Hello From Argentina
April 1 - Last Game Day. We arrived in Paragamino after an 11 hour bus ride from Mar del Plata. Needless to say, all were somewhat tired and hungry when we met our hosts at the Gimnasia Paragamino RFC. The boys were introduced to their billets, and then our staff was ushered off to get cleaned up for a reception later at the club.
That is "Latin time" -- the reception did not start until 10pm with the Mayor, Minister of Sport, President of the Rugby Club, and the media. It was a fantastic meal and just another example of the level of hosting that we have received throughout the tour.
The boys will be playing their final match later this afternoon. The 2nd XV have a record of 1 win and 2 losses, while the 1st XV is carrying in a perfect 3 wins versus 0 losses to this point. The boys are excited for today, as it will be a great match with an expected large crowd.
Cheers from Argentina!
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March 29 - We arrived yesterday after a long day's travel in the beach resort town of Mar del Plata. This morning the 2nd XV went for a light run and hydro session in the Atlantic Ocean.
The 1st XV had a much harder session in an open square down by the beach. We had many interested spectators watching as the boys were put through a difficult fitness session which was also followed by a hydro session in the ocean.
This afternoon, the boys are looking forward to some go-kart racing which should be great fun for all. The 2nd XV play there third game tomorrow afternoon versus a local school.
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March 27 - Another great day for Shawnigan Rugby as the 2nd XV defeated our host school 19-10, and the 1st XV defeated Regatta RFC in Buenos Aires 26-0. Once again, the hosting has been absolutely fantastic. We head off to Mar Del Plata first thing tomorrow morning.
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The Senior Boys landed a few days ago after a very long journey, and it has been non-stop since that time. Our hosts have been absolutely fantastic opening up their homes to the boys. It is quite inspiring how popular rugby is here in Argentina. There are 48 clubs in Buenos Aires all with approximately 800 to 1000 U14 boys playing!
Our boys played their first match versus San Esbauen College. The 2nd XV went down 6 trys to 2 in a hard-fought match. The 1st XV battled hard for a 12-7 victory.
– Tim Murdy, Head of Rugby