The Chronicle, Autumn 2018

35 ST EDWARD’S CHRONICLE

Rugby and Hockey Tour By Rob Cottrell, Head of Rugby and Ed Ellis, Hockey Coach

After a full day of training at Teddies hot on the heels of GCSE results, the girls’ and boys’ squads set off for Padua, first stop on the packed itinerary. The tour kick-started with a training session for both the hockey and rugby teams at CUS, Padua and Benetton Rugby Club, Treviso respectively. The first evening was well spent in the hotel relaxing and preparing for a long week ahead. The next morning was spent in Padua visiting the Basilica di Sant’Antonio and Piazza dei Signori. The boys played their first game in the evening vs Checco Camposampiero U18A which resulted in a 49-5 victory. Following the game we were hosted amazingly well with great food at the club. Day 3 was spent in Venice. We boarded a private boat which took us down the main canal to St Mark’s Square and other

eye-catching sights such as the Piazza San Marco and Rialto Bridge. In the afternoon, pupils had free time to explore the rest of the city and watch the boats pass beneath them from one of the many bridges. The next day both teams had fixtures in the afternoon, so the morning was spent by the pool enjoying the Italian sun. The girls had their first game vs CUS Padova U18 which resulted in a 3-1 victory and the boys played against Checco Camposampiero U18 again, winning dominantly for the second time. We experienced brilliant hospitality from the rugby club, once again, before heading to our next hotel in Lake Garda Our first day in Lake Garda was a test of bravery as we enjoyed over 30 different rollercoasters and rides at Gardaland Resort; Oblivion and The Black Hole, Italy’s

first dive coaster, came out as favourites for the tour party. Day 6 allowed us to explore Lake Garda in the village of Sirmione. The extremely picturesque castle and surrounding mountains were an idyllic backdrop for a morning swim in the lake before heading off to the boys’ last fixture vs Rugby Lumezzane U18. The boys had a very physical test against a much stronger opposition but still managed to win comfortably 65-7. Once again, we were hosted with great Italian spirit and all the boys received a tie. The following morning we headed off to Milan where we enjoyed a tour of the beautiful city including iconic sights such as the cathedral and the San Siro stadium. In the evening, the girls played their second game of the tour against Team Sport Ladies. We put