Our last full day in New Zealand presented itself with a full agenda of activities and things to do. Beginning at 9:30am, the men participated in the Old Boys 10-a-side tournament where they were scheduled for three twenty minute games. We lost our first game by a close margin, but won our next two and made it through to the semi-finals. The semi-final match was a close game and the guys played their hearts out, but came up just short. Regardless of the result, they definitely earned the respect of everyone watching and even had some of the local New Zealanders chanting “Go Barbara!”
The women also had a game today and it took place at the lunch break of the tournament. So while everyone was resting and eating in between matches, our ladies took the field against OBU (Old Boys University). They lost their game by a close score, but played with much determination and heart as well. The score didn’t tell the tale as our ladies additionally earned the respect of everyone watching. It was a great game to witness and a memorable one for the seniors on the team. When all was said and done with the rugby games today, both of our teams represented UCSB and more importantly the United States so well!
At night we all headed to Westpac stadium to watch the Hurricanes play the Sharks in a Super 14 match. It was a great game and was actually decided by a penalty kick by one of the Sharks players as the clock expired. After the game we got to head onto the pitch and get autographs from all the Hurricane stars, which was a great experience as well.
We all got dolled up after the game and painted Wellington for one last time. All the guys got to skip the lines at all the clubs as we poised ourselves as the United States Rugby team. Photographers in the clubs even caught on and were snapping photos of us; it was a great way to end our memorable trip.
Our flight is scheduled to leave Wellington tomorrow at 3:30pm, which is sad, but this trip has been an experience for everyone involved and will be remembered for the rest of our lives.
My name is Paul Webber & I was interested in the fact that UCSB rugby had organised a tour in New Zealand. because ----------
ReplyDeleteSpenser Buxton & myself started the UCSB rugby team I believe in 1961, we were both from England, and the first game we ever played against any team was a travelling New Zealand college team at the old UCSB stadium down at the beach in Santa Barbara.
I am now 70 years old and living in the seattle area, if any one is interested in that game or any of the early days of UCSB Rugby please feel free to contact me at 253 9615827 or www.ninestarcatering@yahoo.com.