Final Days - London and Home

With our last rugby game over it was time to head off to London; our final destination. After a 5 hour bus trip we checked into our accommodation and headed off for a walk along the Thames visiting Piccadilly Circus, Trafalgar Square and Big Ben. The next two days gave the boys the opportunity to spend some time visiting the sites of London and buying those last minute gifts for home.

We also had our final dinner on the Wednesday night - a time for thank-yous and to award those that had excelled on and off the field.

Congratulations to:
Best and Fairest - Zac Thomson
Best Forward - Kye Henderson
Best Back - Harri Keir
Players Player - Terrence Rooney
Best All Rounder - Darcy Walters

It was then off to Heathrow for the marathon trip back to Townsville.

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Game 5 - Kirkham Grammar

Game 5

7 October 2019

IPC v Kirkham Grammar


Game 5, hasn’t it come around quickly? Having had several days off from our last fixture it was the staff and supporters who had picked up the ailments which had plaqued some of the lads over the past week. Rested and ready to go, it was all hands on deck for the last fixture of the tour, seen as our biggest challenge to date.


Being hosted by Kirkby Lonsdale they had been hit by multiple injuries and other sporting commitments so their sporting head organised a fixture against Kirkham Grammar, a College renowned for their rugby. Knowing fore-well that we really had to be on our game and toil extremely hard to come away with the chocolates, everyone was keen to go.  


Having travelled an hour to Kirkham and only getting 15 minutes to warm up in wet and cold conditions we were already feeling the pinch. Playing on a field which was extremely heavy under foot was quite different for our boys and made them work even harder in unfamiliar conditions. Told that they will have to tighten up their attack and be very direct and that getting off the line and sticking tackles were essential the boys ripped in.


Losing the battle for field position throughout the first half IPC had to work hard to keep Kirkham out and to make any headway up the field. Poor field position eventually took its toll with Kirkham running in one soft try and another before half time. However, IPC were always in the hunt and in one of the few times they were in the opposition quarter came away with a strong pic n drive try of their own. Having played well in the first half and coping well with the ‘gibber’ from Kirkham the boys went into the break 10 to 7 down but knowing they had more in them.


Asked to increase their line speed and aggression at the breakdown we went into the next half ready to empty the tank and have a real crack at the favoured Kirkham fifteen. Kirkham started well and scored a dubious try early but then had to dig deep as IPC pinned them in their own half for the majority of the second half. Having created several scoring opportunities the boys fell victim to lack of patience and fell short of the line on numerous occasions, finally going down 15 to 7.


While the boys may have been beaten on the score board and given the conditions, the coaching staff and team were very proud of the discipline, never say die attitude and the effort put in by the entire squad. In what was an extremely tough and spirited match, IPC stepped up to the plate and gave as good as they got – deserving of a well earned and passionate Iggy war cry. 


Tries: Terrence Rooney


Conversions: Declan Marchioni


MVP’s: (3) Zac Thomson – (2) Kye Henderson – (1) Jayvan Scarff

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Days 18 to 20: Kirky Lonsdale

Our four hour trip to Kirkby Lonsdale was broken up by two stops. The first stop was at the home of rugby sevens, Melrose, located in the Scottish borders.We were given the opportunity to explore the rugby club and immerse ourselves in the history of sevens rugby. They were in the process of putting in a new 3G pitch and renovating the grounds; their future certainly looks exciting for rugby fans.
The second stop was at the Housesteads Roman Fort to visit Hadrian's Wall, a 117 kilometre wall which was built by the Romans to keep out the unconquered people of Scotland. Construction started around A.D. 122, after a visit to Britain by Emperor Hadrian (reign A.D. 117-138), a ruler determined to consolidate the Roman Empire's borders. Walking amongst the ruins of the fort and along the wall it was not hard to imagine the life of a Roman soldier defending Roman Britian against the Scottish Picts.

We arrived in Kirkby Lonsdale later that afternoon and the boys met their new hosts for the next three nights.

Sunday was a day off, and the boys had the opportunity to spend the day with their billets exploring the picturesque landscape of Kirkby Lonsdale.

The next day was our final match. Although we were originally going to play Queen Elizabeth School in Kirkby Lonsdale, their Rugby Coordinator, Dan Williams, who has brought teams to Townsville on a number of occasions organised a game against Kirkham Grammar. After the game the boys spent their last night with their Kirkby billets and prepared for the journey to London the next day.

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Day 15 to 17: EDINBURGH

We spent the next two days in Edinburgh. This was a great time for those feeling unwell to get a couple of days rest and recharge. The boys spent their time exploring the history of Edinburgh as well as taking the opportunity to do some shopping. I am sure there will be a lot of tartan inspired gifts handed out when the boys get back. Highlights included; touring Edinburgh Castle, one of the most exciting histroic sites in Western Europe and the site of many historical conflicts; exploring The National Museum of Scotland with its galleries of Natural History, Technology, Art, Design nd Fashion and Science. Hours were spent discovering treasures from around the world; and many other cultural and historical experiences.

On the second night the boys were put into teams of five for a Masterchef inspired competition. With a budget of 15 pounds and a list of criteria, the teams had to come up with a mains and dessert for their dinner that night. It was a close run competition and the boys had an enjoyable time testing their culinary skills.

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Day 13 to 14 - Garbally and Edinburgh

After the game against Garbally the boys spent the night with their billets. The next morning we were happy to get some great feedback from a number of host families on how well mannered and behaved the boys were. They were so impressed that they were going to put a motion forward at their next P&C to organise a trip to Townsville. Hopefully it gets through. After packing everyone back on the bus we drove to Dublin to catch a flight to Edinburgh. Arriving in Edinburgh we checked into a hostel and spent the afternoon walking to and then up Arthur's Seat, an ancient volcano that sits 251m above sea level, and provides a 360 degree view of the city. The next two days would give everyone the opportunity for some free time and the chance to explore the history, culture and shops of Edinburgh.

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Game 4 - Garbally College Ireland

Game 4 versus Garbally College

1^st October 2019

Visiting Garbally College – founded in the 1860’s on the 300 acres Garbally Estate, originally owned by the Lords of the time – was quite the experience. Set in the unique countryside of Western Ireland the surrounds were stunning – beautiful part of the world. Having not played in this area before we had no idea what to expect, apart from the fact that they had won the Senior School trophy for the past few years.

With the College’s grounds flooded by the recent rain the game was changed to a very impressive 4G synthetic field about forty minutes away. What a setting, deep in the countryside, surrounded by green rolling hills, the field was amazing.

Faced with the great unknown the team was asked to go out and start with quick line-speed and aggression at the breakdown – set the scene first. This happened and IPC very quickly showed they were ready to play. Unfortunately, Garbally were first on the board with a try against the run of play. Pinned on their own try line for an extended period, IPC really aimed up and keep Garbally from crossing the white line again for the half.  During the half IPC was on the receiving end of the field position battle with Garbally dominating this and really making us work to create scoring opportunities.

Battling poor field position and decision making at times the first half became a real arm-wrestle when Northern and Southern rule interpretations clashed causing IPC to receive two yellow cards – reducing the player count to 13 at one stage. With the odds against them IPC still managed to muscle their way down the paddock and scored two tries of their own before half time. Half time score 14 to 5 IPC.

Half time saw the IPC coaches willing their troops to stick to the game plan and to watch their discipline, body height in contact, lower their tackle focus and making sure they stuck their tackles. Once again, Garbally started well with a try against the run of play and followed this up with another try due to mistakes made by IPC. IPC, not to be outdone soon settled into the job at hand and began to dominate possession but found themselves in hot water again receiving another three yellow cards in the half – five yellow cards in total?

Faced with minimal time with the full compliment on the field IPC continually dug deep to defend their line admirably and to show a lot of grit to slowly but surely work their way down the field to finally score two additional tries. These tries were enough to seal the win and give IPC a record of four wins from four games with a score-line of 26 to 22 IPC.

Tries: Terrence Rooney, Finn Andreassen, Lachlan Ryan and Dean Gillham.

Conversions: Declan Marchioni (3)

MVP’s: (3) Terrence Rooney – (2) Aiden Scott – (1) Patrick Tarttelin, Dean Gillham & Kobe Gallagher

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PHOTO GALLERY

A photo gallery has been created here if you want to view or download any photos from the tour. This will be updated during the tour.

Day 11 and 12 - Galway

After leaving Dublin we started our journey towards Galway in the West of Ireland. Our first stop was the city of Althlone; located on the River Shannon near the southern shore of Lough Ree. We took a Viking Ship cruise on the River Shannon with our Captain Viking Mike and his crew to Clonmacnois where the Vikings arrived in 842. The site at Clonmacnois includes the ruins of a cathedral, seven churches (10th  -13th century), two round towers, three high crosses and the largest collection of Early Christian graveslabs in Western Europe. The rest of the day was spent travelling to Galway where we would stay for the next two days in preparation for the game against Garbally College.

The next day brought with it a large amount of rain. This did not stop us, however, from visiting The Cliffs of Moher; Ireland's most famous tourist attraction. Despite the weather the view was worth battling the elements.

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Game 3 - Catholic University School

Game 3 versus Catholic University School

28 September 2019

Back to our old mates in Dublin, we have been hosted by CUS since the original tour in 2003 and had the opportunity to host them in Townsville in 2012. Knowing fore well that very game in Dublin is going to be a torrid affair coaching staff tried to prepare the team for a tough and gritty game of rugby. With injuries starting to creep into the squad and sickness levelling others our depth was challenged.

Losing the toss, IPC was forced to run up hill and against a strong breeze in the first half – something they struggled with, starting very sluggishly. IPC, while not lacking effort across the field, failed to fall into their shape and were stalled at the breakdown on several occasions, giving away soft turnovers due to lack of support. This was also couple with not getting off the line quick enough and maintaining their spacing in the defensive line.

 With the wind at their backs, CUS capitalised on our mistakes and soon ran in a try which was quickly answered by IPC with one of their own before the half time break. Fighting hard to gain field position against the wind IPC consistently made it hard for themselves by turning the ball over once they had made inroads into CUS territory – only to be punished with the ball being put in behind them on a regular basis.

Half time saw IPC down 7 to 5 and with the lads looking for some guidance from the coaches. Aware of what they needed to do the team was simply guided at half time to weather the storm and ensure that our support and breakdown work was far more aggressive than what it had been in the first half. The second half saw IPC begin to dominate possession but still not take advantage of the wind at their backs. Making it hard work and with CUS willing to mix it up IPC scored another converted try along with CUS who scored one of their own.

With only a couple of minutes left on the clock and with CUS leading 14 to 12 IPC needed to stick to their guns and trust in the systems and their mates on the field. Banging a long kick into the corner IPC managed to string several phases together before gaining a scrum on the opposition’s 22m. Winning the scrum the forwards went to work, taking the ball up the middle until it was finally released to the backs who scored a final and game winning try in the right hand corner – IPC eventual victors, 17 to 14.

Tries: Nic Pearce, Asher Guy and Jack Kirkpatrick.

Conversions: Nic Pearce (1)

MVP’s: (3) Asher Guy – (2) Zac Thomson – (1) Terrence Rooney

Days 9 and 10 - DUBLIN

We woke up on Day 9 and headed to Dunlace Castle, built by the early Scots in the 1500's. It was then on the road to Dublin where the boys were billeted for 2 nights. While in Dublin IPC played Catholic Universtiy School (CUS), a private school for boys. A school that IPC Rugby has hosted in the past in Townsville and which we have a special relationship with - having been hosted by them for every tour since 2003. Under the custodianship of the Marist Fathers, the school has educated Irish politicians, leading academic and literary figures, and 3 Olympic Gold medalists. Thank you very much to those Dublin families who welcomed IPC boys into their lives. Hopefully, some life time relationships were established.

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Day 8 - BELFAST

The next morning we were up and on by the bus by 5am for the drive to Birmingham Airport to catch a flight to Belfast. After saying goodye to Joe, who had been our bus driver for the past week we boarded the plane and touched down in Belfast less than 1 hour later. So far on our trip we had been blessed with great weather and Belfast was no different. We jumped on a new coach and headed off to the Titanic Experience by the old ports of Belfast where the Titanic had been built and left for its maiden voyage. I think we all know how that one ended up. The museum was amazing and provided a great insight into the past. It was then off to the Giant's Causeway;an area of about 40,000 interlocking basalt columns. 

Next was a walk down to Carrick a Rede rope bridge; a bridge suspended almost 100 ft (30 m) above sea level, the rope bridge was first erected by salmon fisherman 350 years ago. After a couple of long walks we were all tired and were very grateful for the lovely homecooked meal we received that night at the Hostel.

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Game 2 - RUGBY SCHOOL

Game 2 versus Rugby School

25 September 2019

Excited about being in the birth place of Rugby Union, let alone playing on the hallowed ground of where Webster Ellis picked up the pig skin soccer ball and ran to invent Rugby was always going to be special. Rugby School only allow their 1^st XV team to play on the ‘Close’, so to play on this world famous field was a real opportunity for the boys.

After a good outing in their first game the boys were raring to go in their second hit out. Playing the Rugby School seconds and thirds combined we all expected a tough match. After initially starting well and starving Rugby of the ball we ran in two quick tries. It looked like it could be all one way traffic as the boys were playing very well up the middle. IPC scored another good try which was very quickly answered with a try to Rugby just before half time. IPC went into the break with a well deserved lead of 17 to 5.

However, Rugby came out in the second half with some extra intensity and momentum shifted quickly as they began to get into their stride. This change in intensity had IPC scrambling and before long the score board was locked up at 17 all. IPC did not start the second half well with ill discipline costing them valuable field position and Rugby’s exceptionally quick winger to run in three unanswered tries. Feeling the shift in momentum IPC had to make a decision to dig in and fight it out. Deciding to square up and do the work inside before going outside, it wasn’t long before IPC gained the ascendancy again. Rallying as a team the boys ran in five to Rugby’s three tries in the second half to become eventual winners 52 to 24 in a very gritty performance.  

Tries: Terrence Rooney, Lachlan Ryan,  Zac Thomson (2), Harrison Keir (2), Darcy Walters and  

          Jack Kirkpatrick.
Conversions: Declan Marchioni (5) and Nic

MVP’s: (3) Asher Guy – (2) Harri Keir – (1) Lachlan Ryan

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Day 5 - 7 - RUGBY

After the first game against Langston the boys spent another night with their Canerbury billets. The next morning we were back on the bus and travelled 3 hours to Bedford where we had lunch at Bedford College. Another 2 hours on the road and we arrived at Rugby, the birthplace of the game they play in Heaven.
It was only fitting that the first place we visited was the Rugby Hall of Fame where the boys were able to experience a variety of displays and multimedia experiences about the history of Rugby Union and some of the great players and teams throughout the years.

After a good night sleep we travelled to Stratford Upon Avon and the boys spent some time exploring the birthplace of some guy called William Shakespeare. It was then off to the Rugby school for a quick tour of the school. The boys were ready for Game 2 against Rugby and the chance to play on their number 1 field.

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GAME 1 - LANGTON SCHOOL

23 September 2019

Having had a great start to the tour the boys were very keen to get on the paddock and have a good hit out. Playing on a very impressive synthetic 4G field we were blessed with fine weather, for at least the majority of the game.

Receiving the kick off we managed to make a meal of it which resulted in a scrum to Langton on the 20m line – result, grubber kick and down seven nil due to the resulting converted try. Poor start but a chance to regroup and put this behind us. Matching it well up front and willing to throw the ball around both sides played some exciting and expansive rugby. While IPC was doing well by trusting their systems and defending well we were not protecting our own ball at the breakdown causing us to turn the ball over on several occasions cheaply.

These cheap turnovers made the boys work extremely hard to weather the storm but at the same time made them sit up and assess the situation. Realising what needed to be done IPC shortened up their support lines and accuracy at the attacking breakdown and began to make large inroads into Langton’s defence. Having adapted well the boys managed to dominate field position and came away at half time in front by two tries, Ethan Woods and Terrence Rooney, to one.

Starting the second half well, IPC found themselves up against a new look Langton team which was prepared to shift the ball from edge to edge to challenge our defence and really put us under the pump, having to scramble in defence on several occasions. Another challenge was just around the corner with the weather deciding to test the skills of the Townsville lads and challenge them it did.

With the wet weather came the call from coaching staff to tighten it up and be direct, something that did not happen straight away. Still playing as if it was a bright sunny day, IPC backed themselves out wide which resulted in a number of more than pleasing outcomes. While there were moments that were quite comical the boys worked extremely hard and ran in an additional three tries to two in the second stanza to come away eventual winners 31 to 21.

Tries: Ethan Woods, Terrence Rooney, Zac Thomson, Darcy Walters and Harrison Keir.

Conversions: Nic Pearce (6)

MVP’s: (3) Zac Thomson – (2) Ethan Woods – (1) Harri Keir

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