Altrincham Grammar School for Boys South Africa Tour 2024
In July, senior rugby and hockey squads travelled to South Africa for an unforgettable 2-week sports tour. The group consisting of 43 players and 7 staff.
On arriving in Cape Town, unfortunately, due to the adverse weather our fixtures vs D.F Malan High School were cancelled due to waterlogged pitches. However, the squad enjoyed some R & R exploring the V&A waterfront and visiting the Two Oceans Aquarium. The boys also enjoyed a boat ride to Seal Island and spent an afternoon at Boulders Beach observing the African Penguins.
The squad were then lucky enough to have a guided tour around a township called Langa. They were taken round the townships by tour guides who talked about the extreme living conditions forced upon them by the government during apartheid. This proved to be a moving experience for all.
The AGSB 1st XV took to the pitch for the first fixture vs Gansbaai High School which proved an extremely competitive match. AGSB played well, however, the opposition back line were fast and well drilled resulting in a 24-19 loss. The AGSB 1st XI Hockey team played Curro High School and secured a dominant 10-0 win.
The tour group completed a cliff walk in Hermanus before flying to Johannesburg where they enjoyed two further fixtures against Sutherland High School and Edenvale High School. The Rugby results were a 18-18 draw and a 17-21 loss, respectively. The Hockey team fared better beating their opposition 8-0 and 9-0.
Excursions in Johannesburg included, visiting Loftus Versfeld Stadium (home of the Blue Bulls), Croc City, The High-Performance Centre, and Gold Reef City Theme Park. The squad then travelled to Pilanesberg for the third game v Edenvale High School which resulted in a narrow loss for rugby and another convincing win for hockey.
Finally, the squad travelled to the Kwa Maritane Bush Lodge for two excellent game drives with elephants, giraffes, crocodiles, hippos, hyenas and zebras aplenty. This unforgettable safari ended with a delicious braai, which is a BBQ, South African style.
The Tour was a great success and both students and staff made memories for a lifetime. It was truly an amazing experience for all the players and a trip they will never forget!
