PETERHOUSE NOSTALGIA

... MEMORIES ...

1993 : RUGBY REPORT INCLUDING THE UNBEATEN TOUR OF THE UK

Ist XV RUGBY

The Ist XV has had a very successful season in 1993, losing only one game to a very motivated Prince Edward team. The team certainly had its share of talented players, with big mobile forwards and fast elusive backs. We had set the tone for the season with our tour to South Africa at the end of last season where the players all learnt a lot, and 12 of our touring squad returned to school. In the start of the season festival at Prince Edward the team played three matches against Plumtree, Lord Malvern and a Namibian side and won all three-- Peterhouse being the only Zimbabwean team to beat the Namibians.

The team was well led by Philip Lowe and the other five boys who made the National Schools squad must be congratulated they were: David Palmer, Dale Beswick Paul Coke-Norris, Mike Pearce and Danny Drake. The team only really started to play the rugby they were capable of after the Prince Edward defeat. This particular game showed the players that rugby has to be a unified effort. The team also made a significant contribution to the Mashonaland Country Districts team where the following all ended up getting caps: P. Lowe, D. Palmer, D. Beswick P. Coke-Norris, E. Yamoah, D. Samuels, M. Pearce, D. Drake, S. Hutchings, T. Chinyadza, O Akunwafor, L Dodd, B. French, B. Mbofana.

The team's major success came from the fact that they found no trouble in winning ball from set phases of play and they all seemed to learn the Importance of maintaining possession of the ball. With a very solid pack who could all run and handle the ball and some quick elusive backs, real flair, the unit became a formidable one, playing very attractive rugby.

The team leaves for the UK on 3 December to take part in a World Schools Rugby festival at Haileybury where we hope to regain some of the form shown in the latter part of the season

P Lowe - Captain - Lock - jumped at number 2 in the lineout and was often found running and setting up second phase ball.

D Palmer - Prop - made a significant contribution in the tight phase and as his previous experience showed could run and pass as all centres should be able to.

D. Beswick--Hooker--His throwing in and strike, improved as the season progressed and he became a useful loose forward

E Yamoah - Lock - His jumping at No. 4 often surprised oppositions who were concentrating on elimination of Philip at No. 2. His athletic ability and speed helped in the loose.

M. Pearce - Flank - His fierce determination to get to the breakdown and win the ball became his hallmark as he secured many a loose ball.

G. Rolfe--Flank--He developed well as his upper body strength improved and he controlled his desire to go to ground with the ball.

D. Samuels--No. 8--David's guidance and natural ability to pick the ball up and pass paved the way for many a great break out and running movement.

D. Drake - Scrum Half--His service improved no end and his ability to read a situation made him very dangerous by the season's end. His physical strength improved dramatically.

B Hutchings - Fly Half-- His natural flair and ability to know when to pass and when to run meant that the opposition were always pinned back He showed great potential.

B Mbofana - Centre - His season was plagued with injury problems and he never reached top gear this season.

Tan Chinyadza - Centre - A delightful centre who often left oppositions for dead with his side step and incisive runs.

O. Akunwafor - Wing - The biggest and fastest thing around whose handling improved beyond recognition. His learning to play off the ball led to a try.

L. Dodd--Wing--A hard running wing whose natural desire to run straight and around the outside of men is a great asset.

B Pswarayi--Wing/Full Rack--His natural ability means that he has played every position in the backline for Peterhouse--that speaks for itself:

B French-Fullback/Centre-His defensive skills and his ability to stay on his feet and redistribute the ball have been his biggest assets. He is also a very aware player who can adapt to any role.

D. Hodnett-- Fullback/Centre-- A hard running lad who has settled into the pattern well, His determination and grit are something to look forward to..

The results for season are as follows:

Festival Games

Points for 545 Points against 80

The following boys were chosen to tour the UK in December at the end of the season: D. Palmer, D. Beswick, P. Coke-Norris, P. Lowe (Captain), E. )'Yamoah, D, Samuels, M. Pearce, G. Rolfe, D. Drake, B. Hutchings, T. Chinyadza, B. Mbofana, O. Akunwafor, I.. Dodd, B. French, D. Hodnett, R Mujeyi, W. Cochrane, K. Sachikonye, A. Strong, J. Meyer, K. Royston.

RWQ

RUGBY TOUR TO UK 1993

The following is an account of the tour extracted from the tour diary, written each day by one of the team. After some tour members had finished exams on the morning of our departure we realised that we were finally on our way. We had our usual Pre-departure Braai-Lunch at PageT and had a light practice before assembling for our final briefing and prayers. We left Peterhouse just after mid-day for the airport.

It was from this point that we realised our travel arrangements were nor going to be as we had planned. We flew to Lusaka in two groups. the Zambia Airways plane being too small for all the people wishing to travel Lusaka! On arrival at Lusaka we had an 8 1/2 hour wait. We finally boarded an Air Europe plane to London via Rome. The Italian air hostesses were the only thing that kept us in some humour and excitement at 3.00 in the morning!

Another three hour delay in Rome saw most of the party grow rather quiet, and the departure lounge floor was the best resting place to try to catch up on some much needed sleep. We finally set off for London in a very full Airbus of Alitalia Airlines. On arrival at Heathrow we were disappointed to learn that two of the suitcases belonging to the (Coke Norris family had not arrived. We were met by Julian Bawden from Rugby Travel al about 5.30 p.m. and quickly whisked off in a coach to the north of London to our first hosts Oakham School.

On arrival at Oakham we were quickly billeted out to various houses. Although very tired and rather grumpy we quickly perked up when we discovered the 5th Form at Oakham were having a disco! So we naturally swept all the girls off their feet, and we immediately had lots of supporters.

The next day we had an early morning practice and then were taken to Cambridge for the day--it was wonderful to see the famous University and lovely town. On the way we stopped off to visit the Rector's new school and home at Uppingham. He and Mrs Megahey were very pleased to see us and we enjoyed a coke and bite to eat with them. That evening we were early to bed for our first game the next day.

We were up early and were taken to Rugby School to see where the game first started. We had a tour of the school and purchased some rugby balls at the Gilbert factory in the town of Rugby. We returned to Oakham at lunch time and kicked off at 2.15 p.m. We were naturally very pleased to win our first game. After the match we had a splendid tea in the Dining Hall and again it was great to see the Rector and Mrs Megahey sporting their tour tracksuits!

After tea the Management took us to a local pub and we enjoyed a few English beers together with all our parent and supporters. "The whole pub was full of Zimbies! "We departed from Oakham at 9.30 am, leaving behind a number of broken hearts, kisses all round before departure were something to experience! We then travelled to London and Twickenham for the Varsity game. It was a great experience to feel the atmosphere in the ground. It was cold but sunny and really perfect for rugby-- Oxford beat Cambridge 20 - 8. We then met up with our coach again and proceeded to King's College, Taunton arriving at about 8.15 p.m.

At Kings we were allocated our houses and went to bed early. The next morning the wind blew a gale and we practiced in very wet conditions. The rest of the morning we walked around the town. The weather turned for the worse and driving rain and wind greeted the players at kick off. Amazingly we played our best rugby in these conditions and were pleased to beat the strong Kings team. A large contingent of Petreans came to support us and this was great.

After the match we attended the School's Annual Rugby Dinner and an excellent meal was enjoyed. After dinner some of us were taken to the school's pub and we enjoyed a beer with our hosts. We believe the management really enjoyed the Taunton Cider and the youngest member of the management team didn't look too good the next day. We were up early next morning and departed from King's College at 9.00 a.m. for Eastbourne.

On the way we called in at Portsmouth and visited HMS Victory and the Royal Naval Museum. This was a great few hours enjoyed by all. We arrived at Eastbourne at 4.30 p.m. Again we were quickly taken to the various school houses and were given an excellent tea. That evening we went to the Schools Social Club and played pool, etc. At 11.00 p.m. everyone had to be back in their houses.

The next day we had to be taken to grounds away from the school to train because the school's fields were too wet. After lunch we departed for London to meet the Petreans.

This function was held in our honour and both the old and new Rector were present together with Mr Carter and Dame Molly Gibbs. We returned to Eastbourne at about 1.00 p.m.

The next day we had a quiet morning but were pleased to see the sun shine although it was really cold The game was played on their lovely front field at the school and the setting was really impressive. After the match we were entertained to a lovely tea, and later in the evening we had a special dinner with the two teams present.

The parents and management visited various pubs in Eastbourne that evening and their "special meeting" on the Eastbourne beach in the early hours was a time, we were told, to be remembered by all--but by Alfie in particular!

The following day we left Eastbourne for Haileybury via London. We spent about 2 1/2 hours in London doing our own thing! We then drove the short distance to Haileybury and welcomed by the organiser and Mr Rees from Rugby Travel. Haileybury was a "stunning" looking school and we were all very impressed We went to bed early. Our first morning at the Festival was cold and wet. Ice was found on the lawns and some of the puddles had iced over. Our first match was against Uppington from South Africa and we did extremely well to beat a big strong side. That evening a sports quiz was held, but even ourself proclaimed beans were bewildered The management came back late and Reg spiked his Malwatte Veldskoen trying to climb over the school gate! or so he said

The next day we played the hosts Haileybury, this was the big game of the festival and we were pleased with the conditions, wet, but fairly reasonable for rugby. We did extremely well to win this one, and most of the large crowd were pleased to see us win. An unbeaten record for the tour was now well within our grasp. That evening we went to the movies and visited a "fun centre" which was really enjoyed by the Dodgem Car fans.

The next day was our "free day", and most went shopping to Harlow. Three Peterhouse boys played for the Barbarians side against Royal Belfast Academy but went down rather badly 29 - 3 all three enjoyed the outing with the invitation team.

The next day we played our final game against Galston from Sydney, Australia. The pitch was just a mud patch and good rugby was difficult to play. We dominated all aspects of the game and from half-time our opponents were not all that interested.

We had achieved what we set out to do. "The cherry was on the cake", and the "mission accomplished", two phrases used by RWQ and ALF the whole tour! Our game was played in the morning and in the afternoon we supported Bishops in their good win over Haileybury. That evening there was a large gathering of all the teams who had taken part; in the very impressive Haileybury dining hall with its great domed roof: The speeches were disappointing. After dinner, lots of swapping of kit took place, and the evening ended in the special pub set up for the teams in the school hall. We all slept well knowing that we had done both our school and country proud. The next morning we left Haileybury early and drove back to London for a two hour guided tour of the city. We saw the Changing of the Guard, and visited St Paul's Cathedral and Westminster Abbey and most of the other attractions.

We were dropped off at our hotel just after lunch Then the drama about getting home started to unfold. The management went off to the Zambia Airways offices in Piccadilly. After some three hours of heavy negotiation we finally, through the kindness of the Zambia Airways lady, managed to get flights back to Harare on Air Zimbabwe on the following Monday and Tuesday nights. We still had to secure accommodation and eat for the next four days!

Finally all was resolved, and we accepted the fact that we would be returning home three days late! We hope to get our money back from Zambia Airways!

Reg and 12 boys left us on the Monday morning and it was strange saying goodbye to our team mates m London! Alfie and Paul stayed on with eight of us, to eventually fly out on the Tuesday evening. This too was not without its problems in that we had great difficulty in getting to Gatwick because all the tubes and trains to Gatwick were closed because of bomb scares! We eventually made it to the check in, with about 30 minutes to spare. It was sad that we couldn't return together, but nevertheless we were very pleased to get home.

This was undoubtedly the best prepared and most skilful team to leave Peterhouse. Our results speak for themselves. Off the field the touring party were great ambassadors for their country, and were a real pleasure to take away, their conduct was exemplary and they made many friends wherever we went

Our sincere thanks to all the parents who worked tirelessly to raise money to enable us to go on the tour, and for all their help and encouragement whilst in England, it was great to have so many parents with us.

We had a great time and played really good rugby. Our grateful thanks to the management and all who worked so hard to make the 1993 tour possible.

ALF

MATCH REPORTS

vs Oakham School: Strong wind, very soft field with sunny patches at times. Won 19 - 7.

This was our first taste of wet English conditions and the first 10 minutes of the game saw us picking ourselves up from the ground after slipping, in an attempt to run the ball at pace. From the start it was evident that our forwards had learnt how to maintain possession and our rucking and mauling skills were the best ever at this early stage. Oakham ran the ball at us successfully and only some good tackling from our backs kept them out in the first 20 minutes. We opened the scoring with a penalty and then missed an attempted drop goal to be awarded another penalty in front of the posts soon after, 6 - 0. A two man lineout saw Pearce receive the ball from the throw in and with great determination he crashed over far out, 11 - O. After half time the wind increased and we were playing into it, and were held in our 22 metre area for sometime. Oakham had a couple of unsuccessful penalty attempts to keep the pressure on. Very sadly Mike Pearce hurt his shoulder in a tackle soon after the start of the second half and took no further part in the tour. Chinyadza scored another penalty to make the score 14 - O. The game seesawed back and forth with both sides having scoring opportunities Our forwards were now taking control and from a tap penalty close to their line we scored, 19 - O. Right on time a clearance kick was charged down and Oakham quick onto the ball picked up and barged over, the try was converted 19 - 7. We were well pleased with our first game and already our wet weather tactics were beginning to take shape.

vs King's College, Taunton: High winds and driving rain.

As luck would have it, heavy rain and high winds blew into the school about half an hour before kick off, the conditions being the worst we encountered on tour. In spite of this, however, this was our best performance. From a deep kick off King's were immediately on attack and were awarded a penalty when we fell over the ball in a ruck, O - 3· We then used the grubber kick to good advantage to gain ground and from a five metre scrum, Drake was up quickly to snatch the ball from the opposition and score 4 - 3. Hutchings now used the tactical kick to great effect and we kept the pressure on and were unlucky not to score. King's College scored a try from a bad line out and with the ball loose on the ground their forwards whisked it over our line and scored 5 - 8· From the restart we immediately went back on attack and a great kick ahead from Hutchings saw first Dodd and then Chinyadza dribble the ball over the line to score and convert 12 - 8.

We were pleased to be up at half time. At the restart we began to keep possession and completely controlled the game for long periods which was a joy to watch. From good second phase ball Hutchings received a pass wide from Drake and darted off both feet to score on the blind side. The try was converted by Chinyadza with a great kick 19 - 8. This was skilled, wet weather rugby at its best and it was wonderful to see our boys dominate the game in all phases, in conditions so totally strange. A fine win against a very good team with a fine record

vs Eastbourne College: Cold, but sunny and excellent playing conditions.

We may have underestimated the opposition here, as this was to prove our closest encounter. The game hovered around the middle of the field for most of the first 10 minutes. It was evident, however, that we were not securing enough good ball and the opposition were going to spoil and put pressure on us, especially around the base of the scrum. Eastbourne opened the scoring with a well taken penalty O - 3. Coke Norris then hurt his neck and things were a little difficult up front From a penalty awarded five metres from the line, Lowe took a quick tap and using his strength lunged over for a try 5 - 3. The opposition then came back strongly and our tackling was not good and we allowed Eastbourne too much room to move. Just on half time they were awarded a penalty and we were 6 - 5 down.

After half time the wings had good runs but our finishing was poor. We became a little frustrated and too much work was being done by individuals rather than playing supportive rugby. Akunwafor then joined the line from the blind side creating room for Dodd who scored a fine try far out. This was converted by Chinyadza 12 - 6. Some very tall players of the back of the lineout saw Eastbourne score a good try from this phase of the game 12 - 17 with 17 minutes remaining in the game!

With 9 minutes of the game remaining we were awarded a penalty for off side in their backs and Chinyadza scored 15 - 13. We then had several good attacking moves and looked better. With this pressure Eastbourne were again caught off side and we secured the game with another penalty 18 - 13.

This was not a good performance from us and we had lots work to do before the Haileybury Festival.

THE HAILEYBURY FESTIVAL

Uppington Northern Cope (RSA): Played on a wet, field with a fairly strong wind.

This was a very big side from South Africa and we were keen to do well in this the opening fixture of the festival. We won the toss fortunately and elected to play up the slope and against the wind. The opposition were anxious to use these conditions and kicked many high balls down field at us. French, Dodd and Akunawafor worked well to field these securely. We opened the score with a penalty 3 - 0.

Hutchings kicks against the wind saved us on numerous occasions. We then scored a fine try from a counter attack when a high ball was fielded by French who sent Akunawafor away. The ball passed through several hands before Hutchings went over to score 8 - 0.

Uppington then really put on the pressure and from several forward charges at our line, managed to get over just before half time 8 - 5. We were very pleased to be up at half time with the conditions favouring us in the second half.

Soon after the restart we were penalised for playing the ball on the ground 8 - 8 and we were now under pressure in our own half. Again Hutchings, using the boot intelligently forced us back into their half. A nice line movement saw the grubber kick go in and Chinyadza was first to race for the ball to touch down over the line I5 - 8. Another series of good passing movements resulted in another kick ahead and this time Akunawafor was first to the ball to score far out 20 - 8. This was a good display, again the forwards were able to secure enough ball from big opponents to keep us in control.

vs Haileybury: Cold, very wet but no rain. This was to be our biggest hurdle at the festival and we were anxious to beat the host school. Hutchings decided at the last minute to withdraw with a slight ankle injury and Sachikonye stepped in just before kick off. Again we won the toss and played up the slope on the field They ran at us from the start and only some good touch kicks kept us alive. We missed a long range penalty after 10 minutes. Both sides were eager to score and some excellent rugby was played. Good tackling by Hodnett and French prevented the hosts from scoring. From a rare venture into the oppositions 22 metre area we secured good second phase ball and French joined the line to score far out 5 -O at half time.

We started the second half well with good pressure from good kicks down the slope of the field We were awarded a penalty for obstruction which Chinyadza converted 8 - 0. We then had a period of poor defence and the opposition were unlucky not to score and the game seesawed up and down the field. Rolfe using some great anticipation then intercepted a pass on our own 22 metre line and raced away to hand on to Dodd who ran half the field to score under the posts 15 - 0. We were then penalised for a scum infringement 15 - 3 and soon after they caught us a little flat footed when they took a quick tap penalty and ran it very wide, to score far out 15 - 8. This was a good win against another successful and strong team. Again our wet weather skills and running were a pleasure to watch and we looked a good team.

vs Galston School (Sydney Australia): Played on an extremely muddy field but in sunny cold conditions.

This was our last fixture and all were determined to see that we ended the tour undefeated. The opposition were a big side but had little real flair who continually battled to come to grips with the conditions. We lost the toss and had to play with the slope and wind in the first half: Akunawafor scored after two minutes when a deep rolling kick went over the line and he was on hand to fall on the ball 5 - O. After a five metre serum Mbofana secured second phase ball and Lowe was on hand to score 12 - O up at half time and there was no stopping us now!

After the restart French, Dodd and Akunawafor were joining the line and holes were soon opening up in the defence. Hutchings darted over under the poles 29 - O and then Akunawafor scored yet another try with a fine run down the blind side 34 - O. This was yet another fine win. We were completely dominant in all aspects of the game and to score so many points in a mud bath field was great credit to our skill.

So ended the most successful tour to the UK yet The team had achieved what our previous two sides had failed to achieve in the UK and that was to return home undefeated.

ALF

2nd XV RUGBY

Although the 2nd's had another very successful season with only losing one game to Lomagundi, the team struggled to consistently produce the high standard of rugby they were capable of. Undoubtedly the most impressive victory was against Prince Edward, as they made their intentions felt right hem the beginning. Mike Denenga at fly-half had an outstanding game and combined well with Kuda-I-like-diving-Mujeyi and Heath Paynter's defence on the wing was the best I saw all season.

Kevin Royston captained well, both on and off the field and Stephen Hodges should be mentioned for the way he adapted and improved as the season progressed Stephen moved quite happily from fly-half to lock and must have been close to one of the best lineout jumpers in the country.

The team's defence was the most impressive feature as they conceded only 17 points in ten games. Congratulations for a great season.

The team: Fazibo Tate, Brans, Royston (Captain), Hodges, Cochrane, Meyer, Makwavarara, Moore, Strong, Headicar, Mujeyi, Denenga, Sachikonye, Paynter, Pongweni, Nhete and Hodnett

PD

3rd Team: B. Carr, G. Gumbo J. Brous, S. Grant, S. Hood, A Strong, D. Pephanis, B. Joseph, K Vengesa, Z. Banky, U Nyadzaya L Mazarura, U Makadzange, T. Rusike, B. Garikayi I. Harnden.

4th Team: N. Mapunde, A Bell, R Chivazve, B. Bardwell, D. Pephanis, A. Grinham, N. Hatendi P. Ashton, K T. Chimbunde, T. Zhanda, R Edgar, R Carey, A Richardson, R Smith, T Mutambira.

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Last updated 25 November 1999