Simon McKinstry reflects on what has proven to be a very successful and enjoyable tour…….
When Banbridge 1st XV travelled to Vancouver in August 2000, no one thought it would be twelve years before they embarked on another Club tour.
The idea for the excursion came at a post match night in the clubhouse. The following Tuesday night after training a meeting was called for all those interested, and deposits collected the next week, momentum gathered and before too long 38 people had eagerly signed up. South Africa, and Cape Town in particular, was chosen as the destination. This was still only January 2011 and August 2012 seemed a long way off.
A committee was quickly formed and the finer details ironed out. All tourists involved themselves with several fundraisers and thanks go to anyone who contributed to these in any way. The clubhouse was packed on quite a few occasions in the months before the tour. A lot of the organising was done through the travel company Burleigh Travel, who were outstanding in the service they provided.
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With all in place, 28 players, 1 referee and 9 alickadoos departed from Banbridge RFC on 15th August 2012. The tour rules were explained on the coach journey to Dublin before the party took to the air, Cape Town bound. On arrival in South Africa, we met Roy, our driver for the trip. Roy proved a fantastic addition to the tour.
After indulging in some of the finest food Cape Town had to offer on Thursday, training at False Bay RFC, on Friday morning came as a bit of a shock to the system. After training, the party made their way to Table Mountain on what was a cloudless day and perfect to take in such breathtaking views.
Saturday saw the team play their first fixture which ended in a 31-20 defeat by False Bay RFC. Banbridge had led three tries to one in this game and should have closed it out but the long journey, coupled with a few injuries saw the lead slip away. After the game, and with a good hunger worked up, everyone enjoyed some traditional South African Bobotie with rice.
Newlands Stadium was the next stop that afternoon, to take in the international between South Africa and Argentina in the Rugby Championship. South Africa ran out deserved winners, but the noisy chorus of ‘Stand up for the Ulstermen’ when Ruan Pienaar entered the field will live long in the memory. The tourists from Banbridge had certainly made themselves heard, even attracting the attention of ‘Piper James’ who promptly joined our song. With bagpipes in full sound, under the Stadium in Newlands was just like home. The atmosphere both in the ground and outside afterwards was fantastic and it was the wee small hours before the celebrations subsided.
Sunday morning and a very early morning training session was followed by lunch in Stellenbosch, and then onto 2 wine farm visits. Plenty of sampling allowed everyone to pick their favourites and get some valuable souvenirs.
On Monday the group made their way to Cape Point, which provided a stunning backdrop for many photos. After lunch the Penguins of Boulders Beach were the main target for any budding photographers, and a few boys even ventured into the sea for a dip, along with their new found feathered friends.
Two Oceans Aquarium in the centre of Cape Town proved another really worthwhile outing and was where most relaxed on Tuesday before the second game of the tour. A combined team of Pneil RFC and Kylemore ran out eventual 39-32 winners in a thrilling contest. Tries galore and with the opposition’s willingness to run the ball at what seemed like every opportunity, for any neutral it was a great game to watch. Banbridge presented their playing jerseys to their opposite numbers after the game and also presented 2 sets of youth jerseys to club officials. The hosts at Kylemore provided an excellent post match reception which was very well received and was followed by a great evenings’ camaraderie.
After some stern negotiating, bright and early on Wednesday, 22 brave members of the group travelled to Gansbaai to take part in some Shark Diving. This took place at the world famous ‘Shark Alley’. At least 10 different Great White Sharks, up to 4 metres long, made an appearance on the day to give everyone who climbed into that cage, an unforgettable experience. Thankfully everyone returned safely with all fingers and toes still intact. The rest of the group that day had taken a trip to Camps Bay, enjoying the weather and a spot of swimming in shark free water.
Thursday morning gave the players a chance to relax and prepare for the final game of the tour. Everyone involved knew that all this tour was missing was a win. With a superb performance Banbridge overcame a useful Kraaifontein outfit with a 35-12 victory. Again, new friendships were made and a very enjoyable evening had by all.
Another early start on Friday morning saw everyone travel to the Aquila Game Reserve and take in a Safari. The African ‘Big 5′ were all checked off the list and another great experience had. Friday evening and the ‘Tour Court’ dealt severely with any troublesome tourists punishing them accordingly, before Saturday was spent relaxing and in preparation for the long journey home.
This tour, while primarily for Rugby Development, offered so much more, the whole experience proving very worthwhile. Many new friendships were made and new talents discovered both on and off the pitch.
From the very start the team spirit was excellent. It all began on that first meeting back all those months ago, and continued through the preparations bringing a great sense of togetherness to the group. Lets hope that this can be a factor in contributing to a successful season.
The memories and stories will continue for a long time to come,
Until next time………..
The following made up the touring party,
Simon McKinstry, Andy Duke, Robert Ervine, Jonathan Little, Michael Cromie, Chris Allen, Stephen Patterson, Andrew Craig, Andrew Morrison, Colin Bickerstaff, Stuart Cromie, James McCrum, Sam Boyd, Brian Hanna, Ryan Patterson, Jonathan McKim, Matthew Bird, Andrew Baird, Mark Wilson, Craig Mulholland, Jeff Dodds, Adam Ervine, Robin Thompson, Richard Finlay, Jonathan Pollock, James Andrews, Stephen Cowan, Jordan Weir, John Woods, John Porter, Andrew Kirkwood, Clark McAlister, David Chambers, Stephen Cross, Kevin McCartan, Raymond Thompson, Raymond McKinstry and Austin Hewitson.
