Monnas on top Down Under
The 1st and 2nd teams of Monument High School in Krugersdorp both recently experienced an awesome tour in New Zealand. It was a huge success as both teams came back unbeaten, having played some of the best schools in New Zealand.
Their journey began in Chiefs country in the town of Rotorua where they played against John Paul College, a Catholic secondary school. Monnas showed their dominance and earned a great result winning 68-10.
From Rotorua, with its hot springs and sulphorous smells, they moved onto Napier and stayed at a Maori school Te Aute College. There they were taught lots about the Maori culture and attended a Chapel service. For many this was an unbelievable and unforgettable experience, their hosts were very hospitable and friendly people. The local school pupils then performed the traditional Haka, which was a highlight for most of the Monnas players. Piri Weepu, current All Black No 9, attended this school.
Upper Hutt, near Wellington, was the next stop where the boys were hosted by some of the St Patrick’s College’s families. St Pat’s Silverstream is the oldest Catholic boys’ college in New Zealand, founded in 1885. It has a current roll of 680 students. Of its Old Boys, 11 have gone on to become All Blacks, including Jerry Collins. The Monnas 1st team won 6-0 in a low-scoring, rain-soaked encounter.
Monnas then moved into Crusader territory for the annual Christchurch Boys High Easter Rugby Festival, which was attended by three South African schools, four Australian Schools and ten New Zealand schools. The other two South African sides were Maritzburg College and St David’s Inanda. Christchurch Boys High have produced 35 All Blacks and were recently honoured to be named the best schoolboy rugby team in the world at the annual Sanex competition in Japan last year.
Both Monnas teams were unbeaten at the festival, which is a remarkable achievement considering the 2nd team is mainly made up of Grade 11 boys. The 1st team’s first victory was over New South Wales Combined Schools (Australia) 20-0, who in turn had beaten Maritzburg College and the hosts Christchurch Boys High. Monnas then went on to beat Timaru Boys High from south of Christchurch 23-10 in dreadful rugby conditions. Continuous rain caused for unstable footing and muddy play.
Monnas’ last game was against Tauranga Boys College up in the Bay of Plenty region, Daniel Braid’s old school. The South Africans won quite easily 30-10.
Justin Botha, the Monnas flyhalf was honoured to be named player of the tournament. Julian Redelinghuis and Damien Jansen van Rensburg, both Craven Week players, also had and an excellent festival.
The Grade 11-dominated 2nd team pulled off a good win against Canterbury Country 32-15 and also beat the hosts 2nd team 16-13.
The very successful Monnas tour group returned home safely and will feel very confident going into the domestic season.
By Kyle Rennie
