Post Eight

Thursday April 8th
Thanks to the generosity of Villanova College (http://www.vnc.qld.edu.au/) they picked us up this morning in one of their three tour buses that they are using while here. They have about 40 rugby and 26 football players in their training camp. The field was a little bumpier than yesterday but still okay. The temperature was hot and the boys were very glad when the odd cloud drifted over the sun and the breeze picked up. We again played four 20 minute periods to enable a drinks break. The first 20 we dominated but could only score through a penalty taken by Billy. It was a little disappointing that we couldn’t take our other chances in this passage of play. After the first 20, Villanova adjusted their team line up and provided a stronger more even contest for the rest of the game. They got a penalty that they converted, Jono you can’t push players in the back, and the scores were level. We had a few early chances in the last 20 before Connor followed through and slotted the winner 10 minutes before the end of the game. A good competitive match that both coaches were happy with. Along with that we have made a good contact with a school that is keen to play us again if the opportunity arises. Thanks to their physio for helping us out and the transport to and from the match. Once we were back at the backpackers the boys soaked in the pool before having free time in the afternoon. We headed down to the beach for a BBQ later encountering some local wildlife on the way. Great BBQ facilities next to the beach and the local Coles had some great patties and sausages. During the day Shamus confessed his football boots are made of kangaroo leather along with some of the other boys. Now I know why some of the local animals have been looking at us strangely. Michael is pushing hard to gain membership in the DWAS (Dr Who Appreciation Society [PNBHS Branch]) but he is yet to demonstrate enough knowledge (the TARDIS is not red!). Lachlan is at the start of the journey of his real musical knowledge with a brief introduction to the merits of Lou Reed and the Velvet Underground and he calls himself a musician!