News Events Social Scene
Sevenoaks RFC Academy Argentina 2009 Tour Diary - The Full Story
03 Aug 2009
Antics (and some rugby) in the Andes!
ARGENTINA & CHILE TOUR DIARY
Competing in front of massed crowds at the Grange School
V University Catholica in the shadow of the Andes
Post match hospitality at Los Caranchos (the boys got bread and water and an early night!)
The team before the final match v St Albans
Day 1 (25-26 July ) No problems with flights. Journey from departure Sevenoaks RFC to Hotel Republica in Buenos Aires took 23 hours. Johnny Barber had exclusive male lapdanse from fellow passenger while trying to eat his food and Dan Palmer left his wallet on the plane. George Peters held the tour mascot monkey for leaving his kitbag in the rugby club car park. After arrival the players had free time to explore and get something to eat while the coaches found a friendly restaurant for their first taste of ‘empenadas’. Travelled by coach to Los Olivos RFC for a practice in the afternoon. Good session and super pitch for mid winter. Players have instituted punishment of 10 press-ups for anyone saying ‘mine’. Seems to be happening quite a lot and raising an eyebrow at times - on a table or car roof seems best exercise place for now. Hope this will be suspended during games or calling for a high ball could be interesting. Never disbelieve if you are told that Argentine steak is the best in the world. Went to ‘La Cabrera’ restaurant for team meal in the evening where they served until you begged them to stop – we had to beg in the end. Seemed to upset an Australian woman by singing the odd song but no-one else was disturbed. Steve Facer got a chip off his shoulder before the police arrived. Our ‘minder’ Marcello is taking good care of us but Martin Bolt not so keen on his conversation and nodded off at the table. Despite not a lot of sleep a lot of lads enjoy night-time ‘sightseeing’ after the meal.
Day 2 (27 July) Announced teams for the first 2 games yesterday and this morning’s practice at Los Olivos was full-on and intense. Players obviously competing for places and after a high octane session there was a good buzz about the squad. Ed Alteirac seems to want to play with the lads but he is obviously too fat and old and will never get away with it. City tour in the afternoon with visit to Boca Stadium and some random areas of Buenos Aires. First emergency court session for failing to take care of the monkey – Tom Palmer tasted a local dish of testicles and colon by way of a fine. Tango show in evening (mmm) – Tom Crane found it all too much and locked himself in the loos for a sleep on the floor.
Day 3 (28 July) Left Buenos Aires at 0930 for bus trip to Rosario. Stopped off at a Gaucho Ranch en route. Everyone except will Walker (who declared himself allergic to horses) mounted up for a trek around the ranch. Joe Facer bucked off. Excellent barbeque lunch then some songs and dancing. James Barden-Barden thought he could sing and play the guitar but obviously couldn’t. John Turvey and Craig Simpson could. Gauchos gave a demo of horsey skills and then dragged several volunteers around the field on a cow hide pulled by a galloping horse. Ed Perry and Pansy won most spectacular involuntary dismount awards. Arrived at 1900 at Los Caranchos club and met our hosts. Boys introduced to their billets. Marcello (Caranchos coach) eminently top bloke. Ephraim took 7Oaks coaches out for a fish meal together with the ref – introduced some novel ideas on approach to the game (mmm). May take some getting used to tomorrow.
Day 4 (29 July) MATCH DAY Met 0930h at rugby club for sightseeing tour of Rosario. Seems like the lads managed not to stay out too late – or they were fibbing. Back to club for a pasta lunch. First match kicked off at 1430hrs - The first game on tour could not have got off to a worse start when Tabor received the kick-off but collided accidentally with an opponent and dislocated his knee-cap. The game restarted after a delay and Sevenoaks were put under some pressure while they re-adjusted. Palmer and Anderson snotted some big early tackles and Field broke threateningly out of defence after a turnover. He broke the line again from a midfield scrum taken against the head and released George Peters. The move broke down close to the line but Spark came on a big switch and set up a ruck close to the posts. Newport exploited a huge blindside from quick ball and then placed a perfect kick for Johnston to collect and score. Field converted and the Sevenoaks tour was suddenly up and running. A few minutes later another kick ahead from Johnny Barber should have brought a score but the ball rebounded back off the posts. Oaks were in control of possession at this stage with Burden and Barden Edwards hitting rucks and Turvey forcing key turnovers. Peters finally rewarded the effort with a strong break just before half time to score under the posts (14-0). Straight after the restart Turvey broke off the base of the scrum and ran blindside feeding Simpson to score in the corner. Caranchos fought back and tried to convert a series of penalties with charges for the line but they could not break a dogged defence. When Spark slipped an inside pass to Walker for a score under the posts the game was sealed. Dan Palmer produced some great interplay with Simpson for a blindside try and Walker completed the tally with a solo tackle-bursting effort. Team and Scorers: Burden, D. Palmer, Barden-Edwards, Tabor (inj), Anderson, Turvey, Facer, Hunter, Simpson (2 tries), Field (conv)/J Barber (conv), McKenzie, Spark, Peters (try), Newport, Walker (2 tries, conv), Johnston (Capt, try). Result: Los Caranchos 0 Sevenoaks 36
Match 2 – Kick off 1600h - Sevenoaks were on super-charge from the kick-off and before Caranchos had a chance to get hands on ball the forwards bullied their way up the pitch into the strike zone. Johnny Barber delivered immediately with a clean inside break to score under the posts and convert. The game settled for a while as the heavy Caranchos pack came to life but Fuller kept the possession flow from lineouts and Barber kicked intelligently for field position. Oaks were applying a lot of pressure in the rucks through Crane, Barry and Gaskill but were being unduly penalised and Caranchos turned down several chances to kick at goal. Instead their beef-reared forwards drove at the line until Perry produced a massive hit on a rampant prop and caused a re-think. Although our defence was sound the wheels started to come loose in attack and it was more by luck than judgement that McCorry broke inside after receiving a bouncing ball from a scrappy line-out. He managed to get up enough steam to break the first tackle and carry on to the line from 25 yards with defenders hanging off his clothing. It was the first time Oaks had been in the opposition 22 for 20 minutes but just before the break Eakins was just brought down short after a neat switch between Field and Barber and then brother Dan could not quite connect with a kick ahead. After the break Caranchos put a penalty into the corner rather than run but Oaks produced a superb counter drive which eventually had their pack on the floor conceding a turnover. Back to plan A then and this time they forced a score which was converted. At 14-7 the nerves started to jangle especially since the penalty count against continued to be excessive. Oaks were never given the chance to release their backs from second phase but J Barber won some breathing space with a well struck penalty from 35 yards. Oaks still had to work hard to maintain the advantage with Tom Palmer and Zac Southwood making extremely solid tackles. Kedge, Eakins and D Barber were never given a chance in attack but their work-rate in defence was exemplary. On a hard-dried pitch which was scorched through lack of rain and a winter’s day which was drainingly hot the final whistle brought a very satisfying end to our first matches on tour.Team and Scorers: Southwood, Barry, Gaskill, Fuller, Perry, Crane, Hook, T Palmer, Hunter, N Peters, J Barber (Try, 2 Conv, Pen), Eakins, McCorry (Capt, Try), Field, D Barber, Kedge. Result: Caranchos 7 Sevenoaks 17
The after-match festivities continued long and hard into the night. Caranchos produced a fantastic vat of barbequed beef and vegetable stuffed into a pita bread. At the awards and presentations John Turvey won man of the match for his supreme effort in the first game and Adam Field was the winner in the second. Tom Tabor arrived back at the clubhouse in time for the celebrations after his trip to hospital. A local doctor had tried to relocate Tom’s kneecap on the field (it had gone round the side of his leg) but without success. The relocation was eventually performed by our very own Marcello and Martin Bolt who shall now be referred to as Doctor Martin. During X-ray they had been asked to try and twist the leg a little and Bolty did it so hard he twisted the kneecap back into place!
Day 5 (30 July) Free morning for all but imagine that most players spent it in bed as the local custom here seems to be to party until 4 a.m. (for wimps) and 7 o’clock more normally. The coaches were much more sensible and got to bed by 3 a.m. which was wise since we could then enjoy some local fish from the River Parana and some Mendosan wine at lunchtime. We returned to Caranchos club in the afternoon for a joint training session with their players. At dusk we retired to the clubhouse and went into phase 2 of our celebrations with our very generous hosts. After plenty of beer they stoked up barbequed Chorizo in bread (Choripan) and some fantastic fresh river fish. This had to be washed down with more beer, some whisky and brandy (not for the lads) and then a rendition of ‘Father Abrahams’ kicked off the singing. Although we won the rugby we are ashamed to report that we lost the boatrace but we don’t really care because there beer is crap and gassy. Once again a heavy night out on the town.........Dan palmer and Craig Simpson earn mention in despatches for their fine individual nocturnal performances.
Day 6 (31 July) Rendezvous back at the club 0900 for bus trip back to Buenos Aires airport. Evident some players have been kept out all night by their hosts. Bus is very comfortable (if you grab the right seats) but lads are still very chatty despite lack of sleep. Four hours to BA. Check in very smooth 3 hour flight to Santiago, Chile. Free night after arrival at hotel and early to bed. Couple of players not feeling too good. Seems like a bug...
Day 7 (1 Aug) Changed schedule for the day as we wanted to give players maximum recovery time between training and matches tomorrow. Cocked-up locating open space for practice so had a very scenic long walk through Santiago looking for a park. Beautiful day with mountain back-drop – but no park with open space. More players going down with the ‘bug’ now have 6 out of action. Decided to cancel afternoon sightseeing and allow players to sleep and rest. Evening team pasta meal at Italian type restaurant near hotel with no drink 24 hrs before matchday in full force – especially for coaches!
Day 8 (2 Aug) Match Day Organised big pasta breakfast for players. Ed Alteirac ate most of it – still thinks he is a player. Chris Field has taken on the role of field doctor (reserving only major operations for Dr Martin (consultant expert for knees and loose bowels) and toured the sick. Evidently 6 players out of action with the ‘monkey bug’ but all but one will come to the game. Learned that our quadrangular tournament to be reduced to 3 teams as ‘Stade Francais’ pulled out. This fortunate as have several players who, whilst not feeling as bad as when bug having full effect, are certainly not 100%. Bus trip through affluent part of Santiago up into the foothills of the mountains. Universidad Catholica is a huge multi-sport club with ’10,000’ members owned by the Uni. It has facilities for everything for all age groups and contains a 20,000 seat stadium for the footie club. Nothing comparable in UK. Air seems a bit thin though only 750 metres above sea level and it is a hot sunny day again with temperature up to 25degC. First match v Universidad Catholica - Barry stole the first scrum of the day against the head and Spark ran inside off McCorry making good ground. Oaks were awarded a penalty at the next ruck and went for the line-out which was clean. UC infringed offside and J Barber slotted a 35 metre penalty. UC responded with a drive through their forwards and missed an immediate penalty chance but made amends shortly after with an easier attempt in front of the posts. Oaks were competing well at the set phases and when Anderson gave fast ball from the top of a line-out Johnson burst into the line and fed Walker who was pulled down short of the line after a 30 yard gain. The ruck was quick and Newport, who distributed well all match fed Spark to skip through the scrambling defence and score under the posts. Barber added a further penalty before the break and 13-3 seemed a comfortable lead. That was until the UC flyhalf collected his own kick and slipped the ball neatly for his supporting flanker to touch down. A home penalty five minutes later tied the game. The Oaks effort seemed to be coming in waves and after another dip in momentum the forwards stirred behind the determined drive of Crane and forced play up-field. UC became too eager at a scrummage and were penalised. Barber coolly slotted a wide penalty for a 16-13 lead with 4 minutes to go. Oaks wanted more though and Field battered back towards the forwards after a series of rucks. The pressure was not converted to points and when UC fired up a long clearance kick it bounced high from the hard ground and was again recollected. Only a desperate last gasp tackle by Johnson under the posts only two metres out saved the match. Team and scorers: Burden, Barry, Southwood, Hunter, Anderson, Crane, Facer, Turvey, Hook, Perry, Palmer, Newport, J Barber (Conv, 3 Pen), Jones, McCorry, Spark (try), Walker, Johnson, Field. Final Score: Universidad Catholica 13 Sevenoaks 16.
Second Match v Prince of Whales, Santiago - After a short break Sevenoaks found themselves back on the field with an increasing number of injured and bug-bound players. Tom Palmer drew on his deep reserves to produce some important carries and despite receiving a heavy knock fielded a kick in defence and released Barber and then Walker who almost conjured a score. This was Walker’s second chance after Eakins had previously set him free with a great run from defence. Field, as always, looked to take players on and when offered a blind side with acres of space he jinked and outpaced two players to score and convert. PoW gained advantage from a lapse in intensity and forced their way up the pitch but Dan Palmer took a crucial strike against the head to ease the pressure. Hook then made a big break to feed Barber and Walker’s crisp streak for the line was again confounded with a desperate tackle. Two quick rucks followed and a massive overlap on the open side was almost butchered until Barber looped round the confusion and scored in the corner. Sevenoaks were once again the best side at the break but then lost their focus. A period of aerial ping-pong followed with only the occasional thrust from Crane and Anderson. A defensive meltdown saw PoW score two tries in quick succession and only a fluffed conversion maintained the tourist’s lead at 12-10. The example of Simpson and Field re-energised the pack and McKenzie was unlucky not to deliver the fatal blow. More defensive aberrations followed before Facer had the good sense to launch the ball into the crowd to give the referee the chance to blow the final whistle.Team and scorers: Hunter, D Palmer, Barden-Barden, Anderson, Crane, Fuller, Hook, T Palmer, Facer, Simpson, N Peters, Field (try, conv), Barber (try), McKenzie, McCorry, G Peters, Walker, Eakins, Johnson. Final Score: Prince of Whales 10- Sevenoaks 12.
Sevenoaks have now won 4 games from 4 matches but have to restore fitness and precision to compete with the looming fixtures against The Grange School in Santiago on Tuesday and St Albans College back in Buenos Aires as the final match.
Day 9 (3 Aug) All but two of the tour party (who are both down with ‘the bug’) managed to surface in time for the bus. Another cracking day with warm sun and very clear view of the mountains. Head off through Santiago suburbs, which contrast dramatically with chic and modern downtown area, and up into the foothills. Kitted out with wetsuits and jackets and managed to secure a spot on the ‘safety boat’ for the injured Tom Tabor. We split into five boats. Zac far too overweight and the pressure keeps deflating his raft. George Peters is the first to take an involuntary dip but several others join in. Water is running quite fast for the time of year with some pretty exhilarating stretches. Tried to stop off for Empanadas on the way back but ended up buying crisps and coke from a quirky store. Evening rip-off team meal in ‘Louisiana Steak House’. No need for tour curfew as nowhere open late (according to Bolty and Steve F).
Day 10 (4 Aug) Match Day The five tour leaders have an early start and head to Valparaiso for a ‘private tour’. Through vineyards and agricultural area and 90 mins later arrive at the coast. City is very colourful. Enjoy a decent fish meal overlooking the Pacific in Vina Del Mar. Shoot back to Santiago for 1430hrs meet. Players have pasta lunch at hotel. Arrive a bit late at the Grange School and pressed into an earlier kick off than planned. Match report v The Grange School -Sevenoaks applied the early pressure in fast and furious opening but both sides had scoring opportunities which came to nothing. Johnny Barber was brought down 10 yards short after breaking through from halfway but support could not get to him quickly enough. He was denied again after skinning the winger but found support from Spark and McCorry who was penalised for holding on at the tackle. Meanwhile the Grange scrumhalf had collected his own kick and launched a dangerous attack which earned them a line-out five yards out. Fuller came to the rescue with a fine steal. As the half progressed Oaks were disrupted by a stream of injuries with Johnston, Walker and Perry leaving the field. Grange kicked a penalty and then bombarded Oaks with a series of attacks. Crane and T Palmer tackled strongly and won a crucial turnover which Newport fed quickly to McCorry and then to Barber who slipped through and 75 yards later touched down under the posts. Field converted and Oaks took a merited 7-3 lead into the break. Grange were a competent and confident side though and ran a beautiful multi-player switch to create and overlap for the wing to score. Two minutes later they added another try with some neat passing and a missed tackle. Crane received a foul blow and was taken off to hospital with a cracked eye socket and Oaks had to re-organise again. The strain of only one day’s rest between matches and the draining effect of the ‘tour bug’ was evident and at times the team looked dead on their feet. Under these circumstances the defensive effort over the next period was truly heroic. McCorry, Barry and Barber remained core players and Oaks began to claw their way out of trouble. Walker was almost put away on the next attack and a couple of drop goals did not trouble the target. When McCorry also retired hurt the tempo was maintained by Field with intelligent kicking and some telling breaks. Hook and Perry also drove hard with ball in hand. Oaks were finally denied after Field broke trough once more and fed D Barber who was forced into touch just short of the line. Team and scorers : Hunter, Barry, Gaskill, Anderson, Fuller, T. Palmer, Southwood, Barden-Edwards, Crane, Perry, Hook, Facer, D. Palmer ,Newport, N Peters, Field (conv), Walker, McCorry, Spark, G. Peters, D Barber, J Barber (Try). Final Score: The Grange School 15 Sevenoaks 7.
Brief presentations at the school. Irish Pub on way back despite protests from the bus driver and early to bed..........
Day 11 (5 Aug) Travel day back to Buenos Aires. Tom Crane not looking too bad after injury. Quite a few walking wounded. Still some lads sick from the ‘bug’. Long journey as flights delayed from Santiago. All lads given evening off and sure they rested themselves....Administrators dined in rather excellent Spanish Restaurant not far from hotel. Liking very much the Argentine and Chilean wines but beer creating gastric problems – probably early to bed......
Day 12 (6 Aug) Match Day Organised late check out from hotel for lads who all off to billets for the night. After lie-in trekked off to shopping centre for lunch. Newport has his wallet lifted. Tour party completely agree that there is very little to buy here that would be appreciated back home so we are all excused from getting presents for our loved ones....Set off for the St Albans Club at 1430hrs for evening kick off. Match Report v St Albans Club - Not all floodlights reported for duty so large areas of the pitch were bathed in gloom as a bruised and battered Sevenoaks team pulled on shirts for their final match of the tour. Despite a valiant effort the experience was a disappointment and a very good St. Albans side charged away to a comfortable win. They are enjoying a strong campaign and will challenge for top honours at the end of the season having won all their matches so far. They scored five tries in the first half with the opener coming just 5 minutes into the game. The second was scored after 20 minutes and for the spell in between Oaks competed well. Hook and Gaskill carried strongly but faced with a very sound defence there was little penetration out wide. A bad pass a missed tackle and two tries later the writing was on the wall. Both sides were full of aggression however and when a brawl broke out all 30 players on the field were engaged. In reality Sevenoaks were overwhelmed on the score sheet rather than on the pitch. They competed well in most areas of play but lacked some pace in the backs. St Albans were creative and very clinical when given the chance. Dan Palmer and Simpson made some impressive tackles and Hook played astoundingly well. Pride kept heads from dropping despite their two scoring opportunities being thwarted. St Albans added four further scores in the second half to leave Sevenoaks beaten and disappointed but ready to match them in the post match celebrations after an exhausting string of matches. Team : Hunter, Barry, D Palmer, Southwood, Burden, Anderson, Perry, Facer, Hook, Turvey , Gaskill, Newport, Field, Jones, McCorry, Eakins, Walker, Kedge, N. Peters, G. Peters, Simpson, McKenzie, D Barber. Final Score: St Albans 57 Sevenoaks 0
Day 13 (7 Aug) Collected the lads from St Albans school at 8.30 am. Most of them have been out all night at the disco organised by our hosts so ‘billeting’ not too relevant. Alteirac who is continually rejecting his appointed role is accused by school parents of lack of discipline. Coach smells rather stale and everyone asleep almost immediately. Johnny Barber evidently had a very successful night and can’t stop smiling. Much to contribute to the tour ‘fines’. Managed to keep all on bus for 2 hrs while heading for ‘el Tigre’ region and a boat trip around the Delta. Whole party rather hung-over. Four left behind on quay. Not a bad trip all fully recovered by lunchtime. Stopped at a mall in for lunch. Back to hotel and prepared for the Tour Court Session at 7.30pm. All players considered for offences were found guilty and punished. Players meriting honour were invited to drink with the judge. Squad improved boatrace skills with practice. Barden-Barden proved to be excellent musician and George Peters excellent clown. Did not think much of the poetry but the cocktails were excellent. Dan Palmer excused of all misdemeanours and Ed Alteirac condemned instead. All off in taxis for a jolly fine meal with balloons and singing and hope to be back to hotel in time for departure to The Iguazu Falls in the morning. A very fine end to our stay in Buenos Aires.
Day 14 (8 Aug) Crikey that was an early start. Somehow all managed to make the bus and the flight. Arrived in Iguazu by 10am and it feels rather tropical – may need a cocktail. Met by rather frightening tour guide who is strangely amused by the odours, shouts of ‘beet’ and animal squawking noises on the bus. Pass over to Brazil for first sight of the big ‘falls’ – pretty amazing (though some of the lads claim to have seen an amazing Brazilian before on tour). Plenty of water for the time of year but lots of spray in the air. Rather fine lunch in a place resembling an airport hangar but ‘all you can eat’ again and discovered the hottest chillies encountered so far. Checked in at Hotel Cataratas and enjoyed fun by the pool in the afternoon. In evening Johnny Barber won the communal vote for ‘player of the tour’ trophy and Ed Perry the ‘best on tour’ award. Best performances and tackles mentioned in despatches.
Day 15 (9 Aug) Early start for the Falls from Argentine side. Weather fooled most of us as tropical humidity gone and replaced by something much cooler. Proved a problem when soaking wet. Fantastic spectacle though and got a good drenching on the power boats. Short lorry trip to witness that wildlife has become extinct from the area (our tour monkey was the only one there) and then warmed up at another all-you-can-eat Barbie lunch, bus ride back, trip to shops, cocktails at bar, all- you-can-eat supper, abuse of coaching staff by players and then off for some end of tour drinkies and bar games down town........ taxi back to hotel and save Rob Gaskill from sleeping in open air.
Day 16-17 (10-11 Aug) Bit late departing hotel but made flight Iguazu-Buenos Aires Domestic. Transfer to International by bus. Bit of trouble checking Tom Tabor onto flight with bad leg but managed a business class seat eventually. Flight delayed a bit but 12 hours later in Paris then Heathrow and back to the Sevenoaks RFC club at 1700hrs. Tired but happy after very fine tour indeed!