Day 14- Judgement Day

  It all started with dodgy peanut butter and the red jacket, two things that were sure to limit the chances of a good day; but was I wrong? Only time would tell.

  As it happens, the day did get much better. A 9 a.m. meeting at St. Ives in the sunshine and a relatively short bus journey to Sydney Harbour brightened everybody’s tired eyes and suddenly the spirits were high in the John Hampden camp. A picturesque ferry ride to Watson Bay followed by a cheeky walk to gap bluff increased the cultural values of each individual in the side- if it is even possible.

  As our stay at Watson bay came to a close, the bus driver picked us up just outside Doyle’s Wharf Restaurant and we set off for a trip to the world renowned Bondi Beach. As we strolled across the water’s edge, the water seemed ever so inviting and everybody was up for a dip. However, a drastic turn of events meant that we did not have our hand luggage with us, and therefore there was limited access to towels thus meaning we could not go for a swim- what a nightmare.

  After an hour or so at Bondi, it was time for us to leave and head off for a bite to eat and a last effort of trying to get souvenirs from Sydney for those back at home. Unbelievable sales at a nearby store lead to many people in our squad buying the same items of clothing. This was certainly a highlight of the build up to our 3^rd match of the tour- one that could transform our performances into either a winning tour or losing tour.

 As Mr. Embury began our warm up, the general atmosphere of the squad was flat, which is odd seeing as the preliminary events seemed so stimulating. There were dropped balls here, there and everywhere, and if we didn’t sort it out pronto, we were going to be in for a shock. The game started in an odd fashion, no team began to make immediate headway on the other. However, after a suspect decision from the referee and an intimate (with violent connotations) confrontation from Skipper and Mr. Wilson, St. Ives had a penalty 23.5 yards out from the posts, give or take a yard or two due to the angle. St. Ives stepped up and slotted the penalty to obtain a 3-0 lead over the tourists. After a period of remotely average rugby, John Hampden had the chance to capitalise with a penalty in front of the posts. The cool headed skipper slotted the kick and we were all square again at 3-3. After some more average rugby and an interesting entrance to the field from Will Clarke (a clothesline tackle) we found ourselves defending for our lives on our own line. Our efforts were rewarded with a scrum with our own put in. However, as the clearance kick was not on, skipper tried to run the ball from his own line, however rather unsuccessfully as an attempted pass to our paceman on the wing was intercepted by George from St.Ives, and they were duly rewarded with a try. St Ives now lead 8-3.

    We then dramatically improved our efforts and this resulted in success for us- constantly breaking the game line and then a powerful run off the base of the scrum from CJ led to a try for England- who then converted and led the game 10-8. With 6 minutes left on the clock, we surely believed we could do it- win yet another game in the southern hemisphere. However, some more blistering pace from George meant that he was through for a try in the dying moments of the match- which gave St. Ives a narrow lead of 15 points to 10. The game finished this way and was described by Jack Bower as “one of the most painful losses in his entire career”.

     Finally, we picked up our heads and showered up- ahead was the post match function. After the awards were given out, the spirit had risen back to the initial level, and there were even a few chuckles around the camp when Josh completed the St. Ives challenge and scribbled his name in his illegible writing on the wall- however this is a significant achievement as he is only the second Englishman to complete this challenge.

   In conclusion, a day which had many fluctuations in emotion had been drawn to a close, and the hosts took their billets home- the Skipper and I went back to our billet and unfortunately for the skipper he was demolished in numerous games of pool. Commiserations Browny.

Goodnight.