Match Report
John Hampden Grammar School 17
Sangam College 5
Captain for this game: Darren Smith
The final match of the tour pitted John Hampden against the Pacific Islanders at their flamboyant best. On the recently constructed pitch, with oil for lines and with the whole school watching, creating a crowd of 900, John Hampden was treated to a running rugby festival.
A Fijian 'hacker' greeted the boys on to the pitch and it was clear battle was about to commence. With every drop ball and scything run greeted with 'oohs' and 'aahhs', neither side was willing to give an inch, however, two quick phases of play and a chip ahead from the Fijian winger created a fantastic opportunity for the full back to score in the left hand corner. (tears from DE and SH)
As ever, John Hampden responded with continuity in the pack and in the second half forward impetus from Frost and his back line. All three of John Hampden's trys followed dominance of possession and territory. The centre combination of Wolfe and Coombes continues to develop with the wingers providing yet another attacking option for the unbeaten XV.
Thanks must go to the Principal of Sangam College and his coaching staff whose hospitality and welcome were more than generous. Jason even uploading the website in the Principal's office. Darren Smith must take credit for driving his team on as Captain for the day. Smithy is an inspiration on and off the field - well done big man!.
0 - 5
A try born from the heart of Fijian rugby - ten pairs of hands and a chip ahead will always lead to a try scoring opportunity.
5 - 5
Ward with a Cohen like finish after the backs combining well with the backrow.
10 - 5
Pettyfer after fourth phase and the ball transferred from one side of the pitch to another. Great support from the big man.
17 - 5
Frost with a characteristic break. Support runners providing defensive problems for the Fijians. Conversion by Jonny Burgess (slots another, for him, a successful 1 in 3 ratio).
Men of the Match:
Jack Burgess - as voted by the coaches of Sangam College. Jack has impressed on this tour, as you would expect, however, he is at his best when faced with adversity and needing him to inspire his men. A great performance from a man given his all for John Hampden and will be sorely missed (tears) (only from Edwards; Hill - laughter).
Max Harger - must surely be the player of the tour. An inspiration to his colleagues and must have a future in rugby somewhere in the world - Edwards loves him, but not in a gay way. Hill loves him - in a different way.
"Although it might be a controversial statement, Fiji has been my favourite destination on tour. The people are so generous and everybody's happy. To coach a side who have given their all infront of a whole school and were victorious is a special time of my career (tears). To win six games out of six on tour was beyond my wildest dreams and the boys must look back on the past three weeks with pride. It is difficult to put into words how I feel about this group of men and I hope in the future they will go on to even greater things (tears)." "What the hell am I going to do with my life after this?" (tears) "Is it wrong to become a Fijian resident?" (tears) "BULA!"
Dan Edwards
"Many of the young lads at John Hampden can learn a lot from the group of boys on this tour. To these tourists, the school badge means pride, determination and a want to win and do well. This is characterised by the relationships that have been formed not only between the tourists, but between the coaches on tour and, more importantly some may say, the relationships between other players and billeting families. The memories from this tour will live long after the hangover from Fiji Gold, which is not only 'full flavour and full strength', but has less calories and is less filling - meaning the staff can drink more. BULA! "
Stuart Hill
John Hampden Grammar School 15
St. Josephs VI XV 5
Captain for this game: Max Harger
Following the Mount Druitt cancellation, St. Josephs kindly stepped up to play the mighty John Hampden in a hastily arranged fixture. The soon to be GPS champions allowed us to pit our wits against their 6th team on their number one oval.
As expected, St. Josephs rucking ability and handling was very good and the closely contested first half saw an excellent try by the home team which soon woke the John Hampden boys up. It was great to see a crowd of 400 cheering on both teams and yet again the first XV overcame anything that was thrown at them to be victorious.
Again, inspirational performances from the forwards was finally merged with a variety of options throughout the team and enabled JHGS to win their fifth game in a row.
The team and coaching staff would like to express their sincere thanks to Tony and the St. Josephs staff and boys for allowing us this opportunity. On to Fiji...
3 - 0
Burgess penalty after offside in the break down. (Jonny Burgess slots one again).
3 - 5
Superb interlinking play from the Joeys backs. Great try.
8 - 5
Pettyfer again after lineout dominance.
15 - 5
Frost with another incisive break following sustained pressure.
Men of the Match:
Alex Coombes - the midfield maestro is coming of age with consistent performances and massive tackles. As voted by Chris, coach of Joeys 6th XV.
Stephen Crotty - the terminator with another dominant display. Never misses a tackle - always there.
"A tricky fixture for the boys as we had no idea what to expect. Congratulations to the boys for maintaining their focus and discipline against many new factors. It was an honour to see the boys play on the home field of arguably one of the best school boy teams in the world. (tears) Five out of five, pay rise please. (tears) Not coming home. (no tears)"
Dan Edwards
"Ok, so McDonalds and McCafe are two different things, atleast Campo realised I'm a scrum half and not a hooker. "
Stuart Hill
John Hampden Grammar School 22
Oxley College 7
Captain for this game: Tom Whittle
The importance of this match was highlighted by Hill and Edwards being interviewed by the local radio station prior to kick off (please see photos). Oxley College on paper provided the sternest test to John Hampden's first XV and the team selection supported this. Shez Davies, the only change from the XV who have produced the goods over the past year. A 0-0 first half, was partly due to the ferocity of the tackle as well as a narrow pitch.
Oxley College had many strengths with skillful half-backs and a very mobile pack. This was matched in the first 30 minutes by outstanding performances by the John Hampden back-row and excellent mid-field defence from Wolfe and Coombes.
The half time team talk was simple - "lets play with the ball". For all of John Hampden's committment, they lacked continuity with the ball. This all changed in the second half, with Richard Frost combining well with his runners and making the decisions of a man well above his years. Even as substitutions were made, John Hampden's forward dominance allowed the platform to be exploited with the English kicking game providing territorial advantage.
22-7 reflects the best performance of the tour so far and points towards John Hampden targeting fixtures such as these for years to come.
3 - 0
Burgess penalty after handling in the ruck. (Jonny Burgess slots one at last).
10 - 0
Richard Frost with acceleration after continuous pressure from dominant forwards. Converted by Burgess.
15 - 0
Ian McKee puts pressure on fullback, after Frost kick. Excellent handling, leading to a score on the right hand side.
15 - 7
Superb counter attack from Oxley full-back showing great pace and a natural side-step.
22 - 7
Dan Crawley enjoying the freedom of the opposition 22. Carried three men over the line with him.
Men of the Match:
Max Harger - always makes yards when in possession of the ball. Has yet to miss a tackle on tour, and the opposition always know he's about.
Dan Crawley - as voted by Tristan, Coach of Oxley College. Set piece excellence together with broken play yards. Dan is obviously a future rugby star if he continues to play in this vein.
"Great to see a second half performance with running rugby together with our usual forward power. The boys are rightly proud of this win and look forward to future encounters with players of Oxley College's stature." (tears). "Still proud" (tears) . "I love these boys" (tears).
Dan Edwards
"Hill posed question, 'Why call McDonalds, McCafe?' Stick with English name, everyone would know where they stand. P.S. Does anyone know where the nearest McCafe is in Bowral? P.P.S. Could I be mistaken as a hooker any more times on tour?"
Stuart Hill
John Hampden Grammar School 12
Highlanders 0
Captain for this game: Dan Levy
On paper, the Highlanders posed a formidable test to the tourists with their league background and hard hitting style of rugby. The bumps and bruises confirmed pre-match suspicions following another physical Aussie encounter.
The boys really knew they were in a game after five minutes when three late tackles went in at once and battle commenced. John Hampden did not falter under intense physical pressure and indeed dominated at set piece, with the tight five again impressing. Special mention must go to Joe Baldwin, Adam Gillett, Sheridan Davies and Matthew Anderson slotting in admirably.
Three wins on the trot for the boys - despite Jack 'Jonny Wilkinson' Burgess attempts to scupper with a suspicious kicking game.
5 - 0
Harger after third phase ball and excellent ball carrying from backs and forwards alike. Harger must be praised for his all round game and commitment.
12 - 0
McKee after quick ball with a scintillating break and excellent finish. Conversion by Burgess.
Dan Levy was Captain for this game and led the boys as ever with his all round play and consistent encouragement.
Men of the Match:
Chris Miller - as voted by Tep (Coach of the Highlanders). A strong performance from our line out man who has never failed us in terms of commitment and has now added reliabilty and strength.
Max Harger - could well have been Max's best game for John Hampden. This player goes from strength to strength and must surely be one of the players of the tour so far.
"A very physical encounter dominated by ruck and John Hampden set piece. The Highlander's coach must be proud of his teams physicality and endeavour. However, John Hampden again refused to give in when confronted with bigger players. (tears). I love these boys."
Dan Edwards
"More food."
Stuart Hill
John Hampden Grammar School 15
Mountain Creek 12
Captain for this game: Jack Burgess
The first England-Australia international exceeded expectations at Mountain Creek High School. The first 40 minutes saw both sides endure intense physical confrontation. The crowd of 300 were treated to some of the biggest 'hits' a John Hampden side have given out and received.
The tight five dominated the scrummage and international superstar, Dan Edwards (see news clip - 3rd video 14/07/04), was heard to describe Stuart Hill as a legend for our scrumming ability. Mountain Creek's coaches commented they had not been pushed off a ball all season and John Hampden turned over 50% possesion during the game. Forward power was supported by good decision making at half-back and excellent defensive duty across the line.
A great performance from the boys, a real high point on the tour.
7 - 0
Levy after excellent handling. Great celebration by Burgess and Crawley.
7 - 5
The State Finalists reply with an unconverted try in the corner.
12 - 5
Crotty with the 'Hill dream-team back-row move' from five yard scrum. Hill commented, "Where's the nearest Thai restaurant, I need to celebrate."
15 - 5
Burgess penalty after forward dominance.
15 - 12
Strong reply after John Hampden defensive period.
Men of the Match:
Levy - As voted by Adam Ridgewell, Mountain Creek. This all round rugby player continues to impress by taking advice from the international superstar and Stuie Irwin. Dan's new target - to talk.
Smith - Great performance from a hyped up player, great mobility from small pecs.
"The most physical game in my three years at John Hampden. The boys stood up to the test and were worthy victors (tears). The night time activities were full of self congratulation and English boasts (and rum and coke x 5) (tears)."
Dan Edwards
"No more Thai Red Curry, more sausages please."
Stuart Hill
John Hampden Grammar School 48
St. Andrews 0
Captain for this game: Jack Burgess
An excellent performance from the visitors against the national schoolboy champions. The most pleasing part of the game was the handling from the boys in difficult wet conditions and the ability to bring team mates into the game.
Every fit member of the squad played a part in this performance with the debutants a major factor in the fluidity of the gameplay. Despite the humidity, fitness levels were impressive and the consistent scoring rate is testament to the boys training over the past three months.
7 - 0
Rees put down after strong scrummage. Conversion by Burgess
14 - 0
Murrell finishes backs move after great decision making by Burgess. Conversion successful.
19 - 0
Levy after turn over scrum.
24 - 0
Frost after great handling by Lake, Wolfe, Coombes and Harger. Frost forgets to take conversion. - See video clip.
29 - 0
Crotty carries ball from base of ruck. Conversion by Frost.
36 - 0
Ward with scintillating pace. Conversion by Frost.
41 - 0
Pettyfer with the try of the match. Handling superb from the back row, well finished off by the big man.
48 - 0
Pettyfer steals a try from dropped ball. The big man becomes insufferable, asking to be substituted - declined by Edwards.
Men of the Match:
Frost - also voted by Jonathon Leow (National Coach). Excellent decision making and mature by the latest fly half in John Hampden's colours.
Levy - Developing into one of the team's strongest runners with the workrate of a Tasmanian Devil.
"The players performed above expectations in very variable conditions. The work ethic so strong, hopes for the rest of the tour have been heightened. Very pleased with the debuts of Anderson, Baldwin, Lake, and Davies. The front row dominated the game from start to finish and the handling was supreme. I am a very very proud man!!" (tears)
Dan Edwards
"More Thai Red Curry please."
Stuart Hill