We departed the beautiful green forests of Ypres for the journey back to France, for our departure from Calais. Here we processed through immigration and boarded our P&O ship (most excitedly with Starbucks coffee) for the trip across the English Channel.
Before long, the white cliffs of Dover were in sight and we were disembarking on English soil, to meet our bus driver, Brian, who would be with us for the remainder of the trip. Off to Dover Castle where some kids took in a quick tour of the impressive structure, while others chose to run off their cabin fever Robin Hood style through the nearby woods and roll down the hills (Amy) in suspicious looking ivy. Luckily everyone survived the treacherous rampage in the forest and we were off to Seaford College.
Arriving at this school was as impressive as any of the tourist sites visited so far - from the second we entered through the large iron gates and drove through rolling green hills of football fields (as one of the girls commented, 'getting tackled will be like falling into a soft green pillow'), soccer fields, hockey fields and the castle-like buildings nestled into the fog covered forested hills. Here the students met their host families, had a quick tour and were off for the night.
The following morning was an excited buzzing of stories from the night before and how well they had gotten to know their host families. A variety of living conditions from sharing a house packed to the brim with English students and other billets from around the world, to boys in the rather opulent boarding houses, to some kids who had entire floors of rather large houses to themselves. This diversity is what makes the billeting experience so unique and valuable. A proper tour of the school began our morning and then we were straight into training. This was a welcome relief for nearly all students who were itching for a run.
 |
| Seaford College |
After lunch in the nearby town of Chichester, it was finally time for the big games. In very cold and drizzly conditions, which was abnormal for the TGS team, the boys were up first and put on an impressive show. The first half was very closely contested but unfortunately Seaford ran away with a win in the second half, with a final score of 28-7. With all boys having a run on field and many suffering from travel cramps, we were really pleased with how well they played and held their own. This game helped us to iron out the creases before playing the remaining three schools.
The netball girls were up next in the newly renovated gym, and with roaring cheering and support from the rugby boys, the girls ran away with a 51-8 victory. As with the rugby team, all girls got a run on court and found their groove in some new positions and as a team. They were obviously delighted to have such a strong win for their first game.
We were treated to an afternoon tea of hot pasta and fresh sandwiches in the 'mansion building' (the castle), with a brief stop en route to watch an early primary golf academy class where Sheldon received a few pointers from the PE teacher. Based on his swing, it's reasonable to say he should probably stick to rugby ...
In the mansion building, gestures of thanks were presented from both schools. Seaford nominated an MVP award and gift to each team, with Patrick Wall and Tahryn Kellie earning the nod for their excellent game play and sportsmanship.
The kids were then ushered home for a final night with their host families, with many students later reporting that the big day of training and games resulted in very early nights to bed.
 |
| MVPs |
We had an absolutely brilliant couple of days at Seaford College, and were astounded at the level of hospitality that they provided. This is what we hope to be the beginning of a long friendship between the two schools.
Posted by K Kybus
No comments:
Post a Comment