With the match underway the close tussle eventuated with a low scoring and physically ruthless first half. BBC were behind on the scoreboard and the character of the team was being tested like never before. Eventually our boys sparked some great attacking rugby and the final whistle signalled a 22-14 victory to the College. The war cry was enjoyed by all as it signalled the prospect of a top four finish. Our next game was the semi final. Anticipation set in as we prepared to face the 2014 schools champions Scots College, Wellington, New Zealand.
4 May After topping our pool with 3–3 wins and securing a win in a tough quarter final against Russian team, Enisei-STM (boasting 19 national team members in their squad), the tour party enjoyed a day off at Beppu, enjoying some well deserved rest time. Beppu is famous in Japan for having the most number of hot springs in the country and this tourism mecca on the coast has utilised these natural volcanic springs in many ways. In a bid to avoid the traffic of Golden Week we set off early at 6.00am. One of only two weeks is allocated in the Japanese calendar for family holidays. Beppu was a family haven with generations of family members sharing time together. Arriving at Beppu, our tour party was joined by our family supporters at a sand bath right on the beach. A sand bath is a traditional method of recovery initiated for the Samurai warriors on their return from battle. They are ‘buried’ beneath hot sand as the volcanic hot water has heated the sand before, some 15 minutes later a cold shower refreshes and cleanses to complete the recovery. Our boys all participated and enjoyed the experience, as did the staff and supporters. A visit to ‘Hell Pools’ was to follow with the full intensity of the volcanic springs evident. One crystal clear pool is 98 degrees Celsius. The Japanese have been known to cook eggs
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in this pool using a basket. Boiling mud pools are also present as well as more tepid water where foot bathing is invited. Lunch was booked at a local Yakiniku style restaurant where boys were able to self-select a range of meats and vegetables to cook at their own table complete with gas BBQ plate. To finalise the trip, a swim was organised at the prestigious Suginoi Hotel in Beppu where the outdoor pool boasts multi-million dollar views over the scenic bay. Boys were able to have a mud bath or a hot spring soak. Our trip home was enjoyed by all who were awake to view the mountainous scenery and great infrastructure (tunnels and bridges) creating a smooth four-lane freeway. The semi final was dawning and the boys slept well in preparation for the match.
5 May In a 60 minute match against the reigning New Zealand Secondary Schools Champions, I can honestly say I have never seen a College team with such commitment and purpose go about a task so completely (and I started coaching at BBC in 1989!). What was achieved in this match was monumental. The final College score line of 34–8 reflected the dominance of our players in completely shutting down the New Zealand schools representative players. Every player on the field knew he carried the honour of his other 15 team mates who weren’t on the field. This was a 30 man squad effort and has been all along. Leading the way to provide total inspiration to all was a dominant Kris Verevis at halfback; his sniping runs, dogged defence and accurate goal kicking continued to lift those on and off the field! Every other player in our squad was right there with him when needed as well. Our focus then turned to the final of the World Youth Rugby Tournament, where we would face the toughest of opponents in Paul Roos Gymnasium from South Africa, who won their semi final 65-0 over Truro College