Stanbridge Earls Tour

Stanbridge victorious again!!

2008-06-29T12:41:00.000-07:00

Pre match build up at the Barbados RFU headquarters!

Try and look interested girls!

A very professional warm up.

The game was again played at the Garrison Savannah fields, inside a horse track.

The Barbados RFU Headquarters, modelled on Fratton Park, Portsmouth!

Alex practices before the start.

Strolling onto the pitch, many of the players have adopted a Caribbean style walk!

Band of brothers!

Some final words!

Most of the spectators were excited, but not all!

Action shots from the match.

Aaron rises high.

Hands up if your having a great time!

Action shot of the day, the camera man is a genius!

Half time and Ali is not concerned about the outcome. 'in the bag sir'!!

Jerry receiving the magic sponge! He may need another today when Spain beat Germany!

Some motivational words at half time.

Never fall asleep when there is a tap and Miss Kinder around!

Rob looks extremely concerned about Nick Hart's Steptoe impression!

Who could resist Jerry looking like this!

Having run short of cash, Jerry's plan to rob a bank was ruined when he bought children's tights for the job!!!

No comment needed!!

Australia, a fine country! (photo used with permission of Australian toursit board)

Craig takes a soaking!

Yes we did it again. A second tour victory against a strengthened opposition by 22 points to 15. Again Bobby Haruna scored the bulk of the points with three tries. Alex also chipped in with a conversion and a vital penalty.
Before the match the boys looked Jaded but some motivational words from Mr Motivator Taylor soon had them ready for battle. Again the match was dominated by Stanbridge in the first half where we scored our 3 tries. Just before half time Jerry took a nasty blow to the head that required stitches and had to come off. In the second half we were pegged back by the opposition again but were never really in too much trouble. To celebrate after we relaxed and had a good sing song on the bus on the way home!!!
Today is our final full day in Barbados and a day of relaxation before the awards dinner this evening. Everyone is still in high spirits and enjoying everything that the island has to offer!!

The girls go down fighting!

2008-06-28T10:19:00.001-07:00

Daisy and Nina voted the 'villains of the day'!!

Laurel seems happy but Hardy's had a bad day!!! They are definately not looking forward to walking around Oistins fish fry with a thousand or two locals looking like this!!! You cannot see from the picture but they are also handcuffed together!

A long day and plenty of dancing led to a quiet coach home!

Jess in battle.

Another point for the mighty Earls!

She shoots she scores!

We're getting good at this netball game!

Tired but extremely proud of their display! Go coach Kinder!

Happy Birthday to Nick Hart, 16 today.

Yesterday the girls netball team played their final match of the tour at the national netball stadium against NSC stars. The girls had learnt alot from their first game about the hard tactics of the opponents in the Caribbean and adapted their style accordingly. From the first whistle the girls took the game to their opponents and showed them just how much they had progressed. In an aggressive game the girls were narrow losers by 12 - 8. Caoch Kinder was delighted afterwards with their performance and commented on the teams efforts instead of individuals. Well done girls, a great way to finish the tour!!!!!

Yesterday the touring party enjoyed a morning of shopping in Bridgetown looking at the 'interesting' fashions available in the clothes shops followed by a traditional caribbean evening of relaxation and dancing at the fish fry.

Unfortunately the weather has been raining and overcast but still very hot. Good news to those who were not looking forward to the boasts about tans on arriving home!

We are looking forward to our second rugby fixture this afternoon, the squad are relaxed and raring to go.

Match report to follow tomorrow.

A day of fun and relaxation! Happy 18th Birthday Nathaniel

2008-06-27T12:55:00.000-07:00

Maddie putting her dad to shame! Far more elegant than Mr Taylor!

Olly about to do his impression of tarzan!

Time to let go!

Craig performs the bomb!

Another injury for a member staff. This time Miss Kinder thinks that she is still 16 and tries a back flip. Won't be doing that again i can assure you. We are still trying to find a neck brace for her!!

On Thursday we went to the Boatyard, a beach complex near the centre of Bridgetown. After the tension of the previous night everyone enjoyed themselves and let their hair down on the rope swing and the water trampoline. The group were particularly entertained by Tom Johnson and his belly flopping exploits! The weather is still excellent and ideal for the beach. Wish you were here!

Victory in the Caribbean!

2008-06-27T12:32:00.000-07:00

Some pre match tension.

Mr Taylor runs through some final tactics with the team whilst Alex is just thankfull he has a shirt to wear!

It wasn't quite that dark.

Some tired lads (and big opponents)

The game was played in excellent spirit.

Difficult conditions for the camera man!

Line dancing Caribbean style!

Rob Readman and Alex Howard prepare to do battle.

When the final whistle sounded there were great shouts of delight from the players and the supporters of Stanbridge Earls rugby team. A fantastic 22 - 20 victory over the Barbados national under 18 team. The team led 22 - 5 at half time thanks to some hard work by the forwards, 4 tries by Bobby Haruna and a conversion by Alex Howard. In the second half the team had to defend against a big onslaught from the Barbados team (and a few dubious refereeing decisions!). Everyone tackled and ran 100% to ensure a well earned victory.
After the game we were entertained by the opposition before going home for a well earned sleep!!

Stanbridge Earls against Barbados U18's

2008-06-27T12:11:00.000-07:00

Tension is in the air as the boys exit the team bus in preparation for the first game.

The Iwuajoku strut is never too far away!!

Ali and Tom were keen to get stuck into the opponents.

Alex exciting the bus. Note that he is not carrying his boots or jersey. He was soon to be seen running back to the bus to collect them as the bus prepared to leave!!!! Flip flops would not have been acceptable foot wear!!

The Garrison Savannah playing fields, the venue of our first game. Although the photo was taken in daylight the game kicked off about an hour later and had to be played under floodlights.

Match report to follow.

2008-06-25T11:47:00.000-07:00

On Tuesday we played against Springer Memorial school. In the hot conditions the girls put in 100% effort. Unfortunately we lost 20 - 01. Here are some action shots from the game!

Danny in action!

She won't bite Karis!!!!

Half time, get some water and listen to the wise words of coach Kinder!!!

2008-06-25T11:08:00.000-07:00

Cheap shades never look good!

The gap students pondering how they are going to keep up with English rugby players

3 contestants for the Barbados iron man competition

The banana boat, excellent fun although a bit of a struggle to get back on it if you fall off!!

Arctic white on the Dulux colour chart!

The boys training hard again.

Mr and Mrs Taylor by the pool with Maddie.

Fun at the beach!

Too cool for school!!!

2008-06-24T09:38:00.001-07:00

The boys are training hard! Too hard for Jerry though who took a painful
blow!!!!!

2008-06-24T09:31:00.000-07:00

The girls netball team in their tour strip before they go off to their first game.

2008-06-24T08:54:00.000-07:00

We're here and i'm happy to report to everyone back home that it's hot hot hot (if not a little overcast with the odd shower but i don't want to ruin the jealousy factor!)

After a very early start we had a smooth journey to the airport and departed on time to Barbados.

The long flight certainly opened our eyes to some peoples sleeping habits!!

Today the girls play their first game of the tour whilst the boys are training for their first match tomorrow night.

Later this afternoon we are off to the beach!

Player of the Tour Trophies

2008-06-13T05:20:00.000-07:00

Over the two matches for both rugby and netball the coaching staff and team captains will be considering the best players to qualify for the award of 'Player of the Tour'. The trophies were donated by Mr & Mrs Alfandari and hopefully they will be a great addition to someones trophy cabinet!

Thanks to sponsors

2008-06-12T02:18:00.000-07:00

The P.E Department at Stanbridge Earls School would like to thank the following tour sponsors.

Fiona and Robin Howard
June Perry
Liz and Nina Dyer
Michael Beach
The Iwuajoku family
Graham Gardners
Peter Day and Impatex