The CH Australia Rugby and Hockey Tour
AUSTRALIA TOUR 2009 MATCH REPORTS
CHRIST'S HOSPITAL SENIOR XV UNBEATEN IN AUSTRALIA!
Securing victory against The Southport School (Gold Coast) by 26-24, the CH senior side have rounded off their tour with an unbeaten record.
In a brusing encounter against one of the top sides in Australia, the CH team came out on top with tries from Trevor Segbefia(2), Jesse Simpson and Mike Davies, with three conversions from the steady boot of Alex Marsh.
Despite going behind by three scores, the CH lads dug deep, played the attractive game they have developed over the tour and showed great determination, team spirit and grit to hang on to their slender lead once earned. After the match, the significance of our collective acheivement really hit home and will stay with all involved for many years to come.
Man of the Match; Joe Launchbury. In his last game for Housey, Joe led by example.
Head Coach Sean Davey said after the game "This game typified the team spirit and momentum that has gathered during our journey through Australia. I am immensley proud of both the pupils and my coaching staff. We have acheived something of real significance and the Housey flag flies high in Australia today!"
MATCH REPORT
GIRLS HOCKEY Vs MUDGEERABA HC
SCORE 1-2
SCORER; Minnie Saner
A determined and passionate approach from the first whistle, however the results showed our lack of hunger to finish chances, being unable to convert from 12 opportunities.
Whereas Mudgee were able to convert their only chances in the game from 2 penalty corners. In defence Harriet Wilcox had an excellent game, playing on both the left and right sides of the pitch. What was clear was teamwork, movement of the ball and good general defensive play.
Player of the match; Minnie Saner; She worked tirelessly throughout the game and had clearly taken on board all of the feedback given in the last three weeks.
Coaches Hazel Rowland-Jones and Stacey Wilson said after the game "the girls have come together over the last three weeks and will provide a great platform for next season's hockey teams. It has been a pleasure working with such a great bunch of girls!"
The Queensland Old Blues reception was attended by a number of Old Blues who remain great supporters of Christ's Hospital, as well as the Head Master and his wife, John and Kim Franklin and CH tour staff.' Pictured here (L-R) is Old Blue, Geoff Hines; Hockey Captain, Lily Hayes; Old Blue and brother William Hines and Head Master, John Franklin.
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MATCH REPORT
DEVELOPMENT SQUAD vs SOMERVILLE HOUSE
SCORE 2-1
SCORERS
Lily Hayes; Xenia Bond
REPORT
The game was played on the main pitch at the Queensland State Hockey Centre; a very impressive facility for the girls to experience.
After a lack-lustre first half, the half time talk was about passion, presence and pressure. The girls responded and Lily Hayes took the ball from the half way line, using intricate skills to score past both the midfield and defence. This was followed by immense pressure on the Christ's Hospital goal and after a series of penalty corners Somerville levelled the scores.
The last 10mins was tightly contested end to end hockey and in the final 2mins Xenia Bond received the ball in the circle, moved to her reverse side to score a magnificent goal in the right corner. It was great to end the game on such excitement in front of our support; Mr and Mrs Franklin and Geoff Hines, Old Blue.
Players of the Match Lily Hayes and Xenia Bond; Lily for her relentless effort and skills and Xenia for a simply stunning strike at the most crucial of moments.
Coach Hazel Rowland-Jones said after the game "A great turnaround in the second half, topped by a great goal from Xenia, now we can enjoy the delights of Brisbane and the Gold Coast with a good win under our belts."
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MATCH REPORT
DEVELOPMENT SQUAD vs TOOWOOMBA GRAMMAR SCHOOL
SCORE 0-24
SCORERS
-
REPORT
This was undoubtedly our toughest fixture to date, played against a well drilled Toowoomba side who pressurised all aspects of the Christ's Hospital game from the first minute.
Christ's Hospital established a degree or parity in scrum and line out and when in receipt of good ball showed some promise in attack. In fact despite the pressure we exerted we went in at half time only 0-5 down and with all to play for.
Two tries in quick succession effectively put an end to our challenge and yet in defeat there was clear evidence of significant progress; this fixture played earlier in the tour would have resulted in a much more comprehensive defeat. The development side showed maintained their shape and spirit in adversity, but learned a few lessons in the process. Firstly the value of making of first up tackles and the need to be more competitive at the break down.
Man of the match Toto Odulaja; in a difficult environment had the edge at scrum half and was most effective in the loose.
Coach David Griffiths said after the game "This was evidence of how far the side has come in a short space of time. The best lessons are often learned in defeat and I feel we will see great things from this side in the future."
MATCH REPORT
SENIOR SQUAD vs TOOWOOMBA GRAMMAR SCHOOL
SCORE 31-17
SCORERS
TRIES Joe Launchbury(4); Jesse Simpson
CONVERSIONS Alex Marsh(3);
REPORT
Against a solid GPS school, Christ's Hospital showed a great deal of grit and determination to come out on top. A monumental performance from Joe Launchbury ensured the team earned this hard fought victory.
During the first half the forwards produced some good ball which was used well by Alex Marsh to unleash multiple attacks through the middle and out wide.
The second half saw TGS come back at the Christ's Hospital with real determination and physicality; just the encounter the team expected, but were ready for.
A well worked chip ahead try from Jesse Simpson effectively closed out the game and Christ's Hospital were able to extend their unbeaten run to five games this tour.
Man of the Match Joe Launchbury; another outstanding game from Joe, who ran great lines to pick up his tries.
Coach Richard Baker said after the game "Throughout our preparation we recognised this as being one of our tough games; that it certainly was. The team have forged a strong bond and good work ethic which paid off today against strong opposition. Our defence was better than the score suggested, but we know it will really be out to the test against our final opponents Southport."
Christ's Hospital has a special link with Toowoomba Grammar School as John Franklin, Head Master, once taught there, several staff have been on an exchange to CH and Toowoomba has also supplied CH with several Gap Students!
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MATCH REPORT
DEVELOPMENT SQUAD vs OXLEY COLLEGE
SCORE 24-5
SCORERS
TRIES Michael Davies(2); Ahmed Mshelia; Saiorse Chinery-Edoo
CONVERSIONS Fergus Hardy(2)
REPORT
The Development XV showed their best form to date with a convincing victory over a big and powerful Oxley XV.
Oxley revealed their tactics from the kick off with big tackles and direct running from the pack, but the story of the game was dictated by 3 tries in the first 8mins from Christ's Hospital.
Our pace always troubled the opposition and this was where we had the ascendency; however the quality of our defence throughout the game kept Oxley subdued.
The second half began in a similar vein and our replacements maintained the standard. Unfortunately this was without a further score as the game was abandoned due to a serious injury sustained by the Oxley scrum half.
Man of the Match Ahmed Mshelia; Led the pack in attack and defence and set the tone for the game straight from the kick off."
Lead coach David Griffiths said after the game "This was a potentially difficulty encounter which the team handled impressively. We saw some real progress in the effectiveness of our defence and hope we will keep this up for Toowoomba."
MATCH REPORT
DEVELOPMENT SQUAD vs OXLEY COLLEGE
SCORE 0-1
SCORERS
-
REPORT
After a good warm up, the girls seemed to have got to grips with the grass surface they were playing on for the first time on this tour. After the first 20mins of the game they were linking passes well but were not able to finish off in the circle; this was the story of the game.
Philippa Jackson and Desi Omojokun were able to hit the ball hard and well, however the forwards struggled to pick up the bounce of the ball. Therefore scoring chances were few and far between.
The winning goal was a typical 'grass goal'; bumping and dribbling across the line.
Player of the Match Xenia Bond; she worked tirelessly throughout the game in both attack and defence.
Coach Stacey Wilson said after the game "The grass got the better of us today!"
MATCH REPORT
SENIOR SQUAD vs OXLEY COLLEGE
SCORE 7-40
SCORERS
TRIES Alex Marsh; Hugh Lindley; Michael Davies(2); Seb Streeting; Charlie Kowszun
CONVERSIONS Alex Marsh(3); Andrew Corbett(2)
REPORT
With a number of changes, the Christ's Hospital senior squad ran out comfortable winners after an attritional first 20mins.
Adopting a more expansive game, to team took some time to settle and the opposition's aggressive defence stood firm until a great individual score by Alex Marsh got the ball rolling.
As the game went on, Christ's Hospital's greater skill and pace took its toll. This gave an opportunity for a number of younger squad members to experience significant senior game time. Still unbeaten on this tour, which is a great achievement, but sterner challenges lie ahead at Toowoomba and Southport.
Man of the Match Andrew Corbett; effective around the park in all aspects of his game, only to top this with two excellent strikes at goal in the absence of the regular kicker.
Head Coach Sean Davey said after the game "Another convincing victory against a committed and hard tackling opposition. We showed that we could vary our game without too much adjustment and continue to score well worked tries. Next stop Toowoomba!"
MATCH REPORT
SENIOR SQUAD vs REDFIELD SCHOOL
SCORE 33-29
SCORERS
TRIES Jesse Simpson; Alex Marsh; Joe Launchbury; Michael Davies; Trevor Segbefia;
CONVERSIONS Alex Marsh(4)
REPORT
Against the toughest opposition so far, the senior team produced an outstanding first half performance. It was evident early on that we would be put under significant pressure in the set piece and the contact area. With ball in hand showing exceptional offloading skills Christ's Hospital scored a brace of well-worked tries and led 33-12 at one point.
In the second half the opposition showed great character to reduce the lead but the senior side were never in danger of losing the match.
Man of the Match James Longman; continues to impress as his match fitness improves.
Coach Richard Baker said after the game "Not since 2003 have an English team had three consecutive wins against Australian opposition! The boys were slightly disappointed after the match and believe they should have won with the lead they built early on. However for a young school Redfield showed great character on the pitch and provided excellent hospitality afterwards."
MATCH REPORT
DEVELOPMENT SQUAD vs REDFIELD SCHOOL
SCORE 10-7
SCORERS
TRIES Jack Ferrell; Ahmed Mshelia
CONVERSIONS -
REPORT
Though a welcome return to winning ways the Development XV made heavy weather of defeating a spirited Redfield u16XV. The early signs were positive as Christ's Hospital made most of the running resulting in a try after 7mins. We still had the tendency to try and play too much open rugby in the first quarter, but persistent pressure led to s second score after 17mins with Ahmed Mshelia finishing well.
Numerous chances went begging, mainly due to a lack of support play and as feared the failure to close out the opposition nearly cost us the match.
The second half saw Redfield taking the initiative and Christ's Hospital stopped tackling allowed them to bring some talented runners into play. A converted try half way through the second half after several near misses meant Christ's Hospital were on the back foot where they remained until the final whistle.
Man of the Match Ahmed Mshelia; his driving play and solid defence helped to hold a fragile pack together.
Lead coach David Griffiths said after the game "Although we failed to capitalise on more chances in the first 20mins, we did defend in a spirited way against very robust opposition. It is good to get back into the winning way!."
MATCH REPORT
HOCKEY SQUAD vs FRENSHAM GIRLS SCHOOL
SCORE 4-0
SCORERS
Lily Hayes; Abi Li; Esther Doherty; Vicky Munro
REPORT
After just 42 secs of play, Abi Li, scored a good goal from a classic Lily Hayes run. After dominating play, persistently attacking down the right, Esther Doherty received the ball at the top of the 'D' and deservedly scored from a great strike. Lily Hayes scored the final goal of the first half from a well constructed short corner. The girls had taken on board the comments made after the previous game and worked harder on their passing, hunting in pairs and playing the ball into space.
Communication in defence has also improved; although not tested often, Cerys Jenkins met and distributed the ball with confidence from goal.
Numerous goal scoring opportunities in the second half were not taken until Vicky scored a neat goal, swept in at the left post.
Player of the Match Desi Omojokun; a great work rate and aggressive in defence, a good body position meant she was able to distribute the ball effectively and create opportunities for others.
Coach Hazel Rowland-Jones said after the game "This was a positive and committed team performance, with the girls beginning to step up to the challenges this tour is providing. Well done one and all!"
MATCH REPORT
HOCKEY SQUAD vs CANBERRA GIRLS' GRAMMAR
SCORE 3-1
SCORERS
Lily Hayes; Lizzie Yardley; India Pearey
REPORT
The girls were keen to start the game with focus and determination. The teams were evenly matched in the first half, although Christ's Hospital failed to capitalise on a few chances at goal. Michelle Kalu worked tirelessly on nullifying the threat posed by the CGG star player. The score was 0-0 at half time and after quick half time pep talk, the girls set about the CGG defence. Lily Hayes scored the first goal; the result of penalty corner pressure. Following the instruction of coach Rowland-Jones, the girls started to take it up the right, resulting in more chances and two more goals; a great strike from Lizzie Yardley and a just reward for India Pearey whose industry was noticed by all watching.
Player of the Match Michelle Kalu; for a player that saw little of the ball, she ensured those around her had the opportunities to register Christ's Hospital's first win of the tour.
Assistant Coach Julie Davey said after the game "The girls showed the passion and grit we usually associate with Christ's Hospital hockey. It was thrilling watch!!"
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DEVELOPMENT SQUAD vs MARIST COLLEGE, CANBERRA
SCORE 7-42
SCORERS
TRIES Saoirse Chinery-Edoo
CONVERSIONS Alistair Hardy
REPORT
A painful lesson was learnt by the Christ's Hospital development squad in this comprehensive defeat inflicted by the outstanding Marist College u16XV.
The writing was on the wall almost from the kick off when playing against the slope and the breeze, we found ourselves under immediate pressure and after 10 minutes had conceded 21 unanswered points. Marist played simple but highly effective rugby which exposed our lack of teamwork in defence and inability to capitalise on turnover ball. There were few plusses from the game, however in the second half we managed parity at 7-7 for the 30min spell.
We were assisted by the two dismissals although with greater composure, more could have been made of our numerical superiority.
Man of the Match Eddi Chibundu-Campbell; was one of the few who maintained his composure, despite operating within a defeated pack.
Lead coach David Griffiths said after the game "All teams at some stage in their development face tough challenges not unlike the game we played. My challenge to the squad is to respond positively and collectively in the coming fixtures, particularly in front of Old Blue support"
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MATCH REPORT
SENIOR SQUAD vs MARIST COLLEGE, CANBERRA
SCORE 44-10
SCORERS
TRIES Jesse Simpson(2); Alex Marsh(2); Joe Launchbury; Charlie Kowzsun; AJ Odulaja; Tom Wathey
CONVERSIONS Alex Marsh(2)
REPORT
Another outstanding performance by a dominant senior team. We once again hit the ground running with impressive continuity, scoring an excellent try in the opening passage of play. Our superior pace and athleticism caused the opposition many problems; Alex Marsh played with verve and confidence, orchestrating the attacking play throughout the game. In a combative encounter up front, the Christ's Hospital's pack ably led by skipper Seb Streeting, responded with controlled aggression and power. Improved defensive organisation throughout the team meant that the genuine threat posed by the Marist boys was limited to just two scores.
Worthy of mention were the two senior squad debutants, Charlie Kowszun and Louis Davies. Tour top try scorer Jesse Simpson yet again finished his chances well and will be looking to extend his tally in Sydney.
Man of the Match James Longman; matched the opposition's contact skills and worked tirelessly in the loose.
Performance Coach Jonathan Anderson said after the game "It's all about the numbers at this level and while our boys have been blowing a bit in the gym, come match day we have been closing out games with ruthless efficiency. We will be looking for the next level in Sydney in front of a big Old Blue following."
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DEVELOPMENT SQUAD vs SCOTCH COLLEGE
SCORE 39-5
SCORERS
TRIES Michael Davies(2); Saoirse Chinery-Edoo(2); Robin Battacharya-Dickson; David Adeniji; Sam Hayden
CONVERSIONS Alistair Hardy(2)
REPORT
It was clear from the kick off that we were up against a stronger outfit and that we would need to up our game. An early try from Michael Davies settled the nerves and despite some pressure both from driving mauls and strong running at outside centre we racked up a further four tries in the half. Sam Hayden rounded off an excellent all round performance and showed off great footwork and a turn of speed to go over in the corner for his try.
Scotch introduced several new and larger players at the start of the second half and we found ourselves under considerable pressure for long periods. However, thanks to some dogged defence close to the line, we only conceded a single score. In the last quarter we took the game back to Scotch with two fine efforts from Saoirse Chinery-Edoo. Overall we saw an improved performance and further galvanising of a great touring spirit.
Man of the Match Alistair Hardy; an outstanding all round game incorporating hard tackling and excellent decision making. He led the line with great maturity.
Coach Andy Turner said after the game "Our first half pressure gave us the edge and our younger players stepped up to the mark and really shone. We withstood some sustained Scotch pressure and finished the game on the front foot. Bring on Canberra!"
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HOCKEY SQUAD vs CAULFIELD GRAMMAR SCHOOL
SCORE 1-5
SCORERS
Michelle Kalu
REPORT
The second game on tour and we knew before the game that it would be tough one; the CGS team were rated as state grand finalists this season and perhaps this led to Christ's Hospital's nervy start. Pinned back by successive penalty corners, the girls defended well, but could not break out of their own half. Having conceded a soft goal, the team galvanised its efforts and drove up field through Lily Hayes, drawing a penalty corner which Michelle Kalu converted with a powerful strike. Having built some momentum, half time seemed to come too soon and broke the good recovery Christ's Hospital had made.
The second half saw several goals conceded, largely down to the lack of conviction particularly around the 50/50 balls. CGS were ruthless in exposing small errors and showed their state champion credentials. Having started with two tough games, there is still good team spirit and a growing determination to bag a victory soon.
Player of the Match Cerys Jenkins; a tough day for any goalkeeper, but the score might have been even greater had it not been for Cerys' courage and domination of her area.
Assistant Coach Stacey Wilson said after the game "It was down to be one of our toughest fixtures on this tour, but perhaps we showed CGS too much respect. I am sure the girls are raring to get a win under their belts in Canberra."
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DEVELOPMENT SQUAD vs TRINITY GRAMMAR SCHOOL
SCORE 34-0
SCORERS
TRIES Ahmed Mshelia; Toto Odulaja(2); Alistair Hardy; Aidan Birch; Joshua Irawo
CONVERSIONS Alistair Hardy(2)
REPORT
First game of the tour, this was a chance for the Development XV to blow the cobwebs away. A big opposition front five asked some early questions which we answered with a nerve settling try from Ahmed Mshelia. It became apparent that the contest would boil down to our superior athleticism against their powerful direct running, particularly around the fringes.
Once we had grasped the different law variations used in Australia, the set pieces at scrum and line out worked effectively, with Oli Mason securing our own ball consistently. We continued to struggle at the breakdown where the opposition drove us off the ball on a number of occasions. Once secured, our superior handling led to a total of six tries which proved to be a great confidence booster.
We saw good composure at half back, some rampaging runs from the back row and aggressive tackling in the loose with Ben Kirk to the fore.
Men of the Match Jack Ferrell; all round athleticism and close quarter graft. Special mention for skipper Toto Odulaja; handled his first game in charge as player and captain with great maturity.
Lead Coach David Griffiths said after the game "It's a great relief to get off to such an impressive winning start. Tougher challenges lie ahead, but it is shaping up to be a great tour!"
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HOCKEY SQUAD vs CAREY GRAMMAR SCHOOL
SCORE 3-5
SCORERS
Lizzie Yardley; Abi Li; Desi Omojokun
REPORT
The hockey squad played with a great deal of passion and commitment against an experienced first team from Carey GS. This was our first opportunity to play under new hockey rules and it was a steep learning curve for players and coaches alike. Christ's Hospital did well to hold Carey to 1-1 at half time, after which Carey began to dominate, scoring from some well rehearsed routines, particularly a drag flick penalty corner. Lizzie Yardley played an outstanding game as one of the younger members of the team and has gained much from this exposure to senior hockey.
Player of the Match Lily Hayes; as captain she led the team ably despite many players having their debut at senior level. Her impressive skills and movements were also outstanding.
Head Coach Hazel Rowland-Jones said after the game "It was a big challenge for our young side to play such an established first team, but the girls acquitted themselves well and should be proud."
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SENIOR SQUAD vs TRINITY GRAMMAR SCHOOL
SCORE 55-0
SCORERS
TRIES Jesse Simpson(2); Alex Marsh; James Longman; Eugene Attalah; Joe Launchbury; Charlie Kowzsun; Trevor Segbefia; Michael Davies
CONVERSIONS Alex Marsh(5)
REPORT
Christ's Hospital Senior started their tour impressively, following the Development squad's example and racking up a good win against a committed and determined Trinity Grammar School. From the first kick off, Christ's Hospital dominated many aspects of the game. The first play set the tone for a clinical performance; a high hanging kick from Alex Marsh followed by a devastating tackle from Joe Launchbury, the ball was turned over and passed along the backline for a great Jesse Simpson try in the corner.
The forwards dominated possession for long periods and the backs ran beautiful lines, executing moves with precision. The last quarter gave Christ's Hospital a chance to cut loose; there were a few errors but the boys played with confidence and were happy to run many of their plays from the training ground. The opposition never gave up and ensured that Christ's Hospital had a competitive fixture, despite the score line.
Man of the Match Andrew Corbett; his best performance in a Christ's Hospital shirt with his hard running and solid defence.
Head Coach Sean Davey said after the game "I am very pleased indeed. Not only in the margin of victory, but the style of play and attitude of the players throughout. Trinity played with passion and gave us a stern test, particularly in the first 50 minutes. However, the fitness and hunger of the players was very satisfying alongside the adventure shown in the last 20 minutes, when we scored some outstanding team tries."
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During the tour, the teams and staff took in some of the sights
In Sydney, the Tour party received a warm welcome from over thirty NSW Old Blues spanning the generations. They very kindly hosted us in a Sydney restaurant and it was a great occasion for the tourists.
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The team and staff have taken in some of the sights, visiting the Australian War Memorial, Australian National Museum and Australian Institute of Sport and have much enjoyed being billeted out to homes in the Canberra area!
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