Tuesday 12th

Today was all about game preparation, which led to a much needed sleep in and quiet morning. Team meetings setting "the plan" for the day's game gave significant purpose to the Captain's run, which for this game was to be Tane Edmed. A great session gave the boys confidence even though it was in driving rain.

Match report v Lomary Seconday

Hundreds of sets of eyes were at the ground, though the majority of them were four legged and of a jumping variety, that hopped rather than cheered.

At the whistle the Lomary team did their traditional war challenge dance at the beginning, creating a great atmosphere at Uprising Resort. Trinity dominated field position and possession in the opening quarter though were not able to open the scoring despite being held up over the line a few times, Matthew Texiera was dominant in his carries. A simple missed tackle cost the first try with Lomary going over out wide to be the only scorer in the first half in wet conditions. Rhys De Grut was outstanding with numerous multiple efforts in the first 30 mins.

Trinity was rewarded for their dominance with a try to Sam Yip out wide, which remained unconverted. Complete lack of resistance at the breakdown meant that Trinity could go to a "pick and go" style of game, something relatively foreign to the Fijians who are obsessed with passing the ball wide with their sublime attacking skill. William Raptis was rewarded with a try through the ruck putting Trinity ahead followed by a lovely conversion from Lachlan Illias. The remainder of the game was Trinity defending with some excellent defence by Haydon Johnson and Jacob Taylor Tighe. Lomary scored close to the posts though missed the conversion, Trinity eventually winning 12 to 10. 

Many thanks to the Uprising Beach Resort for hosting the game and putting on a BBQ after the game. It was great to have both teams join together in friendship, with Lomary boy's wearing the shorts that were given to them donated kindly by Trinity's rugby supplier FiTa Sports. 

That night the boys enjoyed an evening in the pool celebrating, eating poorly after a week of disciplined camp. Tane Edmed received the coaches award for his efforts on the field and William Raptis was voted by his peers as the Tour Ambassador for embracing/excelling in all components of the tour.

A special thanks to Mr Jonathan Wallace and Mr Anthony Jones for their support of the boys on the trip.

Vin aka Fiji, it has been brilliant and I hope that we will be back next year.

Safe travels,

Lachlan White

Monday 13th

WHAT A WONDERFUL DAY! 

After training a swim and breakfast we spent some time in the Lomary region, visiting both the Seconday and Primary Schools. It was great to be able to connect again with the Lomary community at a different level than our visit to church, it was a pleasure to be able to give gifts to the school, the players and the community.

The photos below show what a wonderful time was had with the two schools with a knock up game of fiji style touch finishing off the day. 

Sunday 12th

Today the side had some very physical training, trying to address some of the short comings of our recent game. After this we enjoyed the beautiful Pacific Ocean which is on our door step as recovery. We caught a bus to Lomary, to visit and participate in their Sunday church service, which was interesting with the angelic voices of the locals sounding considerably better than our Australian ones. We were welcomed and introduced to the parish where we will be spending the next few days.

On return to Uprising after lunch we embarked on a jungle waterfall tour which took boys deep into the local jungle. At first we were a little anxious and apprehensive though once we reached the waterfalls the effort and heat were a distant memory. It was joyous to get into the water at this beautiful location.

After another hike we had the most amazing boat ride back to civilization where we wound through the jungle to end a day of very enjoyable fun.

Saturday 11th

Today was a day where the side recovered from the game and started a plan for moving forward. Players were very sore after the bruising encounter and the very hard ground that they played on. 3 sessions were planned, with 2 field sessions and a planning session, done outside. The ocean was a welcome comfort to sooth aching bodies.

Lunch at a local restaurant was a big feed for the team, which was required as the team was running low on energy. In the afternoon the group went on a tour of Suva, with a few markets, shopping and sites taken in. Sadly, our boys were most excited about the dining options for dinner! 

Pleasingly, though they were restrained after a big lunch and the coaching staff sneaking in some local bannans in st key times, purchased at the big and very interesting fruit markets.

We have arrived

Firstly parents, apologies for the delay in posting, Internet issues here in the pacific.

Even though Fiji is only a short flight away our day was long with travel. The incoming flight from Fiji in the morning was late, meaning our departure was late, a quick introduction to "Fiji Time" for the side. Our late arrival, along with traffic delays and security checks meant we were not arriving to Uprising Resort until nearly 10pm. The buffet meal was a welcome sight with all players hitting the local buffet hard with multiple plates before a well earned rest.

The side has set some standards and a code that they are going to "live" by on this trip, punctuality, unity and purpose being on the agenda. Pleasingly, the boys got themselves up and to training, showing that they are willing to action their words. Long may this continue! 

After a team training run and a buffet breakfast, the boys got ready for the game. Wellness tests, incorporating surveying boys physical and emotional well being been used to add to the professional nature of getting players ready for games. 

Today we were hosted by Marist High School, a diverse Catholic school in Suva, where we were very warmly welcomed and hosted. Boys attended class and made many new friends in their interactions before their game.

The game was set up with 4 short quarters, designed to assist with Marist culling their 45 players down to a smaller squad while also allowing all Trinity boys to get some field time in this international friendly.

Congratulations to Marist who were too strong on the day. Trinity put in a good showing in the first two quarters, dominating possession though not converting this into points on the board. Unfortunately, the third and fourth quarters were heavily dominated by Marist who were too big and powerful, must have been their diet of taro and cassava! 

A special side note was that the Prime Minister of Fiji Mr Frank Bainimarama who's grandson played in the team, came and watched the game. Some quick thinking by the Friends of Rugby gave a Trinity lapel pin as a vote of thanks to him. Both Anthony Jones and Mr John Corias (Head of Friends of Rugby) were interviewed by local TV on separate days, creating more social interest in the Trinity tour.

After the game the friends of Marist put together a wonderful evening of song friendship and food, making all supporters and players feel very welcome. Some gifts were exchanged 

Welcome

Hi all, 

Welcome to the Trinity Grammar School Fiji Tour Blog.

We will send a daily update on our activities from Fiji.

See you all at the airport at the Fiji Airlines counter on Thursday morning at 8am.

Regards

Lachlan White

This is a Test