Bishop Vesey Grammar School from England, visited New Zealand this month, playing rugby games against colleges throughout the country.
On Friday 2 August to Sunday 4 August, Bishop Vesey Grammar School from Birmingham, England, came to Levin to play two games of rugby against Horowhenua College’s 1st and 2nd XV rugby teams.
The boys were all billeted out to local families and after a school Powhiri and the allocation of billets, the English boys were off to spend a night with their host families and learn some of the local culture.
Saturday was game day and it dawned fine with a slight breeze. The 2nd XV were the first to play. This year our 2nd XV are a strong team having played together for a couple of seasons. After a close first half, we turned it on in the second half and ran out the winners 49-5.
The 1st XV played next and they had their work cut out as there were some big boys in the English team. In the end, we put up a brave fight, but the size and speed of the English team dominated and they ran out winners 26-5.
As usual, Horowhenua College were fantastic hosts and made the English boys feel welcome. In return, the English lads and team management were very courteous and humble and we would welcome them back anytime.
They were in awe of the Haka and Powhiri and learning some of the kiwi culture that they had not learned anywhere else on their journey throughout New Zealand.
Rex Bartholomew Sports Coordinator