Saturday, 16 April 2011

CHAIRMAN - Last Words

Many thanks for reading this blog!

It has been an amazing experience travelling to play in Zimbabwe. The country is fanatical about it's rugby, and the reception we have had has been truly heartwarming and at times very emotional. Politics has inevitably reared it ugly head on this tour, something we have done our best to sidestep. All I will say is that the rugby supporters in Zimbabwe are desperate for foreign rugby teams to start going back to Zimbabwe so that they can progress as a rugby nation and to give their young rugby players the opportunities that have not been available for probably 10 years!

My comment on this is go!!!!

As said we have been wonderfully looked after. I have been on some fantastic tours in my life but this was to say the least something else, the gratitude and good feeling was overwhelming. Whenever people saw pink shirts they would come up to us, to ask us questions, to enquire how we are finding Zimbabwe, to thank us for coming back and to wish us the best of luck. This was from both black and white, rich and poor. From the top of the Zimbabwean rugby hierarchy to the many making a living selling what they can find in the street!

Rugby in Zimbabwe is very integrated and the Zim Rugby Union see their future in developing players from the townships and the poorer backgrounds in Zimbabwe. The township visit was very moving and a significant moment in many of our players lives. To see the poverty of some and how far down they are starting on the ladder of life on one hand, yet on the other hand the absolute passion and talent for the game that they have!

I have lots of conversations to have before I can say anything definate, but I really want to do something to help rugby develop amongst the less advantaged in this country. Moves have already been made within the tour party to provide scholarships for a number of very talented players to attend Churchill College, where they can develop their rugby talent and get a proper education, but I would like to do something more within the ISB! Not least because our boys receive some of the finest education in the world and therefore I see it as only fitting that we give back to those that do not. The cost of this education for these boys is $570 per boy per year an impossible amount of money for these boys parents, but less than a yearly Sky subscription for us!!!!!

As said I need to talk to many people about this but please do feel free to drop me an email if you would like to help!

Chris
chairman@isrugby.org

PETER WILD - Township Visit

Mbare Rugby Academy.

After an emphatic victory over the Zimbabwe Under 19 squad, the ISB were unsure of what to expect when they set off to visit the Mbare Rugby Academy. We were warned that the children may speak little or no English and that we would have to come up with alternative ways to communicate with them. After a long journey through the less affluent suburbs of Harare, we arrived at the academy to see the boys (and two girls), aged between 7 and 14, already warming up on a dusty, uneven surface, barefoot and with little in the way of sports wear.

We disembarked the bus and were cheerfully greeted by the children, and both teams were keen to get started and enjoy this once in a lifetime experience. The ISB were keen to immerse themselves in this and we were told to split up and take a training session with our own group of children. This immediately caused slight alarm as we realised we had no idea of the skill level of the boys and girls (only later on were we to find out that four of the boys were in fact representing Zimbabwe at under 14 level!). This alarm was soon replaced by awe in our group after our first training drill, a simple handling exercise which was swept aside with surprising ease with many of the boys not only competent at spin passing off both hands, but well versed in the dummy as well. We then decided to challenge the children more and moved on to some more complex drills, not only challenging their rugby but also our ability to communicate with them. After some tentativeness in the beginning, the children soon relaxed into it and straight faces were replaced by laughter and smiles, which made the experience all the more touching and memorable.

After each of the four groups had played some touch with mixed teams of ISB and children, we became yet more impressed by the skill level and aptitude for the game showed by the children of the Mbare Academy. We finished off the training with an unknown touch rugby fixture being added to our tour: ISB verus Mbare Rugby Academy under 14s. The Mbare side had the home advantage and the ISB found the hard, dusty ground challenging, leading to a plethora of tries from the Mbare side and Max Allen the only one to salvage some points for the ISB. It was a tremendous end to the training, with plenty more smiles and laughter from both sides.

After all the fun and games we got the chance to hand over some rugby kit to the children that we had brought for them. This was a huge moment for them as the generous donations consisted of four team kits, over 30 balls and plenty of other rugby training gear. It was clear how much it meant to them as the children rushed in to receive the gifts and this impacted on the ISB very positively with Tom Rosenkranz saying 'The look on the kids faces whilst coaching and providing them with donated kit was a massive experience for me'. However none of us were quite expecting what came next as the a group of roughly 20 of the children walked out in front of us. All of a sudden one of the boys erupted into a 'haka' style chant and the rest of the group dropped to their knees and fists, snarling and hissing. It was a truly poignant scene and one which will stay with me for many a year. It summed up what an meaningful game rugby is not only to these kids but to Zimbabwe as well and to have been granted the opportunity to give back to the game in this way is exceptionally humbling. Mason Caton-Brown summed up the day saying: 'It was more than just an experience to see, coach and play rugby with these guys, it was an eye opener. It has shown me that rugby is more than just a competitive sport, but a way of connecting people'.

Poults kept telling us life is about getting and taking opportunities and this most certainly was one of those moments in our lives.

Pete Wild.

CAPTAIN - Game v Zimbabwe

Captains report : ISB 21-14 Zimbabwe U19.

'Bahati ikipiga hodi ni lazima ufungue mlango mwenyewe' - 'When good fortune knocks you have to open the door yourself'.

Firstly apologies for the delay in the production of this report, perhaps the most important of the tour. As I'm sure you can understand the last couple of days have been hectic to say the least; back-to-back games followed by a 25 hour journey home (with a little celebrating in-between) have been enjoyed with little sleep. I am writing this as we take off from Nairobi airport with 'only' eight hours or so of travelling left! (Just for the record, if possible avoid extended stays at Kenya's premier airport - not comfortable in any way whatsoever).

Back to the game...

The focus of the week had been building up to Wednesday, frequently referred to as 'the big one'. We had been talking all week about maintaining the ISB's magnificent 100% record against national sides and for this one the focus was all upon the result. The beginning of the match was certainly a new and tremendous experience for all of us. Leaving the changing rooms to the sound of bagpipes we proceeded to line up on the 15-meter line, facing the stands (yes, exactly like the television!!). Ready and prepared to belt out our national anthem for the whole of Zimbabwe to hear it would have helped if we had begun singing sometime during the first verse... However once we got going I'm sure even the Queen herself would have been proud. Having listened to the Zimbabwean attempt at singing the skippers big moment of leading the minister for Sport down his line of lads also went (for want of a better phrase) 'tits up'. Mind completely blank, my attempts to name each squad member were horrible... I'm sure that the minister was amazed at how many 'Toms' we had brought over with us. However within the first five seconds of kick-off things were to somehow get worse...

The first ISB hit of the game was a big one, living up to all the pre-match hype of 'big hits for the big match'. Unfortunately for Hartley and the ISB as a whole, it came without the attempt to use any arms AND roughly a century after the ball had been passed. Out came a flash of yellow from the referee's pocket and off Hartley trooped to have a ten-minute of a recovery after his major exertions.

This early setback however only seemed to spur the ISB on to greater things. At no point during those first ten minutes did the numbers appear unequal. Indeed composure by the whole side meant that it was the fourteen men in bright pink who had the first points-scoring opportunity. Poulton pointed to the posts and Jewers duly sent the ball flying in the right direction.

ISB 3-0 Zimbabwe U19.

A clean take at the restart and some more decent play frustrated the pent-up hosts and as Hartley wandered back onto the park having served his time a Zimbabwean back-rower lost his cool dropping his shoulder in late to receive the same fate as Hartley had done previously (maybe he was tired as well?). With the numerical advantage the tourists looked to open up their game, however even though they were a man down the Zimbabweans spent the next ten minutes on the front foot. Playing direct and physical rugby the national side looked dangerous. However it was an unnecessary ISB indiscretion, early engagement at the scrummage, which allowed the 'Young Sables' to spin the ball wide where a miscommunication in the ISB defence left the Zimbabwean winger one-on-one with the fullback Allen. A chip over the top was followed by the little Zimbabwean demonstrating his sheer pace to gather and dot down in the corner. A tricky conversion from the sideline failed to make the required distance.

ISB 3-5 Zimbabwe U19.

The rest of the first half is pretty much all a blur to me. I can recall Allen enjoying a strong first period at fullback including one outrageous double sidestep as well as the ISB pack beginning to exert more dominance as the game wore on. Harries, Hearn and Precious formed an efficient back-row as usual and Bliss demonstrated why he is one of the best scrum-halves around. Eventually the ISB won a penalty during the last play before the half-time oranges and with Jewers fancying his chances, Poulton again indicated a kick at goal. A strong swing of the boot with the ball squeezing just inside the near upright gave the tourists the lead at half time.

ISB 6-5 Zimbabwe U19.

The ISB tradition of a weak start to the second half continued with some indiscipline coupled with strong Zimbabwean running from the likes of the Zimbabwean Man of the Match Joshua Smallbones ensured that the man in middle raised his arm twice and twice the ISB posts were dissected.

ISB 6-11 Zimbabwe U19.

This was not a game, however, that the tourists were happy to lose but with Zimbabwe camped in the ISB 22 the men in pink felt like they had a mountain to climb. Heroic defence by numbers 1 through to 15 pushed the Zimbabweans out into touch on the ISB 5-meter line. This was where the big units had to stand up and be counted. The throw from Brown was strong and Tokeley did what he does best, getting up at the front of the line out in front of his man and setting up the rolling maul. The entire pack piled in (Higgins playing on the wing informs me that even he had a go) and on went the maul. Zimbabwe were penalised for pulling it down and the ball was kicked out to give the ISB the opportunity to repeat the process. On this occasion the maul travelled fully 25 meters before again being illegally pulled down by the Zimbabwean pack. When two minutes later the tourists were given the opportunity to set up one more maul close to the hosts' line the pack performed yet again with Man of the Match and recipient of my Captain's award for the tour Harries grounding the ball. This time Jewers couldn't repeat his kicking magic sending the ball wide and short.

ISB 14-11 Zimbabwe U19.

The game still had twenty minutes to play and Zimbabwe struck back almost immediately. A technical infringement meant that the ISB coughed up another kickable straight-arm penalty with the resultant three points levelling the scores.

ISB 14-14 Zimbabwe U19.

With the match delicately poised the ISB took the initiative. A wonderful restart by Jewers allowed the tourists to regather possession and when a penalty was nudged into the corner the entire ground expected the precise and powerful ISB maul to launch into action. On this occasion however a mix-up resulted in the sharp Bliss shipping the ball out to Huxtable with a wonderful combination of running lines from both centres Watters and Jewers releasing Wilcockson who palmed off the Zimbabwean fly half with ease to storm over under the posts. Conversion slotted the ISB found themselves in the ascendency with ten minutes to go.

ISB 21-14 Zimbabwe U19.

I say ten minutes, but to us out there on the park it felt like an eternity. The Zimbabweans attacked and attacked running hard and direct and completely pinning us down in our 22. Numerous penalties were given away but with the Hosts requiring a converted try to tie the score the waves of attacks kept on coming. Some of best tackling and scramble defence I have ever been a part of kept the marauding Zimbabweans at bay. Eventually the pressure became too much and after ten minutes of constant defence the men in pink forced the much vaunted Zimbabwean number eight to panic and knock on. A solid scrum and pick up from eight gave Bliss the opportunity to lump the ball off the field and begin scenes of tremendous jubilation.

Full Time : ISB 21-14 Zimbabwe U19.

The roller-coaster of emotions felt throughout that game is one which will stay with me for the rest of my life. Nervousness, fear, anger, pride, excitement, confusion and finally jubilation; this was test-match rugby at its finest. The whole squad should be exhilarated and tremendously proud at having produced an international victory. Lastly it should be mentioned that taking on the Zimbabwean side is without doubt the toughest international fixture the ISB has played and I know that I am, hopefully the rest of the lads are as well, delighted and full of pride having kept up the ISB 100% record against national sides.

'Bahati ikipiga hodi ni lazima ufungue mlango mwenyewe' - 'When good fortune knocks you have to open the door yourself'.

Yours in rugby,

Poults.

Friday, 15 April 2011

CHAIRMAN - End of Tour Dinner Awards

Top Try Scorer - Pete Wild
Unsung Hero - Charlie Tokeley
Head Coach's Award - Peter Hyams
Back of Tour - Sam Higgins
Forward of Tour - Charlie Precious
Player of Tour - Charlie Jewers
Man of Tour - Jacob Poulton

Barbarians arrive for Zim rugby series - Newsday: Everyday News for Everyday People

Barbarians beat Districts - Newsday: Everyday News for Everyday People

Zimbabwe teams struggle against visiting side - Newsday: Everyday News for Everyday People

Barbarians beat Zim Under-19 - Newsday: Everyday News for Everyday People

CHAIRMAN - Match v Zimbabwe

The Chairman has retired to the first class lounge (only 30 bucks to buy your way in) while the Captain is quite rightly with his players. Therefore the Captain hasn't had the iPad to write me a match report, so we have put one together for you ourselves as I am aware it is very late.......

The game v the Zim U19s was probably going to be the toughest game that the ISB had yet faced. It was a glorious day, hot and dry on a beautiful wide flat pitch. A big crowd, a pipe band, a member of the cabinet, national anthems, presentations, and a great atmosphere.

The Zimbo's were I think expecting a win after we had contrived to lose to the Lions a few days before and therefore they were in boisterous mood.

The boys were very focused before the game, they knew they should have won the first game and they were determined not to make the same mistakes again.

After the formalities the game kicked off - 5 seconds later we lost our first player to a yellow card. The player, not to mention names, especially Welsh ones, was perhaps a little over heated in playing his first national team. The first hit of the game was a late hit and we were down to 14! However, the ISB managed to put together some good phases and threatened the Sables line on a number of occasions. This somewhat settled the nerves of the players but the well struck penalty from Jewers converted some of the pressure into points. Jewers had not been kicking well all week and therefore it was with some relief that we saw the ball going anywhere near the uprights! 3-0

However the Zimbos soon came back and good handling from the home side and poor defence from the ISB enabled them to score a try in the left hand corner which fortunately they were unable to convert.

We then responded with a period of sustained pressure in the Sables 22 which unfortunately only led to another well taken penalty for Jewers which enabled us to go into the half-time break 6-5 up!

The boys were sore and stiff at half-time from the the hot conditions, the fast pace and the big hits. However, the boys were none the less confident and believed that they could win this game.

The Sables came out after half time firing and pressurised the ISB who looked like they were having one of their typical poor second half starts. The pressure culminated in two penalties for the Sables leaving the ISB down by 11-6.

The ISB then began to rouse themselves from their slumbers and started to get back into the match. Some good phase play took them up the field and the pressure told on the Sables leading to them straying offside and a penalty. Jewers stepped up and put us with 2 points.

This boosted the ISB confidence and we started to play some good rugby, again we worked our way up the park and yet another pressure induced penalty gave Wilcockson the chance to stroke the ball towards the corner flag. In very untypical, but necessary given the circumstances, style the ISB put up the ever dominant Tokeley at the front of the line out. He caught cleanly and the back of the line out swept round into position around him. The try was not instantly forthcoming and the ISB showed good patience in holding tight until the point of weakness was found. After conceding 5 catch and drives to lose the Cobham game the ISB had score one themselves to take the lead against Zimbabwe, we were up 14-11.

The lead unfortunately did not last long. The Sables surged back into the ISB half and we gave up a silly penalty and the lead was gone it was 14 all.

However, this seem to spur the ISB. There followed a unfruitful but highly exciting period of play for the ISB, where the boys at long last started to cut through the Sables back line defence. Time after time the ISB broke the Sables line only to be frustrated by their last ditch defences. However after much pressure, the ball was moved wide from a loose line out to the fly-half, Huxtable who floated a neat and well weighted pass to Wilcockson, now playing at 15, who burst into the line at a well judged angle and handed off the Sables centre to go through under the posts. We were now 21-14 up.

The Sables did not however lay down and die. They came back with ferocity and were spurred on by the home crowd. They threw everything they had at getting the ball across the ISB line, but heroic defence time and time again repelled the Sables keeping them out but only inches from the ISB line. Eventually the magnificent pressure led to a mistake with the Sables giving away a knock on with the try line beckoning. A scrum, a clean hook, a well shepherded ball by the 8, a pick and a smack into touch by the 9 and the game was over and we had beaten Zimbabwe.

The boys to say the least were rather pleased, as were the management, some of whom might have almost shed a tear!!!!!!!

CAPTAIN - Last Game

ISB 38-30 Goshawks.

The squad arrived for the match exhausted at the end of a short but very demanding tour, however they were determined to give one last performance and return home with a 3-1 series win.

The lads left the changing rooms taking by the hand one of the Mbare Academy players that they had coached that morning, leading them out to be treated to another rendition of their magnificent haka.

The changes made to the team from the Zim U19 game did not seem to have much effect on the performance as they got off the mark quickly with Higgins going over to take an early lead. However the Goshawks were a powerful and speedy side who were keen to attack at every opportunity and some neat play allowed them to score 2 tries to take the lead at 12-7.

Once again the light-footed Higgins, who was later named 'Back of the Tour' danced his way over the line, with Jewers unable to add the extras this time leaving the scores tied. This was however a game which the Goshawks were up for and physical work at the breakdown by the bulky Goshawks pack enabled the host team to secure numerous turnovers through counter-rucking. This control of possession gave the Goshawks the opportunity to take the lead as the Man of the Match for the Goshawks, Jamie Forrester, went over for his second leaving the ISB five points down at the break.

The coaching team had some strong words to say about work rate during half-time and the warning came that substitutions were imminent.

Five minutes into the second half the Goshawks had crossed the ISB line again. Some poor defence allowed the impressive Forrester through to secure his hat trick. Changes were duly made with Harries, Hearn, 'forward of the tour' Precious, 'unsung hero of the tour' Tokely and Poulton coming onto the park to add some bulk and direction to the ISB pack. Their introduction resulted in use of that traditional weapon of all ISB rugby teams, the rolling maul!!!! A line out on the Goshawks five metre line allowed the ISBs to slowly creep towards the line with Hearn the man at the back able to ground the ball. Huxtable backed himself and stepped up and slotted the extras from the touchline.

Such was the ISB dominance at this point that it was no surprise when a turnover secured by the stocky Harries allowed the ISB to move the ball onto the wing where the two flyers Thompson and Wild combined, Wild going in under the posts. Jewers slotted the conversion to give the ISBs the lead at 26-24.

Following this passage of play the Goshawks came back into the game. A pair of contentious decisions handed the Goshawks two penalties which both went over. With 15 minutes to play the ISB trailed 26-30.

Knowing that this was the last time they would wear a ISB shirt the lads were keen to grind out a win and this they duly delivered. Having secured the restart through a wonderful take by the giraffe-like Tokely, the ISB worked their way up the field through some direct play. After being awarded a penalty for offside skipper Poulton turned down the points instructing Jewers to again knock the ball into the corner. This time the Goshawks defended the maul well, although with dubious legality but the ISB were not to be stopped. 'Ugly rugby' ensued with the pack putting together more than 15 phases before eventually Hearn crashed over from short range. With Jewers sliding a difficult conversion wide the ISBs led by a single point heading into the last five minutes.

With securing the restart safely paramount the dependable Tokely was called for and he delivered. Safe play allowed the ISB to progress to halfway before some great awareness by Man of the Match Bliss created the final score with an impressive tactical box kick falling for Wild to score his second of the day and sixth of the tour. A simple conversion was scored to make the game safe and two minutes later the referee blew up for full time.

A fitting end to a wonderful tour and all the boys are delighted to return home with a series win and a test match victory under their belts.

On a personal note it has been one the proudest weeks of my life to lead such a talented and committed set of lads. All the boys are very appreciative of the management and everyone who has made this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity possible.

Yours in rugby,
Jacob Poulton.

Thursday, 14 April 2011

CHAIRMAN - Last Game

Last update before our marathon journey home, looking forward to 7 hours at Niarobi airport!!!

Anyway we finished the tour in style with a 38 - 30 victory over the Goshawks which is basically a Zim U18 side. I will type up some details during our layover but may not be able to post until I get to Cornwall on Friday afternoon!

It has been a great trip! The boys have been wonderful, the reception fantastic and the rugby superb!

Wednesday, 13 April 2011

THE PRESIDENT - Roger Uttley

Congratulations to one and all - keep up the good work!

Rog

CHAIRMAN - Link re 3rd Game

http://allafrica.com/stories/201104140018.html

Please remember this is their words not ours!

CHAIRMAN - First Press

http://www.newsday.co.zw/article/2011-04-13-barbarians-beat-zim-under19

CHAIRMAN - Game v Zimbabwe

Well what a day! I suppose you want the result - we won 21-14!!!

The ISB remain undefeated against international opposition!

It was a truly amazing experience for the boys - even as they arrived the 15 piece pipe band were already playing and the beer laden crowd already starting to arrive for a late afternoon's entertainment in the Harare sun!

While the boys changed we were briefed by the match organisers on the all the technicalities, e.g. the role of the forth (yes forth) match official and the arrangements for the national anthems! I was briefed on where I would sit and on what to do when I met the Minister or Education, Sport and Culture and the process for introducing him to our management and players directly after the anthems - this clearly wasn't going to be an ordinary afternoons rugby!!!!

Both sides warmed up while comically trying to avoid the pipe band merrily playing away in the middle of the field before briefly returning to the changing room before parading onto the field for the national anthems.

The omens were not looking favourable when our boys, accompanied by a lone piper missed the entrance to God Save the Queen and only started singing half way through! However they did belt it when they got going and out sang the Zimbabweans. After being introduced to the Minister the game kicked-off. I shall leave the majority of the game details to Poults tomorrow but briefly:

We went ahead through a penalty - I had agreed considering the calibre of the opposition that the odd 3 points would be acceptable!

They however were very big and fast and came back with a well worked try on the wing. We looked rather nervous but surprisingly considering our style our forwards started to give us some dominance and we regained the lead with another penalty! 6-5

They then went ahead 8-6 with a penalty. We came back with a penalty to 9-8. I can't actually remember when halftime was but we were up and it was sometime around this time!!!

Zim then took the lead with a penalty 11-9 after a typically poor start to the second half by the ISB before we regained it with a very untypical catch and drive from the line-out - 14-11

Zim then pulled things back to all square with another penalty - 14-14

We were now starting to get into our flow and the pitch was starting to open up for our backs. From a line-out 5 out we made a bit of a bit of a hash of it but gathered it back before spinning it wide with a screen pass to the fullback coming into the line at a beautiful angle who handed off the Zim centre to score under the posts - 21-14

Then came some of the most heroic defence I have seen. The Zimbabweans spent almost all of the rest of the game inside our 5 metre line and I still do not know how we managed to keep them out - truly marvellous! We managed to pressure them finally into a knock on and the ref informed us it was the last play of the game. We had to win the ball and get it into touch to win! We did and the team erupted in joy and celebration!

What a day!

I promise we will fill you in more fully tomorrow but I really need some sleep!!!

JULIAN HARRIES - A Brief Parent's View

As a parent it is great to see how quickly the boys have worked together and the great camaraderie that now exists.

CHAIRMAN - Game v Zimbabwe

Sorry for the lack of updates recently - no chance of an Internet connection in Lomagundi!

Just arrived back in Harare for the game v Zim. Huge nerves from the Chairman although the boys seem fine. Just found out that I am sitting in-between the Minister for Sport and Minister for Education. I will be on my best behaviour!

Will post the result as soon as I can tonight!!!!

CHAIRMAN - 2nd Game

On Monday after a more relaxing day at Imire Game Park we took the bus 120km north of Harare to Lomagundi College for our second game against County Districts, basically Lomagundi College.

The school is set in beautiful countryside and as with all schools over here the focus of the school is the impressive 1st XV pitch. The crowd wasn't quite as big this time, being out in the sticks in the middle of nowhere, but was none the less for most the second biggest crowd the boys had ever played in front of. We still managed to give 3 interviews to the press, including to the Harare Herald who had followed us up from Harare.

The boys kicked off and things seemed to be going well, we kept the ball alive superbly and played some wonderful running rugby quickly going 17-0 up. However we then hit our middle of the game malaise, just the same as with the first game in Harare! We stopped playing the rugby that had gained us 17 points with relative ease and decided to make things tough for ourself by giving away penalties, not playing our patterns etc. etc. This allowed Districts back into the game. The same happened for the next 20 minutes of the second half before we managed to get things together again and get back on track. We started playing some better rugby and finished of the game 38-17 up. Our first victory on tour which is great after losing by a point the other day, but with the Zimbabwe game coming up it was a game where we should have scored another 30 points.

Peter Wild scored another couple of tries to remain the tour scoring leader with a total of four to date. Alex Wilcockson was incestuously given man of the match by the newest member of the tour management.

Tuesday, 12 April 2011

CAPTAIN - 2nd Game

ISB 38-17 Lomagundi College.

The ISBs secured their first win of the tour against a spirited and aggressive Lomagundi side.

Lomagundi College provided a beautiful setting for what turned out to be an entertaining match with good rugby played by both sides. The sun was out in full force as Man of the Match Wilcockson kicked off in front of a reasonable crowd of several hundred. The ISBs were quick out of the traps in contrast to Saturday and after a few tap penalties from Higgins to create a quick tempo, good handling allowed Watters to go over on the blindside.

Credit must be paid to Lomagundi College for their physical play at the breakdown and with the referee enjoying the sound of his own whistle the ISB were in danger of allowing the game to turn into a dogfight. However a turnover at halfway gave the ISB back-line the space they craved and good decoy running gave Allen the chance to squeeze through a gap, offloading to Thompson who opened his legs to touch down under the posts. The simple conversion went over to make the score 12-0.

To round off the first half, good awareness from Rosenkranz put Caton-Brown through a gap and some nifty footwork let him dive in under the posts. Half time came with the score at 19-0.

The second half began with Lomagundi eager to reduce their deficit. ISB indiscipline repeatedly gave the host side the chance to gain territory and they employed the driving maul well, making significant yards on several occasions. Eventually they moved the ball wide with the ISB unable to prevent the Lomagundi winger diving over in the corner. A tough conversion from the touchline was sent sailing over and minutes later a further ISB indiscretion led to three further point bringing Lomagundi back into the game at 19-10.

The introduction of Hartley into the front row brought additional physicality to the ISB side including one carry which sent his prospective tackler flying. Indeed it was an impressive scrummaging effort 5 meters from the Lomagundi line by the whole pack which allowed the energetic Bliss to pick ip from the base of the scrum and run around several defenders to score in the corner with a smart dive.

This gave the ISB the freedom to express themselves and with 1 controlling the game well from 10 aided by an efficient display from Precious at flanker, Wild was put through and was never going to be caught.

Lomagundi were not going to simply lie down however and disorganisation in the ISB defence resulted in an overlap which was well finished in the right corner.

The ISBs had the last say with the half-back pairing of Bliss and Wilcockson again performing well to send gas-man Wild galloping down the wing with too much in the tank for the full back.

A fractious finish to the game ensued with some big hits put in including a rib-tickler on Higgins but the lads kept their composure and the score finished as 38-17.

A good performance by the Lads in searing heat and the whole squad is excited in anticipation of taking on the Zimbabwean national side on Wednesday.

Yours in rugby,
Poults.

Sunday, 10 April 2011

CAPTAIN - First Game

"Barbarians mauled by Lions" ... Well not quite.

Reading the Zimbabwean national newspapers this morning you would be forgiven for believing that yesterday the ISB were thoroughly outplayed by a superior oufit. In reality the ISB lost a tight, physical encounter which could have gone either way by a single point; a penalty kick knocked over by the Lions with 10 minutes to go proving decisive as the tourists went down 23-22.

Since arrival we have been subject to much public and press interest and it was no surprise that a crowd numbering well over a thousand turned out to watch the first game by an English touring side on Zimbabwean soil for ten years.

The ISB, resplendent in their neon pink shirts, marched out with purpose only to be rather taken aback by the directness of the Lions play. Within three minutes, the Lions had marched upfield through some strong running and with the referee playing advantage their fly half sent over a simple drop goal to get the Lions on the scoreboard.

However, the ISB came back into the game strongly, establishing dominance at the scrummage through the powerful front row of Poulton, Brown, Pakenham-Walsh and some good handling gave Wild the opportunity to take on his opposite number with his gas too much to handle. Jewers sent over the conversion to make it 7-3.

In a game which was end-to-end stuff a penalty given away at the breakdown allowed the Lions the chance to have a line out in the red zone. Although this was overthrown by the Lions' hooker and stolen by Harries at the back of the line, the referee blew up for a technical offside offence. A lapse in concentration by the ISB defence allowed the Lions to take a quick tap and allow their no.8 to power over. The conversion was missed to leave the score at 8-7.

Straight from the kick-off the Lions brought the game to us and after the ISB defence failed to fold round the the blindside of a ruck the Lions made their overlap count sending their winger crashing over in the corner.

Trailing by eight points the ISB needed to up their game and this they managed, winning numerous penalties at the breakdown and establishing a stranglehold on the game. Eventually territory and possesion counted as Wild scored a second in the exact same manner as his first. With the conversion slightly wider this time, Jewers pulled his kick wide.

ISB dominance continued, with Tokely and Smart causing disuption at the line out and a center pairing of Prentice and Man of the Match Jewers incisive in midfield.

With continued dominance came the ISB third try, Higgins squeezing over in the corner. Jewers missed a difficult conversion.

The Lions' persistent indiscipline was leading to a high penalty count, with the ISB wondering when the yellow card would come. Frustrations grew when Bliss turned and stretched his body over the line only to lose control of the ball. However soon before the break Huxtable showed his guile and awareness to send Caton-Brown through with the winger finishing smartly. Half time came with the score at 15-22.

With changes being made at half-time, the ISB never looked the same force with balls going down and the line-breaks drying up. What did not change however was the dominance at set-piece, keeping the ISB in the game. Eventually the defence creaked to allow a score in the corner, cutting the lead down to two points.

A further swing in the balance of the game looked on the cards when the Lions' no.6 was sent to the bin for killing the ball. However the men in pink failed to put points on the board during their time of numerical advantage, instead the Lions earned themselves a penalty straight in front of the posts which went over.

During a frantic finale the ISB applied huge pressure to the oppositon line and with the final play of the game the ISB scrummage won yet another ball against the head, sending Jaggs through only for the referee to pull the game back for an unknown offence.

A dissapointing result to start the tour and the frustration of the whole squad was clearly evident at the final whistle. We are keen to put in a big performance tomorrow in preperation for Wednesday.

Yours in rugby,
Poults.

CHAIRMAN - Press Online

Not all of our coverage has made it online yet but here is some!

Please remember that this is the view of the press and not the ISB. we never refer to ourselves as the Barbarians and always make extensive efforts with the press to explain correctly who exactly we are!!!!

http://www.thezimbabwean.co.uk/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=38797:junior-rugby-sides-face-the-barbarians&catid=27:sports-news&Itemid=35

http://www.newsday.co.zw/article/2011-04-07-zim-teams-ready-for-barbarians

http://www.newsday.co.zw/article/2011-04-08-barbarians-arrive-for-zim-rugby-series

http://allafrica.com/stories/201104070052.html

http://www.herald.co.zw/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=7241:zim-exports-pivotal-in-sa-premiership-destiny&catid=50:sport&Itemid=142

CHAIRMAN - First Game v Harare Lions

Sorry for the lack of updates today, we have been up in Imire Game Park all day and of course being out in the bush no chance of getting any Internet connection.

Well yesterday, what a day of new experiences. To start with it is the first time that most of the boys will have played in front of an almost packed house with over 1000 spectators crammed into the 3 stands. The second new experience is the amount of press coverage that we are getting - the Zimbos love the fact that we are here and really believe that our tour could be the start of touring teams coming back to Zim again! We are one of the main stories in all of the Zimbabwean papers. I had to give a live radio interview on pitch side before the game and then a TV interview after the game. A bit nerve-racking, especially as I hadn't had a chance to adopt Rog Uttley's tactic of having quite a few beers before trying anything like that. Anyway it wasn't too bad I got into a flow of spouting our standard line (true by the way) of how wonderful it is to be here and how great and welcoming absolutely everyone has been!

To the game! They came out firing with some very strong and powerful players and some massive hits. This game had been a big focus for the Lions, they had been training together weekly since February! They took the lead with a drop goal after some surging play into our half. We then came back with a try but then quickly conceded two back to go 15-7 down. We then started to get into our stride and hit our patterns well playing some very pretty rugby, made prettier by our lovely pinks shirts! We came back and were 22-15 up at the half and looked quite comfortable. However that all changed after the break and we made a poor start and fell off our patterns, allowing them to come back to a 23-22 lead. We missed perhaps 20 points in the second half making some silly mistakes, knock ons, not giving overlaps for easy tries etc. etc. We pressured a lot in the last 10 but didn't manage to get the points we needed to win. A real shame, but the result as you can imagine absolutely delighted our hosts who were very gracious in victory.

The boys were a little despondent as they knew they had lost a game that they should have won - however after a bit of team bonding and a couple (a couple only) of beers in the Harare Sports Club, the boys cheered up and a really great team spirit has started to develop. The boys have given up trying to learn everyone's name and have resorted to the good old tactic of giving themselves nicknames, e.g. Chicago, Carnage, Semi-aquatic Perspiring Mammal, Guns (biceps not weapons) and so on! Just like the good old days some songs were sung and a great time was had. Everyone loved us and treated us as real VIPs - it was a great day despite the loss, even I as one of the grumpiest losers in the world was totally overwhelmed and brought round by the wonderful reception and hospitality that we have had here! Bravo Zim!!!

Also, as Edwin has just pointed out, what the boys didn't realise and what made it much more difficult was that we were actually playing at 5000 feet, a tough ask after 14 hours in the air.

Reports from the Captain and man of the match, Charlie Jewers will follow!

The sun eventually came out this afternoon and so we all went from October to sun burn!

Saturday, 9 April 2011

CHAIRMAN - The First Game

Sorry for the slow update, it has been a long day full of new experiences!!!! Well the long and short of it is that we lost the first game 23-22. Yes it was very close and we did to a certain extent throw it away. We were not beaten by a better side, but lost through too many mistakes! That said the boys played well for 20 minutes at the end of the first half, we played some exquisite rugby, however we lost momentum in the second half and then perhaps tried a little too hard to win the game. We missed out on probably 20 to 30 points so we are not disconsolate and the boys after a bit of team bonding are still on top form.

The Zimbos are stars and they really appreciated the style of rugby we were playing.

We have an hour coach ride tomorrow so I promise to type you a full update!

Best wishes from Zim!

HEAD COACH - A Brief Comment

The difficulty I am facing today is selecting the team for the first game of the tour from the group of exceptional players that we have. After two good run outs yesterday and this morning we are looking forward to this afternoon's game and starting the tour with a win.

RHYS HARTLEY - A View From A Prop

When we arrived it was different to what I expected. One of the reasons was because it was cold, bit of a shock really.

Got to the sleeping accommodation which was basic but fine.

Training followed which was nice as many of us were stiff from the flight.

Next day we had breakfast then a revision session then training which was good an thankfully it was warm/hot. We took our balance assessment test today and the team were truly awful. looking forward to seeing the game later on.

Rhys Hartley

(You can tell he's a prop can't you, never a need to say more than necessary - Chairman)

CHAIRMAN - Daily News Zimbabwe

This is from the Daily News. Journalists give themselves their own licence to write what they want to say rather than what we actually said - we always refer to ourselves in all dealings with the press as the Independent Schools Barbarians and always take the time to explain exactly who we are!

http://www.newsday.co.zw/article/2011-04-08-barbarians-arrive-for-zim-rugby-series

CHAIRMAN - A News Report From The Zimbabwe Herald

This is from the Herald the government mouthpiece in Zim as you can tell from the first paragraphs. Journalists give themselves their own licence to write what they want to say rather than what we actually said - we always refer to ourselves in all dealings with the press as the Independent Schools Barbarians and always take the time to explain exactly who we are!

http://www.herald.co.zw/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=7241:zim-exports-pivotal-in-sa-premiership-destiny&catid=50:sport&Itemid=142

Friday, 8 April 2011

CHAIRMAN - 9th April - Harare

Well it is still October in Harare! Up until the day before we arrived it was hot dry and sunny according to the locals and they are all blaming us for bringing the English weather over with us! Not a bad thing for us though to get to play the first game in mild temperatures.

The boys were a bit shocked when we told then that they had to be up for breakfast at 7.30am but we did let them go back to bed for a bit afterwards if they wished - I am sure you can imagine the response! The plan today is a bit of team preparation at 11am, followed you will be please to hear by some revision time! Then we have the big first game KO at 4pm. How strong are these Zimbos going to be is the big question? They certainly have the passion to be great players, everyone is absolutely fanatical about the game over here. As I have said, only time will tell. I will try and update the blog with the progress of the match as best I can but at the moment I am reliant on the wifi in the hotel to post messages so I might have to hold off till we get back this evening.

All the boys are available to play this afternoon and I will post the 22 selected after morning training. we have decided to rest Rhys Hartley today however as the Physio and the Doc feel that another couple of days for his ankle to heal, after the Cobham injury, will mean that he is much more likely to last the other 3 games.

CHAIRMAN - 8th April - Post Braai

Just got back from some amazing Zimbabwean hospitality. St. Johns Schools invited us up for a welcome Braai and boy did they do it with style. So much for the couple of burgers and a sausage that we do in the UK! The boys had about half a cow, three quarters of a pig and a couple of chickens each - then there was the lemon merengue pie - pure bliss!!!

We don't know what we will face tomorrow in terms of rugby but the welcome over here has been nothing more than excellent.

PHYSIO - 8th April - First Day

The first days training has gone well using minimal tape and ridding the jet lag cobwebs from the weary travellers. The injuries gained from pre-tour games appear to be healing nicely with no other complaints so far. The weather has been cool and breezy with a slight touch of rain, which has been favourable after a long journey.

CHAIRMAN - 8th April - Post Training

Well all I can say is that I thought Africa was meant to be hot! it was alright for the boys running around but it was overcast, wet and windy! More like a chilly October training session in England than what we were really expecting. Probably no bad thing though! We trained at PE College, just to try and run off the long flight. The boys got into it very well - amazing how they are revitalised when they get a ball in their hands! They looked pretty sharp considering they had been on a plane for 12 hours, but we shall really see at 4pm tomorrow afternoon.

We got a look at the oppo! Not classically big and tall but very muscular and looking very fit! Only time will tell!

The boys are starting to get used to be followed by the press, they are taking a lot of interest. Poults the captain has some work to do on his press interview technique, but I am sure by the end off the week he will be a pro! I am sure that Edwin won't be short of a word or fifty to help him out!

CHAIRMAN - 8th April - Harare

We have all arrived safely and everyone got all of their luggage! a bit of a trek I have to say but the boys don't seem too tired after all of that time travelling.

The drive from the airport through the industrial area of Harare was a bit of a culture shock for the boys. Perhaps they will appreciate what you provide for them a little more now! They are now ensconced at Prince Edwards College - not quite the boarding school accommodation that some of them are used to but clean and comfortable none the less.

The boys were met by a press photographer at the airport and he is coming to watch them train as well for a story tomorrow.

The boys are training at 3 then going off to a Braai at St. Johns College followed by ONE beer at the Harare Sports Club before bed!

Thursday, 7 April 2011

CHAIRMAN - 8th April - Keyna

We have arrived in Keyna safe and sound! However, we have to hang around for an hour before we catch our connecting flight to Harare. Some looking a little tired, it wasn't exactly the most comfortable plane!

CHAIRMAN - 7th April 2011

All Aboard!!!!

CHAIRMAN - 7th April 2011

All the boys have got through the security and are airside looking resplendent and very noticeable in their pink polo shirts. I only saw a couple of parents stocking up on gin and fags in duty, rather than any players which is good! One hour to departure!!!!

CHAIRMAN - 7th April - Weather Forecast

Friday weather - 76F - heavy rain
Saturday weather - 76F - heavy rain

The positive is that it will not feel as hot in the rain!

Wednesday, 6 April 2011

CHARIMAN - 7th April 2011 - New Boy on Tour - TOM BLISS

Unfortunately, one of our original scrum halves was unable to come on the tour at the last minute. Therefore we have been frantically looking to secure a replacement and I am pleased to announced that we have found a very good one to join us on the plane to Zimbabwe - many thanks!!!

Tom Bliss is currently Captain of Rugby at Epsom College. He has also played for Cobham Rugby through Mini and Youth within a team that has won the Surrey Leagues since the age of U11, unbeaten in that time. Tom has also played for Surrey since U15, London &South East Division at U18 and is ‘on standby’ reserve for the England U18 Clubs and Schools squad.

CHAIRMAN - 7th April 2011

The day of the tour arrives at last! Just heard from Trevor in China and the blog is working there! See you all at the airport!

CHAIRMAN - 6th April 2011

Looks like the technology is going to work at least, the blog seems to be running properly having tested all the forms of input from the UK at least!

CHAIRMAN - 6th April 2011 - Zim Newspaper Article

BRITISH rugby side the Barbarians Under-18 team is expected in the country next week for their weeklong tour of Zimbabwe.

Zimbabwe Under-18 coach Godwin “Jaws” Murambiwa yesterday indicated that the side – that is comprised of top rugby playing schoolboys from England – will be visiting Zimbabwe for the first time in 15 years.

The side is set to take on four teams in Zimbabwe with their first game set for April 9 where they will take on Brighton Chivandire’s provincial side Harare Lions at Prince Edward School.

Two days later they will be in Lomagundi where they are set to take on a Districts side that comprises of schools from Mashonaland East and Mashonaland West.

From there they have the big one against the Zimbabwe Under-19 side at St John’s College on April 13 before taking on the Goshawks Schools at the same venue two days later.

Murambiwa highlighted the selection criteria used in choosing the players that will represent the respective local sides as they are yet to conduct the official selection.

“The official selection starts when the schools rugby league starts and as of now it has not yet started so we selected the players in such a way that we gave first preference to those that played at the Craven Week last year.

“From there, those who played provincial rugby, be it Mashonaland East or Matabeleland North depending on the team they are going to be facing, will also be selected.

“But players that are Under-20 will not be eligible to play because here we are looking at those that are 19 especially those who played in the JWRT qualifiers last year in Côte d’Ivoire and those that could make it for the Craven Week this year,” said the former Sables coach.

However, the side that is likely to benefit the most will be the Zimbabwe Under-20 side who will also be preparing for the Junior World Rugby Trophy set for Georgia a month later.

But the Zimbabwe technical side will not field their full strength side as some of the players are over 19 years since the British are bringing in their Under-18s.

And this means senior players like forwards Takudzwa Mandiwanza, Tatenda Karuru, back liners Charles Jiji, Marco Mama and Takudzwa Jaravaza will miss the game while Cheetahs player Justine Coles is eligible.
Murambiwa, who will be in charge of the Under-19 side, added that this will be a good opportunity for the technical team to fully test some of the junior players.

But after taking part at the JWRT, the Zimbabwe side will be back in the hunt for another African title when they will host the Junior Africa Cup.

Zimbabwe are in the same pool with rivals Namibia, Uganda and Tunisia who the Young Sables have all beaten in the past tournaments to lift the junior title.

The tournament is made up of two pools with Pool B consisting of Morocco, Kenya, Côte d’Ivoire and Zambia but the draw does not make sense as teams were supposed to have been seeded according to how they finished last year

CHAIRMAN - 6th April 2011 - Day Before Tour Departs

A day of running around trying to remember what I have to do! So much for efficient organisation, anyway we are getting there. I am not sure if this whole blog thing is going to work. It all depends if I can do it from my iPad and iPhone and that I can get wifi in Zimbabwe. The plan is also to try and get the Captain (although he doesn't know yet) to add posts as well.

Anyway the plan at least is to keep you informed of how things are going on tour in the simplest way possible!

CHAIRMAN - 6th April 2011 - Tui Education

Wild about Zimbabwe

School rugby tour returns to African nation for the first time in over a decade

In April, Edwin Doran Sports Tours will be taking a team of 28 independent school rugby players to Zimbabwe for a nine day whistle stop rugby tour. Despite Zimbabwe’s chequered past, the African country is rich in heritage and natural beauty and its people are renowned for their warmth and hospitality. The last UK school known to have toured Zimbabwe was in 1998 but in response to a request from the ‘Independent Schools Barbarians’ team, Edwin Doran Sports Tours decided to re-run the tour this year.
Accompanied by their teachers and a handful of supporters, the 17 and 18 year-olds making up the Independent Schools Barbarians will be treated to an energetic programme of rugby fixtures against local teams. Their sporting challenge will start with games against similarly skilled county level teams and will later progress to them testing their abilities against the mighty Zimbabwe under-19s. In between matches the boys will embark on a programme of cultural highlights including: a once in a lifetime game drive to spot elephants, lions and rhinos; a visit to the atmospheric Chinhoyi Caves and the chance to explore one of Zimbabwe’s finest National Parks.

Ian Barton, General Manager, Edwin Doran Sports Tours, explained: “We are delighted to be involved with the first sports tour from the UK to travel to Zimbabwe for a number of years. Back in the ‘80s and ‘90s we used to take schools to Zimbabwe every year and reinstating this tour will help the Zimbabwe economy. The boys will stay at a variety of boarding schools, squeezing in some valuable time for school study, and be put up by host families.

He then added: “Teams travelling with Edwin Doran Sports Tours benefit from their involvement in community projects, those receiving ongoing support include; SKRUM for Swaziland orphans, rebuilding playgrounds for Tsunami Relief, ‘Money for Milk’ and the ‘Pathway out of Poverty’ in the Western Cape. On the Zimbabwe trip we plan to donate rugby kit and boots to boys in the township so they can continue to enjoy this fantastic sport”.

Edwin Doran Sports Tours offer high performance training camps with rugby world cup legends and premiership football clubs. For excursions heading to the USA, they can experience sessions with players from major league soccer such as LA Galaxy, or even go behind the scenes with teams from the NFL. With destinations spanning almost every continent; Edwin Doran Sports Tours prides itself in blazing a trail where no other sports tour operator has been, providing tours to relatively new destinations such as India, Swaziland, Croatia, Jamaica and Malawi.

Notes to Editors:
Students from the following schools will make up the Independent Schools Barbarians team: Epsom College, Sherborne School, The Leys, St. Edwards Oxford, Queen Ethelburga’s College, Mill Hill, Bedford School, Durham School, St. Benedicts, Felsted School, Birkenhead School, Oratory School, Bolton School, Stowe School, Portsmouth Grammar School, City of London Freemens, Yarm School, Brighton College, Woodhouse Grove School, Rugby School, Eton College, Ipswich, Framlingham College, Portsmouth Grammar School, Berkhamsted School, Mill Hill School, Oundle School, Caterham School, Taunton School, Millfield School, Oakham School, St Columba’s College, Kings College, Bedford School, Cheltenham College.