news / KCJS Cricket Tour to South Africa

The touring team visited some NMCF funded work so could see how their fundraising made a difference - and as this is a sporting tour also got to play football against their hosts!

Will Garrett, one of the boys lucky enough to be on the trip takes up the story:

After the long drive, we arrived at the School. Hundreds of eyes followed our every move as we were herded indoors to escape the ridiculous heat.

After a brief snack we attended an outdoor assembly where we were warmly greeted by the Headmaster who finished his speech by suggesting to our boys that they befriend his pupils on Facebook! This led to huge cheers from all the school, especially the girls!

We were then led to their football pitch. As we had said we were bringing the 1st XI, the school was prepared. Unfortunately they had prepared their senior 1st XI. So it was our U13's against their U19's. We all thought we were going to get thrashed! Fortunately we were able to convince them to play their Under 15s and to reduce the game to 40 minutes from the 90 which was planned. In fact we only lost 4-2, although the linesman and the referee were both giving us everything.

Afterwards we had a penalty shootout which we won. So faced was saved! At the end of the match we were moved over to a tent where we could sit down and watch the performances which had been prepared for us.

The boys and girls were wearing traditional Zulu outfits. They performed three routines and the whole school had come to watch. Afterwards we did our own version of the dance to thank them for the day...and all ended up on the floor!
Without doubt this was one of the highlights of the tour and something we will never forget. As for swapping details on Facebook... what goes on tour stays on tour!!

For more information on KCJS visit http://www.kcs.org.uk/node/4