Days 9 and 10

The Surf was up in Surfer's paradise on Day 9 of tour. All the boys took to the beach for a morning's instruction from the Get Wet Surf School. Most of the kids and staff managed to stand up and a great deal of fun was had by all. Robert West was 'king of the waves' and was reluctant to come out of the water when the session was over.

After the surfing we travelled up to Brisbane and met the hosts from Brisbane Grammar School. 

Day 10 

The teams for our fixture versus Brisbane Grammar were:

 Clifton B

1 T.Probert
2Y.Michael
3 D.Garner-Hodgson
4 J.Cooper(c)
5 X.Buoy
6 B.Lowe
7 F.Turner
8 E.Paddon
9 S.Matthews
10 C.Streatfield-James11 J.Holland
12 J.Stratford
13 W.Egerton
14 J.Daybell
15 W.Hamilton-Davies

Clifton A

1 D.Mitchell
2 M.Conn
3 R.West
4 A.Fallon
5 I.Cohen
6 J.Coates
7 W.Stump
8 B. Moffat
9 T.Horton(c)
10 E.Fowler
11 M.Reader
12 T.Waterfield
13 J.McDonnell
14 A.King
15 A.Williamson

In the first match the B team lost 29-5 in what was a much closer game than the score suggests. It was great to get a try (from Sammie Matthews) and to see Tommy Probert make his first appearance of tour. The second half was a five all draw and the lads are starting to realise what they are capable of. The wide pitches have made it difficult for us all tour and the superior pace out wide was our downfall once again. The adjustments to the lineup helped in this respect and we were unlucky not to score a few more points.

In the second match the A team lost 60-0 in what was another tough encounter. The boys again gave a good account of themselves but were beaten by very a strong side. The boys are growing in stature and are proving themselves individually with some outstanding tackling and determination. Again, the wide pitches and the strength of the opposition at the breakdown was our downfall. 

There have been no serious injuries but a few bumps and bruises as the tour enters its final phase, their spirits remained high as they left for their last night of billeting. Well done to the entire squad for another fantastic effort. We are all learning a lot about ourselves and the game of rugby over here in the southern hemisphere.