put in bluntly, they were shocked! Dan got the team riled up with his fruity team talk and Eminem's ‘Lose Yourself’.

The team got off to a strong start, putting the opposition under huge pressure and flying into the rucks knocking them back! There was a consistent array of impressive tackles made by all. After a lot of hard work put in by both teams the first try was scored to get off the mark but unfortunately by Milnerton. The Stoke’s heads didn’t go down and they came back fighting but Milnerton had the upper hand with their well created overlap and scored their second try.

HALF TIME

Sam Turner took a high ball with ease leaving the opposition far behind him. Great positioning by Michael Grenata let him stop opposing attacks with ease but this was not strong enough to beat the South Africans and unfortunately Stoke began to tire. Following missed tackles Milnerton got a third try. Basingstoke were not giving up easily. After some well worked rooks and mauls Sam Turner took the ball for Basingstoke’s first tour try. Morale was now up and the boys stayed strong despite Milnerton getting through with another try. Jamie Connor came on as a last minute sub and immediately he took a crash ball from a penalty, brushed off opposition and put the ball down for Basingstoke’s second and final try. A well played game by both teams

After the bruising battle, presentations were held and the teams mixed extremely well in the post match hospitality, unfortunately this was short but certainly very sweet and welcoming due to the Milnerton players’ finishing school. The coach then made its final journey of the day back to the hotel where traditional African food is on order, a well earned rest and the tours second confidential kangaroo court is on the agenda. Another fantastic day for the Basingstoke team on their South African experience!

Day 4 of the Basingstoke South African experience started with a leisurely 9am breakfast for those who made it! Today was the first full day of activities with all energy levels back to normal. The only thing stopping us was the torrential rain!

The coach was soon to depart for Go-Karting, thankfully this was indoors and all could go ahead according to plan. When William (The Coach Driver) finally found of destination the fun started with a Basingstoke grand prix. All were offered 2 sessions of 10 laps (including William) with the fastest 5 to battle it out in the final race. When the lights hit green the competitive streak to everyone was immediately discovered. Not all drivers could manage to control their karts to the full potential resulting in many spins, skids and even a mini pile up! All dangerous drivers were soon to be disqualified from the race and their lap times invalidated.



Once all races had been fought, some victorious many not! The final lap times were presented and the 5 fastest drivers (as pictured) fought hard and fierce. As the race went on 3 drivers were disqualified for dangerous driving leaving just 2 (Sam Lewis & Lewis Clark) in the final laps. With Lewis behind Sam from the grid he was immediately on the back foot and Sam was showing no signs of weakness. Lewis kept trying and remained determined but Sam was strong and took first place.

Best Driver – Sam Lewis
Best Team – Mals, light blue team.



We still had no improvement in the weather therefore the trip to Hout bay had to be post poned to another day which is yet to be decided. Again not dwelling on disappointment, we decided to stay in the lovely town of Claremont and visit the shopping mall where the lads could have lunch and some down time. Everyone went their separate ways in their teams and for many the usual restaurants were hit hard (McDonalds, KFC) all the healthy food the lads eat best!

When we re grouped in time for ten pin bowling it was clear many rand had been spent weather it be on clothes, internet, food, shoes plus much much more. The teams gathered in the bowling alley and the format of competition was to stay in teams and get the highest overall score keeping the team moral high and the competitive streak still alive in everyone.

Once again Mals Light blue team pulled through with the highest score a very good day for them!

Highest Adult scorer – Steve Miles
Prize – Bowling Pin (This must be carried at all times)

Following another successful day of the tour everyone travelled back to the hotel for good old English fish and chips before settling down for an early start in the morning.

Team of the Day – Mal’s Light Blue Team – Keep it up lads!!

Following a well deserved rest today day started with a respectable 8.30 breakfast. All gathered (well most of us Adam C, Kieron, Ricky and Michael R all over slept despite a wake up call and many other forms of alarms, they are of course serving their appropriate forfeits) in the breakfast room to enjoy a mixture of full English and continental. Following all morning preparations everyone came in once again ready to board the coach bound to The Newlands stadium.



On arrival we had a browse round much memorabilia in the South African Rugby Union Museum and had the privilege to see and have pictures taken with the actual World Cup world cup won by South Africa last year. The tour then went into the stadium where we were taken round the changing rooms, massage and physio rooms (with Jacuzzis), players’ tunnel, pitch, several seating areas in the stadium, function rooms and finally onto the stadium shop where many purchases of replica shirts took place. All the tour was conducted by a gentleman named John who has a wealth of experience and has been with South African provincial Rugby in excess of 40 years.

After a very successful morning the lunch was held back at the hotel before boarding the coach for the first tour fixture V Bellville School.

Bellville School 54 - 0 Basingstoke

Report
Prior to the match, opposition sounded scared and surprised at the sheer and beauty of the Basingstoke squad. The training session gave off the right impressions due to the winning attitude displayed. Despite this, it wasn’t a good start.

Kickoff
Due to the unaware team of Basingstoke players Bellville squad within the first minute destroyed morale. Hoping to come back harder Ash Mohan (number 14) made an impressive tackle on the opposing number 12 the players looked up for a minute but the feeling didn’t last long. Despite various penalties awarded to Basingstoke dismay prevailed and Bellville scores try after try.



After a passionate team talk at half time by Dan Lamb and Jamie Jacobs, things started to look up… for all of 5 minutes. Strong tackles by Sam Matthews and Will Ogden as well as many others left Bellville stunned. Basingstoke now looked better than they did but it was a little too late. There was a great emphasis on winning by Basingstoke but unfortunately time was not on their side.

Following a disappointing start to the rugby, the hospitality soon turned moral around with a very warm welcome and kindness of the school. Everyone enjoyed a local hotdog snack along with card games conducted by Dan and arm wrestles between props!

On board the coach once again we journeyed the back to the Cape Suites where the lads enjoyed further freezing water swimming and free time. The evening was dedicated to the Kangaroo court and pizzas but no more can be disclosed as what goes on tour stays on tour!

Basingstoke U16s started their tour in an exquisite manner. With the coach being an hour early into Heathrow; the tour guide (Tim) was still collecting baggage in Terminal 5.All the players and coaches were queuing to check in anticipating his arrival with the tickets. Needless to say he got to us (just!) Check in and all security checks ran smoothly with no hiccups or interruptions which then gave everyone 3 hours to shop and eat in the departure lounges ready for the grueling 12 hour flight ahead. Once all boarded onto the SA221 ready for take off everyone was extremely excited and eager just to get to Cape Town for the tour to begin.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SAM LEWIS!!

On Arrival (10 minutes early) into Cape Town International Airport we passed through customs with no problem, onto the baggage carousel where all but one of our bags got to the other end. Poor Ben Fox will have to wait a further 24 hours before his bag will hopefully be delivered to the hotel. Luckily he had a change of clothes in his hand luggage so it was not as gloomy as first thought. Once we had all gathered outside the International arrivals we were met by our SA tour guide and our coach driver William who will turn into the legend of our tour I’m sure!

We then continued our journey to the Cape Suites Hotel. Upon arrival we were too early to check in to all of our rooms so we made use of what we had and freshened up for the day ahead.

Once all changed we made our way down the winding roads to the V&A Waterfront, the wind was blowing and the sea was rough, definitely not jet boating weather! Team Basingstoke then dispersed to grab what they could following the journey and airline food to try and get some energy before embarking on the jet boats.

Following a wide variety of cuisines enjoyed by all we headed as a group to the jet boat only to be disappointed (as suspected) due to the rough weather they will not be able to take us out of the harbour and enjoy it to its full potential. Following much discussion this has been rearranged to Saturday when the forecast is a lot better and we can get out onto the open South African waters!

Not dwelling on the disappointment we soon found our alternative in the famous Two Oceans Aquarium. The group decided this was a suitable alternative to give everyone a taste of what is going to be underneath the boat should anyone fall in. We were treated to sharks, hundreds and thousands of fish, turtles and penguins to name but a few! Whilst there we had the joy of watching the stingrays and turtles being fed and an in depth commentary to explain many of the different animals we saw up close and personal.

After a very educational and interesting afternoon the group again separated for free time before dinner to get some initial souvenirs and to explore what this fantastic city has to offer. Dinner was then planned at The Spur, all enjoyed various steaks, ribs and the famous milkshakes but the highlight was certainly when all the waitresses and waiters gathered round our entire table to sing Happy Birthday to Sam. All were fading fast at this point and it was agreed we would head back to the hotel en route stopping at a supermarket to get essential midnight snacks. On arrival back at the hotel a briefing meeting was held and more candle blowing was done by Sam before everyone heading their separate ways for a well earned rest. Night All!