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| Canada Tour Party |
Tour Blog
Tuesday 6th July
The tour party arrived at Manchester Airport in good time – a fire alarm in Departures meant they all had to go through the dreaded security checks again. The tour party were all in good spirits however. The flight to Canada was uneventful but the tour party endeared themselves to their fellow passengers with many passengers commenting on the excellent behaviour and good manners of our pupils.
As the tour party arrived at Toronto, they were all were shocked at the heat they encountered ... 34 degrees and with humidity causing it to rise to over 40 degrees ... and this was at 8pm! Mr Thomas commented to Mr Trumper that the heat reminded him of walking out at Sardis Road to play Pontypridd RFC on a Saturday afternoon!
The tour party settled into their accommodation which Mr Thomas described as being similar to Oxford University Halls of Residence ... how would he know?!
Wednesday 7th July
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| Acclimatizing in Toronto |
The tour party were given a strenuous training session in 40 degree heat. Mr Thomas commented that the boys and girls were showing tremendous commitment in the training session. The highlight of the morning was the fact that they all travelled on a traditional yellow school bus!
If that wasn't enough, they built on this excitement in the afternoon with a visit to the CN tower ... with many of the tour party really enjoying the experience of the glass bottom elevators. They then went onto a baseball game which by all accounts was a tremendous event. All of Toronto probably heard the singing and atmosphere generated by the CCB touring party which they maintained for the whole 3 and half hours of the game with the pupils supporting their newly adopted city! For the record, the Toronto Blue Jays beat Minnesota Twins.
Thursday 8th July
Some of the tour party and management were guests at a reception held by the Acting Consul-General. Mr Trumper said "It was a super occasion. They really made a fuss of us".
Rugby
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| CCB v Ontario U18s |
Ontario U18s 36 - 46 Christ College XV: Mr Thomas reported that the rugby team were quick out of the blocks winning their match against Ontario U18s. In searing 40 degree heat, 4 x 20 minute quarters were played, giving all of the rugby squad a chance to have a run out.
Hockey
Toronto Cobras 2 - 1 Christ College XI. The girls hockey team went down to a strong Cobras team in their first fixture of the tour.
Friday 9th July
The heat wave has now produced a downpour and the tour party have woken up to heavy rain. Dr Phelps has already rewarded the hockey squad with an early morning team run to the CN Tower and back ... Mr Trumper and Mr Thomas are still at the breakfast bar.
The tour party are about to head off to Toronto's 'Wonderland'
All of the group enjoyed their time at the theme park, especially the world's biggest rollercoaster. News has filtered back that Mr Webber has been named as the Tour's official extremem adrenalin chaser. After their visit to 'Wonderland' the boys met their hosts at the Crusaders' Rugby Club.
Saturday 10th July
Rugby
The 1st XV played Oakville Crusaders with a CCB touring record score of 79 - 5. It was a terrific match with Jesse Ashby and Richard Lovering scoring a hat trick of tries. Joe James and Luke James also contributed with a try each. Joe James also had an incredible afternoon of kicking, missing just one conversion. Later that evening the boys spent time with their hosts and families and enjoyed their hospitality. The 2nd XV also played a team from Oakville Crusaders with CCB winning 25 - 10 with an outstanding Man of the Match performance from Karl Hunt.
Hockey
The girls played against North Halton FHC and won 1 - 0 with a fantastic goal scored by Bea Wigmore.
Sunday 11th July
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| Ottawa's famous canal |
An early start was needed to collect the boys from their host families before setting off to the nation's capital, Ottawa. The kindness and generosity shown to the boys by their host families was truly amazing and many life-long friendships have been made.
The five-hour bus journey to Ottawa saw the temperature lowering but the thought of a nice soft bed at the hotel was something to look forward to. The tour party stopped off at Zak's Diner for their evening meal.
Monday 12th July
Monday morning arrived amid lots of nerves and anticipation for the white water rafting which lay ahead that day. The tour party arrived at the venue and were promptly briefed and kitted out with safety equipment for their trip on the water. The group started paddling on some very calm water, fooling them into a sense of security. This didn't last long and they soon found themselves thrown into some of the most aggressive rapids in the world with, of course, Mr Webber being the first to be cast overboard! Heavy thunderstorms did nothing to ease the flow of water and after an exciting day afloat, the group returned tired but exhilirated back to the hotel.
Tuesday 13th July
Pupils had a free morning to explore the sights of Ottawa before preparing for the evening's fixtures.
Rugby
The boys won their fixture against East Ontario 19 - 10. All the boys played the part in what was a more physical encounter than previous games. Joe James kicked 13 points and Rhys Matson was awarded the Man of the Match honour. The match was played on a senior international venue where Canada beat France in 1993 and the Churchill Cup games were played two years ago.
Hockey
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| CCB v Nepian Nighthawks |
The girls were 0 - 0 at full time against their opposition, the Nepian Nighthawkes. This meant a sudden death playoff and the CCB girls won through with a wonderful strike from Woman of the Match, Rosie Woodrow.
Wednesday 14th July
A five hour bus journey saw the team arrive back in Toronto with the boys being delivered to their host families at Ajax Rugby Club and the girls to their hotel.
Thursday 15th July
Rugby
The rugby team have won their final match against Ajax Wanderers U18s. The score was Ajax Wdrs 7 - 52 Christ College. Man of the Match Owen Silk had a barnstorming game scoring a couple of tries, with Alun Walker and Rhys Matson also adding some tries.
Netball
The netball team put in a brave performance against the Canadian National Champions, Ontario U18s. They lost 75-25.
Mr Thomas reported that all of the touring party, despite a couple of niggling injuries, are all in excellent spirits. Whilst in Canada, the tour party met up with former Christ College teacher Mr Kyle Jess who is touring with Wellbeck College.
Friday 16th July
The squad are now heading for a Jet Boating experience at Niagara Falls before heading for the airport for their return flight home.
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Despite the fact that the term has ended, for a number of pupils and staff school commitments continue as they depart for a major sports tour to Canada.
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| Toronto |
On Tuesday 6th July, 35 pupils and 5 staff left Brecon and are en route to Canada for a major sports tour which will include rugby, hockey and netball fixtures. The first stop for the tour party will be Toronto, the provincial capital of Ontario. During their stay in Toronto, the tour party will take in the sights of the the CN Tower, the Roger's Centre - home of the Toronto Blue Jays baseball team - and Ontario Place which is located on Toronto's waterfront.
On Thursday 8th July the British Consulate in Toronto is putting on a reception for our tour party which will be taking place at the residence of the Acting Consul-General Mr Ashley Prime. In addition to the tour party, invites have been extended to Old Breconians living in the area, local sporting dignitaries and members of the Toronto Welsh community.
Whilst in Toronto, a rugby match has been scheduled against Ontario U18s, and there will be a hockey match against a Cobras FHC U18 team.
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| White water rafting on the Ottawa River |
Over first weekend, our rugby team will then have a fixture against Oakville Crusaders RFC whilst our hockey team will play a Greater Ontario Area XI in Mississauga. There will also be a chance to watch a Toronto Blue Jays match as well as enjoying a visit to Canada's Wonderland.
After the weekend the tour party will transfer to Ottawa. Activities lined up include a sightseeing tour of Canada's capital on the Canada Ducks - these are refurbished WWII amphibious vehicles, a meal in the historic Byward Market and a day's White Water Rafting on the Ottawa River.
All of this is ahead of a rugby match against Eastern Ontario and a hockey match against Nepian Nighthawks XI.
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| The Maid of the Mist at Niagara Falls |
On Wednesday 14th July the tour party will head back to Toronto for the final leg of their tour when there will be the chance to take in the sights of the city as well as explore some of Toronto's islands using bikes and canoes. Whilst in Toronto, another rugby match will be played against Ajax Wanderers RFC and our netball team will take on Ontario U18s.
Prior to returning home on the 16th July, the tour party will have the chance to visit the iconic Niagara Falls, taking a trip on the Maid of the Mist boat which will take them right up to the falls. There will also be a chance to take an elevator ride down to a series of scenic tunnels from where visitors can walk behind the falls and stand on Table Rock beneath the cascading water.
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| Tori James |
There have been a number of messages of support and goodwill for the touring party ahead of their departure.
Old Breconian and Explorer Tori James said: "When I was at Christ College I wasn't the best at sport ... I did a bit of everything ... but I was inspired by all of my friends who went on to represent county and country in their chosen sports. I have made some of my best friends through overseas travel and this tour will provide the tour members with friendships that will last a lifetime and experiences that will inspire them to try new things and continue sport beyond school. I'll be watching their progress ... come on Green & Gold!!"
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| David Pickering |
Chairman of the Welsh Rugby Union David Pickering sent a message saying: "I just wanted to wish you all a fantastic tour. This will be an experience that you will never forget. I can remember every game of every tour I participated in, from school tournaments to international matches. Each one was very special to me."
He concluded by saying: " Enjoy the games, relish the team spirit and savour those special moments and you will enjoy the most fantastic memories forever."
A message of support was also received from the Welsh Women's Hockey Team which said: "Nothing will compare to playing abroad with your team mates and friends. Make sure you embrace the hospitality of the host nation in such a beautiful country as Canada."
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| Brynmor Williams & Rob Jones with rugby captain Max Proctor |
Former Wales and British Lions scrum half and Regional Director of Thomas, Carroll PLC Robert Jones said: "I have to say that in all of my rugby career which includes Barbarians tours, Wales tours, British Lions tours, my tour to Canada in 1983 with Wales U18s (with a prop called Steve Maggs ... whatever happened to him?!) was one of the best trips I've ever been on! A fantastic country, fanatical about their sport and most of all, great people! Canada holds for me many fond and wonderful memories and I have no doubt that the Christ College touring party will come back with their own wonderful memories."
Brynmor Williams, former Wales and British Lions scrum half and Director of Thomas, Carroll PLC added: "I envy all of the pupils travelling on this tour! You are in for a life-changing experience and the warmth of the Canadian hospitality will be second-to-none. Thomas, Carroll are the sponsors of 1st and 2nd XV rugby at Christ College and we're thrilled that our sponsorship coincides with a tour of this nature."
Tour Manager Mr Tim Trumper said: "Many thanks to everyone for their messages of support and, who though their generosity of spirit and good nature, have made the tour possible. I am so grateful to eveyone who has helped with the fundraising which has helped to send us on our way towards the trip of a lifetime!"
Head of Christ College Mrs Emma Taylor said: "A major sports tour like this will provide unique opportunities and lasting memories. I know that the tour party have all prepared hard, both physically and in terms of fund-raising, and I hope they enjoy every minute."
She added: "I am sure that they will conduct themselves admirably as ambassadors of Christ College and of the UK, and that they will make their parents and other supporters proud in the way they play and at all other times.
Please revisit our website during the tour when regular updates will be available.
Our thanks go to the following sponsors:
