SHS team gains valuable experience | Taranaki Sport | Surfing, Rugby, Soccer, Football, Cricket in Taranaki

THE STRATFORD High School Australian Touring Rugby Team returned from their week-long sojourn across the ditch after playing team-shaping games.

The young team attended the Canterbury Gold Coast Rugby and Netball Carnival and were pitted against Australian teams in a taste of international-level rugby.

Coach Jeff Walker was happy with the team's performance in the carnival.

"We played five games and unfortunately didn't win them, but we are a young and small team, with quite a few Year 11's, meaning the carnival was invaluable experience for those players who will go back again in two years. Considering we were up against much larger and older teams, the boys put up a great fight," he said.

Jeff added that team member Keiran Lash gave great performances throughout the tour and was recognised in the carnival tournament team.

While on tour, the team stayed in apartment style accommodation, and though the school provides food for them, they were encouraged to strive for independence.

"The boys were responsible for their own rooms and had to clean up and cook a few meals. It is a good way for them to learn some life skills," said Jeff.

The tour is also an opportunity for the rugby boys to experience the best of the Gold Coast, and the trip included visits to Dream World, Movie World and Dracula's.

Now, Jeff and his team are concentrating on the 2010 Australian tour.

"We have already started preparation for the next carnival," he said.

"Our younger players that went this year will have up-skilled in two years and will be a valuable asset to the team."

The team were: Nathan Alexander, Shaun Baldwin, Lyle Crudis, Joseph Gaston, Joshua Gaston, Jessie Goodwin, Sam Hinton, James Howatson, Martin Howatsin, Ryan Howatson, Cory Jacobsen, James Jeffares, Andrew Johns, Craig Lash, Keiran Lash, Tim McFarlane, Henry Marchant, Sam Mako, Lacy Morton, Jamie Turahui, Sam Stewart, Kevin Wilton and Jesse Langton.