Thursday is gameday!

Game 1 versus Namaka Public School

By Thursday the boys knew what was ahead of them having learnt their lessons from Tuesday’s game. It was a stinking hot day, perspiration was running before they even ran onto the field.
There was a couple of surprises in the first game, we had a couple of Fijian boys from Namaka ,Lex and Bensi, adding a bit of Fijian flair in the back line and wasn’t it great to see that old warhorse Wayling donning his slippers to Referee the game.
Despite the heat, the pace was frenetic. Josuhua Fenely had a big dig through the ruck, found the ball, surprised himself in open space and bolted for the line, to be pinned up just before the line.. The Fijians were quick to throw it out to the backs with young Tom Hargreaves chasing down every run with one notable boots and all tackle to save a sure try. Ben Farrugia had very strong first half game and Angus Leck was indomitable in his tackling whilst Zachary Tales consistent clean out rucking and stealing primed him for further selection in the following games. Ed Woolcott had a sensational drive for 20 metres with all our forwards protecting him, as they should, whilst his brother Jack Woolcott was kept busy covering the fleeting Fijians. We couldn’t keep the Fijians down for long, Two quick trys by the feisty Fijians had us down 14-0 at half time.
Coach Bluey Woolcott, had the boys quickly in the shade cooling off. The forward pick and drives were starting to work well but with all the backs in the rucks, we had no backline. Bluey’s advice was to keep the backs out wide and keep the game tight in the forwards.
The second half started with bustling pressure on the Fijians, with the boys in blue lining up time and time again penetrating their defensive line up the middle. James Allo showed his fitness being on of the only forwards who played the full game in searing heat. Lachlan Bain was seen using his head, literally, to stop the biggest bloke on the field. Jordan Cahill's spirited one on one tackle on the same big Fijian fellow bought the loudest cheer from the sideline. Haydon Cook’s back row performance and reeling tackles left the Fijian’s listless in the midday sun. It was this quality in the rucks led by Tom Bruce and Joshua Fenely who played out of their skins winning the man of the match award for the game, and rewarding Tom with a fantastic pick and drive try. The Fijians came back with a late try with the final score 21-7. Bluey was proud of the boys effort and fair play on the day.

Game 2 versu Mount Saint Mary’s Public School.

We knew we were in for a big game when the whole St Mary’s team poured themselves out of a 6 seater minivan. Steve Crawford and Ted Bruce had the Namaka School kids cheering in unison for the Newport boys. It was obvious the boys had watched the previous game and listened to their erstwhile coach Peter Farrugia. Virgil Townsend’s rumbling mauling style had the Fijians quickly on the backfoot and the quick thinking Joshua Tyler’s intercept stopped a sure early try. A quick tap by Nathan Grifiths sent Kahu Andronicus on a spirited run, bringing us closer and closer to the try line. Another quick penalty tap and quick pass to Mitchell Hasler saw Mitch sprinting and bouncing off the last line of Fijian defenders to score his first try of the international series. Nathan’s quick thinking, bought a tear to the eye of the former Hornsby Great Scott Griffiths. All this time he thought smartness had skipped a couple of generations.
The persistant Dominic Allen made a strong tackle right on the sideline to loud cheers from the frenzied crowd. This put us back into their half forcing the Fijians back onto the try line. With a ruck right on their try line, the Fijians quickly threw the ball back to their fullback and our effervescent Louis Barkely’s rambunctious charge down and tackle forced the Fijians to restart at the 25 metre line. Some time later, during a line out, our effervescent forward was it again using his head this time .as forwards are known to do, in a line out, bamboozling our team with his performance and causing raucous laughter on the sideline. Our dominant #10 Daniel Channon has the Fijians spooked, every time their 5/8 receives the ball, he put’s it up in the air and sends it sideways across the paddock. Ben Farrugia is back on the ball backing up from the first game with a 1st class effort. Just before half time young Jakob Nielson scurries up the sideline putting enormous pressure on the Fijian’s, with a real referee running the game, rather than the wayward Wayling, half time is called and the boys head to their dugout, up 7-0, with their coach Peter Farrugia singing their praises. In a moment of brilliance or credulance, Peter calls for a change of game plan. Peter said “ We went out with a plan, we stuck to it, now we’ll change it and have more of a run”. This well worn journo reckons this could either be the making of Peter’s career or the breaking! Time will tell.
The second half is on and there is no holding back our halfback Nathan Griffiths. Nathan put up a strong performance during the whole game. Jake Voss ,in a stumble tackle off the ball brings down two Fijian backs in one fall, but unfortunately retires from the game with an injured ankle. Without his passing talent in the backs, surely the coach will call a change in strategy. All we hear is deafening silence from the dugout. Tom Milligans quick chase and ankle tap stops a certain Fijian try which resulted in a ruck and us winning the ball vigorously, but the boys having listened to their coach closely decide to throw the ball around with Fijian flair. Dylan Matthes, our tight head prop, is waiting out wide, gets the ball in hand, goes forward with a couple of Fijians hanging of him and what’s he do, a backhand flick pass, surely coach Peter’s brilliance will shine brightly today. The Fijians pick up the flick pass, off the boots and scurry across for a quick try, 7 all, leaving Peter’s brilliance somewhat dimmer.
From the kick off a quick ruck and we turn over the ball, with Chris Styler making long yards up the middle from the ruck. This is where the Fijians were weak, we exploited this perfectly in the 1st half. Hugo Campbell was ball hungry every time he got a sniff of that leather/plastic/nylon ball, his relentlessness at the breakdown was a delight to watch for this retired back rower. Soon after, a quick kick and the juggernaut, Joshua Tyler, has the ball in hand with a lightening fast run down the sideline sending Newport into the lead, 14-7. Soon after the kick the Fijians mounted a comeback as our boys tired with a spirited fleet footed try, levelling the game at 14 all. With a minute to go Joshua Tyler makes another quick break behind the scrum down the left wing, leaving soon to be anointed “super coach” feeling taller, only to be pinned back metres from the try line by a grappling Fijian tackle. The Fijians were back on the ball, turned it over and sent it flying out through every set of hands with a counter attack resulting in a try under the posts, showing the boys in blue how open Fijian rugby is truly played. The final score was 21-14 to St Mary’s and the final words are left for that long forgotten coach, Peter Farrugia “ Fantastic effort, structure in first half was perfect”, I asked him “If it was perfect why did you change it”, Peter quickly responded with “Don’t talk about that, talk about that 80 metre try they scored in the forwards in the 1st half.

Game 3 versus Nandi District Group

Club president Geoff Hannigan had taken over the coaching jacket, in what I thought was a very vain attempt to show up the acclaimed super coach Greg Donlan, who up until now was the only coach that had coached a winning side. The game started, with not just one but two whistle blows, some wag from the Fijian side had bought his whistle with him on the sidelines. This confused our backs, who thought the game was over and started walking of the field. Fortunately one of the brighter boys in our side spotted this, our tight head prop Jake Crawford and put an end to this, with a sterling tackle that would have taken the chrome of his father’s Subaru. It looked like the boys had a cunning game plan. I asked the coach “what’s the game plan?”, Hags said “There is no game plan!” whilst the boys were putting on a blindside move which sent Adam Hannigan across for the first try off the game, to which Hags responded, “That’s part of the plan, I sent it across telepathetically”. The first try was followed quickly by another backline move this time a switch back to Jack Donlan from Tyson who ran into a break for a 60 metre try. As the heat in the air dissipitates, Louis Wayling showed his brawny brilliance by taking the ball right up the middle with 6 Fijians hanging off him, pulling more players in and managing an offload to Adam Hannigan to score again on their blind side. Luke Matthews kept up a strong game despite being ill before running on. A valiant effort. Tom McGain’s snappy service from half back was consistent throughout the game putting pressure on the Fijians on every phase. Jordan Towns performance was trades man like, nailing the Fijians with every tackle, whilst Dylan Thompson playing in the back row, applied his trade with forceful pressure on their backs, limiting the usual Fijian flair. Will Davies straight running damaged the backs continually, he set up a cracker try with a clean pass to Conrad Hutchings who easily made it over for try #4. Corey Burns continued to show his mettle with consistent straight running of the rucks , keeping their forwards busy all day chasing him down. Tyson Damp at full back was one of the stars in the backs, each kick cleanly caught saw him running the ball up quickly gaining valuable metres whilst saving the forward’s energy. At the half time whistle we are up 28-0 and the encouragement from the coach was simple “keep doing the game plan boys”.

The game started positively, with pure aggression displayed by Konrad Hutchings setting up a ruck with a quick clean the ball passed quickly out the backs with Harry Jones placing the ball out wide superbly with his cut out pass resulting in another try by Adam Hannigan in the corner. James “lipstick” King put in a huge amount of work with his effective tackling all day long. I missed the last try, so I apologise for missing this one out, maybe one of the boys will remember and claim it, but I didn’t miss the conversion attempt, the honour of which was given to our prop Jack Slack Smith. Whilst the try was scored out wide it is tradition in Fiji to kick the goal from directly in front. Slacko lines his drop kick, gives it a good heave ho, and the crowd sighs, both linesmen called it a no goal. It looked to me like it was over, but I did overhear one of the linesmen Jim Allen, legendary 5/8 according to Eddie Wayling, say “can’t let a prop get a conversion”. Let the controversy begin.

James King causes school girl riot

Of the 44 playing tourists, no one created more interest from the Fijian school girls that James King. Arriving at the Namake public school on Tuesday, James was immediately targeted by the school girls for special attention. They wanted his autograph, asked him to talk to them and generally could not stay away from him.

Tour management were immediately concerned with James ability to stay focused on the upcoming match and his fellow tourists looked on with a mix of confusion, great interest and genuine awe......

They called for volunteer's for firewalking.........There was only one !

Newport arrives at the Korovuto Village!

We travelled to the Korovuto village today to experience the real side of Fijian life. The village are the traditional owners of the land that the Sonaisali resort is located on and they provide 70% of the staff that are working at the resort. We were welcomed to the village by the chief in a traditional ceremony where we presented two Kava root bunches as a mark of our appreciation.
After both the boys and fathers tasted Kava (some taking to it more enthusiastically than others!) we had a guided tour of the village looking at traditional Fijian huts; catching mud crabs in the local river; seeing their market garden where they grow their own vegetables; watching demonstrations of basket weaving and seeing the raw Kava root prepared for the village to drink.

We gave a gift to the village of 4 sets of rugby jumpers, 50 stationary kits, a large amount of second hand clothing and a monetary donation to assist with the 600 people within the village.

The day ended with the Newport boys playing a game of touch rugby against the village children on their oval. Goal posts made out of bamboo, a bull watching from the northern dead ball line and a game of touch ended a terrific afternoon.

Newport 1 + 2 + 3 v's Namaka, Mount St Marys, Namaka

Apologies for the late blog on the games but getting the computer has been a daunting task.

Tuesday saw the assembly of the lads at the wharf on the island. The three boats ferried the boys and support staff to the two waiting buses to commence the 30 minute drive to the oval at Namaka Public School. En route via Nadi the boys were getting the first taste of Rock Star treatment. The passers by were cheering and waving and the boys boys responded like true rock stars. The boys delighted at the simplicity of the homes they passed, the bamboo football posts and the crops being tendered on the road.

Game 1:

Newport v's Namaka.

The warmups over, the nerves settled, the opposition aren't that big, half of them dont have boots, theyre all smiling..this should be good. Then kick off, and game on, the Fijians were lean, excited and ready to rumble and thats what they did. Our boys were subject to a blazing flurry of open rugby with Fijian ball skills not only being entertaining but pure genius in any open play. Our boys put in some valiant forward plays with successful pick and drive moves but as soon as the ball went loose, went wide, they were there...in numbers. Loose play specialists the Fijian attacks on our ball carriers were hard and skillful, tackling and ripping the ball simultaneously. Out wide the Fijian Namaka team were a delight to watch passing from player to player in loops, run arounds, open play what was described by one dad as being "played on ball bearings"

Namaka ran in two tries very quickly through loose open play and their fullback and centres running the gaps like naturals. Despite the superb tackling of some of the boys, the Fijians were so strong and able to break, bounce, roll out of tackles and continually distribute the balls.

Tom Bruce ran in a great try which was converted before half time. The score was 17 to 7. Second half saw some great settling by the Newport boys as the reality of the open play had registered. Continually they kept the ball in the forwards and continually worked phase after phase against a powerful defense. Despite the continual interuption they toiled at the line. There were some fantastic interludes with the Fijians showing some great gymnastic skills in the ball grab attempts and their rag doll tackling techniques. One high rag doll tackle saw the young Namaka forward "yellow carded" much to the cheering of the local crowd.

The crowd was coherced into barricking loudly for Newport, practising the mexican wave, and generally having a great time with the tourist on and off the field. There were smiles all round.

Despite some magical second half runs by the barefoot centre for Namaka the Newport boys were able to turn the tidal flow on occassions. Great pressure from the forwards and solid tackling efforts in the back's saw Newport spend some valuable time in the opposition quarter. On two occassions in the loose play the Fijians were beat at their own game by Tom Hargreaves who on two occassions secured an opportunistic ball and scored on both occassions. Was he a fijian??? or just an opportunistic lad catching on to their game plan?

In the forwards Angus Leck played magnificantly always pushing up the centre and taking on the Fijians. James Allo and Dylan Matthes put in some great efforts and matched the toughness of the forwards. Tom Hargreaves brought home the bacon for Newport and restored credability at the end of the game to bring the score to 22 (Namaka) to 19 Newport.

The coach Gene Burns was delighted by the boys comeback vowing to continue his coaching prowess into Thursdays game . Hope he improves his Haka by Saturday!

Game 2:

Game 2 – Tuesday
Newport versus Mount St Marys Public School
2.40pm – overcast and cool – A good day for Rugby.
The kick off saw a different tempo and expectation to that of Game 1. It was obvious the free flowing style of the Fijians needed some serious counter measures. The opening kick -off set the tone for the game with forward packs engaging in a physical tussle.
The first break downs saw the ball shut down by Newport on several occasions in the forwards and when the ball was sent spiralling along the St Marys backline Jack Donlan and Harry Jones completed some huge hits on their opposing centres. The intensity of the game did not falter either opponent with both forward packs and back lines still giving 100% physical effort. Newport was successful in shutting down the five eight and centre combination on several occasions while the forwards congregated on the loose ball. It appeared some of the lessons witnessed in game one had been learnt.

The ball was hotly competed for whenever a play had shutdown. More often than not the bustling Newport pack, perhaps not as physical but definitely well structured continued to harness control and several phases of pick and drive delivered some exciting and tiring football as the big fellas pursued the yardage up the centre. Several phases saw the ball put to the back lines of both teams but each opposing backline shutting down each other in a very effective defense. It was a real contest and the yardage gained and lost was equal in proportion.

A penalty was given for a St Marys infringement and the boys created a set play designed by the "Coach of Coaches" Greg Donlan (supported by the sensational Assistant Coach Angus James, the irrepressable Assistant Assistant Coach Scott Griffiths and the mercurial Assistant Assistant Assistant Coach Ilkka Tales who introduced "Chilli" to the warm up sessions to "fire up the boys") that delighted the Fijian crowd and dazed their opposites. The penalty was set on the 25 metre line of the Fijians where the boys formed a semi circle. At the rear of the circle Harry Jones positioned as ball receiver, the tap was taken and the semi circle confused the vision and movement of the ball while it was quickly flick backward to Harry peeling to the right side of the field, with a short dummy and strong inside run to split the Centre line and score directly under the posts. 5 nil. No conversion.

Every kick off was a contest as shortly after Kahu Andronicus was off the field with a Fijian headache. Virgil Townsend was playing a strong forward game with great aggression and drive up the centre. Despite a bleeding nose he kept going. The play was full of Fijian acrobatics as they attempted intercept passes, tackles and the famous Fiji rag doll tackles (grab around the neck and flung around). Entertain and athletic despite being offside on several occasions. The Newport boys took and gave some heavy tackles.

Off the field and on the sideline some major activities were also being conducted. Some of the boys from game one were engaged in a sideline game of touch / grab / smash footy which saw Zac Tales leave the sidelines (off field) in a bloodied state much to the delight of the local kids who were amazed at the efficiency of our medical team. Zac Tales was the reserve this match, having played in the previous match, and had asked the "Coach's Coach" for the honour of carrying the kickoff tee. Some time during the game, Zac had taken his boots off and started a game of rugby on the sideline with the local kids. A try was scored in the main game, Greg Donlan went looking for his tee holder only to find Zac at the bottom of a ruck with kids jumping all over him. Greg yelled out, "Where's my tee Zac" and Zac shook of 4 local challengers who had him locked at the bottom of a smothered tackle. He jumped up immediately apologising "Sorry Coach I stuffed up, here I'll get the tee, "Too late, snarled the coach, Harry just missed the dropkick, if this cost me my coaching career, you'll be playing fullback and kicking the goals your self".

The St Johns boys were on hand with Ambo parked at the ready and a proverbial esky in hand. The medical kit was ice in plastic bags and plenty of goodwill.

Back to on field action: -
Corey Burns was sensational with his pick and drive efforts which was ultimately rewarded with a bustling try that was nicely captured by the team photographer. There were some strong backline plays between the respective back line and defence particularly by Conrad Hutchings who was brutal at times. Jack Donlan ran with purpose but could not seem to get the penetration through his opponent. But managed some good offloads. Harry placed some well executed kicks and bolstered the attacking position gaining some 30 + metres in distance. Dan Channon at full back did some solid head on line tackles that were nothing short of full commitment.

Hugo Campbell came from the field stating “These guys are really tough on us” to be met by the coaches comment “ Really, thats a bit unfair” and a sly grin.

The second half saw some great backline passing by Newport and finally another try was the reward from a swift counter attack. Conrad was seen making multiple tackles on the attacking Fijian side as they tended to bounce back onto their feet after being tackled.
The back's were met with some exciting looping and flowing rugby however the diligence of the forwards contained alot of their activity with limited opportunity. The backs produced some great set moves, run around moves themselves. It was a substantial contest that saw the closing minutes with a breakaway run from the fast Fijian St Marys winger beating several players but ultimately gallantly chased by Jack Donlan in a great tackle that unfortunately saw both players slide over the try line of Newport. Try and game over. The crowd on that side of the field was delighted. The final score was Newport 17, St Marys 5.

A funny twist of events saw Harry Jones moved from Centres to Front Row as penalty for “poor form” on tour, but despite continual grumbles he played well before being put into the second row where his head gear and orange boots still looked good but gave him a bit more room to move. He showed such promise there is conjuncture he may remain in the forward pack. Virgil Townsend was moved out onto the wing showing he had the smarts to play in the backs, waiting for the opposition to run to him rather than him moving up in defense.

The oval had some incredible divets including some well concealed reinforced concrete but was happily covered by the friendly guests with sawdust and a prayer. The dads marked the spot praying the game would never encroach.

The crowd loved the game with all the Fijian locals totally happy for us to win either way. As the teams shook hands, t shirts were given to the locals. After the experience of the first game the boys realised that their head gear was a prized possession so these were held tightly and none had to be rescued on this occasion. The spoils of war.

Game 3:
Newport v’s Namaka
This game had a strong tempo built around it and occurred in short succession after game 2. The boys ran and were met by fairly lean team who despite a few players did not have a height advantage over our side. They were ...fit.
The kick off saw the weather threatening to rain, the crowd thinning from school children but well supported by the parents and friends who had finished work. The team they were playing was apparently undefeated for several years and were attending in confidence. The game marked the return of Will “bear” Davies after his unlucky leg injuries and surgery.

The tempos of the game commenced ferously with the forwards locked in a solid tussle. The first break down saw the tenacious Fijian side rip and steal the ball and quickly disperse the ball with rifling passes to the centres. It was here that there was no doubt Will was back. Like a cruise missile Will locked on to his opposing centre and absolutely took his legs and feet right from underneath him in what was a massive tackle. The Fijian smiled and got up and his mates had already regathered the ball and commenced recycling the ball through the backline. Hit after hit was made on their backs but their agility, desire to move forward proved the Fijian's to be more elusive than wiley coyotes. The pace was frantic and very physical. Jake Crawford made some solid advances while Louie Wayling put in a stellar effort. Louie would continually break through the pack with surging bull like runs, often checked by the Fijians but he did not stop.

The open play by the Fijians was superb particularly in their back line. They appeared to have incredible numbers out wide time and time again, looping and doubling up to make our sliding defence work hard. Even when tackled they would not stop and there was always agile numbers waiting to go forward and seize any opportunity that presented.

The forwards worked hard at controlling the ball in the forward pack, the contest was even but they were exceptionally physical and hard players often countering our moves with great effect. They did manage to provide some good clean ball to the back through some strong rolling mauls particularly with Louie Wayling proving a standout. The ball cleared several times with crisp half back passes from Tom McGain to Tyson at five eight and then to Will Davies and Harry Jones in the centre and the winger Josh Tyler showing some great catching skills on occasion. Continually the backline combination of Newport saw Tyson Damp running diversion lines with Will Davies or Harry in the centres. Some created some excellent breaks and others were read well by the Fijians who produced an effective swarming defence. Our ball security was tested over and over as the Fijians had mastered the art of tackling the player , quick to their feet, rip and steal the ball and they would then counter attack in moments. Our techniques were tested continually and often left wanting by the free playing Fijians who were masters of opportunity.

Within 10 minutes the Fijians had spun the ball from the maul to the inside centre who placed a great kick behind our centres. Three Fijians swarmed on an isolated Will Davies, a poor bounce did not favour will and fortunately nor the Fijians. The scrum win saw an unfortunate drop ball by Newport which was gathered on the run by the Fijian full back who exhibited some superb running and open play skills to weave his way into a try in the corner.

The kick off was a swift affair with Fijians taking the ball on the run and again the fullback despite being gallantly pursued by Dylan Thompson blitzed his way to the try line. In further play we retaliated with some great counter attacks, particularly with one back line move where Jones placed a well judged kick over the heads of the Fijians backs with a nasty bounce and hotly contested pursuit Harry regathered the ball only to succumb to a knock on. The ball was won in the scrums (uncontested) by our lads and it saw Tyson preparing to sidestep his opponent when the ground just slid out from under his boots and the move was lost. The ground top cover was very loose and played the same tricks on Harry and Jack on several occasions when looking to put in the big moves!! The fumbled ball was snapped by the Fijian five eight who then spiralled the ball to touch for half time. Score Newport Nil – Namaka 19.

Second half resumed and some serious rag doll tackle attempts by the gymnastic styled Fijians saw some cautions issued and almost another Fijian half back being sent to the side line. The contest in the forwards was epic, just a hard to and fro as both teams battled for ground. Another penalty in our favour saw Dylan Thompson receive the ball and make an outstanding run down the left side of the field. A short time later while scrumming down it was incredible to see the depth of attack angle the Fijians used against our flat defence. They hit the ball with speed and while appearing to shimmy and shake they ran straight but always managed to offload to their outside or inside man. Their back lines often had the second rowers joining in.

Our forwards continued to valiantly contain the Fijian fowards but whenever the ball went loose it was “Fiji time”. They would then scoop and run the ball passing and swooping with some of the best backline displays of open rugby that had been seen for a long time. In fairly quick succession individual and team brilliance by the Fijians split and penetrated our defence. Unlike home games these players do not stay down and they play with a sixth sense of who is outside them or a knowing trust that support is looking for action right behind them.It was not long before the score line was rising against us.
Newport showed terrific determination which was exampled by a scrum pack down in the locals 25metre line after the forwards had worked their way solidly to the scrum position. The ball was won cleanly and McGain rifled a perfect pass to Damp who dispatched quickly to Davies then Jones, Jones drew his man and threw a cutout pass to Josh on the wing who collected the ball between his knees at speed to run and dive for the corner. Try to Newport. The crowd loved it as well. The score was Newport 5: Namaka 26
The next fifteen minutes saw a flurry of tries scored by the Fijians in rapid succession. They exhibited some great open rugby that proved so difficult to contain. There was some great moments from Luke, Will Davis tackling and line running was hard, handling and running of Josh on the wing. The tidal wave couldn’t be stopped. It wasn’t a pushover for the Fijians but it was a great exhibition of some of their skills. Their try scoring and quick drop kick field goals to covert was like sevens rugby and very matter of fact. The boys on both teams finished the game with a score line of Newport 7: Namaka 40 . Despite a hard game the boys had all thoroughly enjoyed themselves and had come off pretty much injury free. This was amazing considering the games intensity.

The boys gave t-shirts to the opposing players and the final exchanges and thank yous were completed. They all had a fantastic time, a humbling experience culturally, and also felt rather humbled by the Fijian rugby skillset. It is their national love and passion. It shows. What a pleasure to watch, and what great attitudes the Newport boys played with.

Deeds not Words

On Tuesday we visited Namaka Public school to play our first rugby games. As the boys walked into the school they were greeted with loud cheers from over 500 Fijian kids ready for assembly. The boys were treated like movie stars, they were clearly overcome by the occassion and surprised by the welcome they received.

The principal addressed the students and players, welcoming Newport warmly to Namaka. This was followed by a performance song by the Namaka students, and then the singing of the Newport Rugby Song led by Jack Slack Smith. It was unanimous, the choir master needs to be taken to task, our singing prowess was no match against the perfect Pacific pitch of 500 children.

Impersonation of Judges continues in the Kangaroo Court

The Kangaroo court sat again on Tuesday morning to consider evidence from three seperate matters that occured on the first day in Fiji.

John Cahill was alleged to have been seen walking through the resort in the early hours of Tuesday morning with the resort clock from the reception desk to ensure he knew what the time was. He was also found in the early hours by hotel security practising his yoga moves on the slippery dip in the children's playground, upside down and asleep at the time. John was found guilty as charged.

Harry Jones was accused by his fellow playing tourists, whilst the court was in session, of to much self awareness, bum slapping, nipple tampering and topless parading through the resort. Harry was actually asleep in his room whilst the court was in session and he was found Guilty as charged in absentia.

The most serious charge of the day was levelled at Murray McGain and Steve Crawford for their late arrival to the first tour meeting on Monday morning. Murray had stressed to all tourists on Sunday that the meeting was compulsory and to be there on time. At 9.01am, to the great delight of the touring party, the door to the conference room was locked and both Murray and Steve were found guily as charged.

Murray took legal advice from his council, Rob Davies, and attemted to deflect all blame onto Steve, unsuccessfully. In sentencing, the court considered the seriousness of their offence and declared that they be given the Flipper award for the day. This award entails the wearing, at all times in public, of the special Flipper tour hats.....