Update on the Stranded

The boys have all been confirmed on the first flight from Madrid in the morning. They will hopefully arrive at school at around 16:00. They have had a tough day by the pool/jacuzzi/sauna and are all heading out to the Hard Rock Cafe for tea.

Please do not feel upset that your child opted to spend an extra day away from his parents!!! (or the wives of IDM and BS for that matter)

I am sure they are all looking forward to seeing you. Even T Mc, he reliably informed me that he hadn't broken any garden furniture before this years tour and is not in trouble when he returns for a change.

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Landed back in the U.K

The first half of the group have landed safe and well at Gatwick. We expect to arrive at school at around four o'clock. The boys will let you know an exact time nearer the time.


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Lads making the most of the setback

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*Important News*

The current situation is that we were unable to connect to the flight to Gatwick.

As a result the airline have put us up in a hotel for the evening. However, due to the size of the group we are unable to travel together. Subsequently some lads will leave in the morning (Wednesday) and some will leave the following day (Thursday).

The following boys will hopefully be back at school tomorrow evening all being well. An exact time will be given upon arrival in Gatwick.

Walmsley
Oakes
Mcguckin
Van Sertima
Smith
Liggett
Chestnut
Lloyd
Metcalf
Lavelle
Khan
Haines
Bell
Kimmance
Taylor
Duncalf
Curtin
Lee-Porteous

The other lads will hopefully arrive on Thursday evening.

We apologise for the inconvenience this may cause.

If you wish to contact us please do not hesitate to contact me on nah@merchanttaylors.com or on the contact numbers given.

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Today's Itinerary

We live Iguazu for Beunos Aires today at 17:30 GMT. We change to a flight to Madrid then to Gatwick. (Exact Times to be confirmed).

The lads appear a little sad to be leaving!!



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All you can eat Buffet

The favourite words to any prop are 'All you can eat Buffet' and as the picture suggests, these two took full advantage the situation!!




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The Devils throat

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Iguazu Falls

What can we say about the falls....... Unbelievable!! These Pics speak for themselves really!!

Amazing weather with the most unforgettable experience!

These pics are of the Argentinian Falls.











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The Dunc

Duncalf's dazzling conversation and humour has not only been noticed by the local ladies but also by the wild racoons in the rainforest earlier!! It did take him a rather long time to realise that it was the bag of crisps that had made him so popular not his taste in music and floppy blonde locks!




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MC Chernoble's first gig

What trip would be complete without our very own MC Chernoble entertaining the troops on a coach!!!

Mr Big Stuff!!!!!!!! This lad is welcome on any MTS rugby tour, just for entertainment value alone.



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B.E.F.L

Unable to offer an explanation for this. It has been dragged around Chile, Argentina and Uruguay. Fortunately this was it's first and last outing on tour, hopefully!







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Warm weather = Shorts on, tops off

The first bit of sunshine of the tour and in true Brit style the tops came off (Not mine thankfully).

Straight into the pool.










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Three countries

A nice scenic view taken from a viewpoint where the three countries meet.

The picture is taken from the Argentinian side. On the lefthand side is Paraguay and on the righthand side is Brazil.




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Zip Wire

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Rainforest excursion

We visited the rainforest an the boys were able abseil down rock
faces and Zip wire through the Forest canopy.











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We have arrived in the Amazon

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Tomorrows Itinerary

Best Education for Life.

We fly from Buenos Aires North to Iguazu falls for two nights. The lads can expect plenty of Geography Lessons and excursions through the Rainforest.

I for one am very excited at the prospect of seeing superb geographical features and processes in action, however, others appear more interested in the Girls Hockey tour sharing our itinerary for this leg of the tour.



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F.A.O The Freeman Family

We have come all the way to one of the hotbeds of World Football. In one particular Buenos Aires Sports Store the boys were able to purchase football shirts from the top clubs of world football including: Boca Juniors, River Plate, Independiente, Real Madrid, Barcelona and wait for it ......... Burnley. I am unsure how or why two Burnley shirts (one in young Freeman's re-claimed suitcase I'm sure) managed to find their way over to South America!! I suspect people will not believe us, so here is picture evidence of the mighty Burnley's quest for world domination.

I'm sure this will bring a tear to the eye of General Freeman, I know "Our 'Arry" couldn't believe the picture was genuine!

I suspect it may be there for some time.........




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Final games complete

The lads following a really successful Rugby Tour. They have learnt lots and are looking forward to the forthcoming season.

MTS - Played 10
Won 5
Lost 5

We have played against some excellent opponents and been hosted magnificently.




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U18's - MTS 17 v 23 North Hills College

A disappointing defeat to end the tour as we were edged out in a close contest against strong opposition.

North Hills college played some excellent rugby scoring some great tries. Their backline boasted three Argentinian Under 18's, and they used them at at every opportunity. They also brought in some 'old' boys to bolster the pack for the game. One of the lads observed that 'they looked younger than Mr Schober but well older than Mr Hunt'.

We did however score three good tries ourselves but just ran out of time to catch the home team. Our tries came from Van Sertima 2 and Dryden. Metcalf added one conversion.

Man of the Match - Khan.





















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U16's - MTS 24 v 20 St Charles U16's

A great win to round of a successful tour. 3 wins from 5 games is a superb result, especially in light of two heavy defeats in Chile.

Tries came Ablett 2, Chestnutt, And Kirkwood. Bell added two conversions.

Man of the Match - MC Chernoble

A great way to end the tour lads, well done.
















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Basketball v North Hill

Fortunately we are not on a Basketball tour. We played against the rugby lads from North Hill as an ice-breaker before our cultural exchange. Unfortunately we came second, so first blood to the hosts. Hopefully we can even up the series in the game that matters.









We were also treated to a cultural exchange in which the locals had prepared some conversation starters. Nice easy questions like Teves' move from United to City, the hand of god and the Falklands thrown in for good measure!!!




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Tomorrows Itinerary

We play our final tour games tomorrow in Buenos Aires. The tour is evenly poised at 2/4 for both teams.

The U16's play St Stephens College and U18's play North Hill College.

Following the games the boys have a chance to buy their parents some lovely gifts in BA.

Good luck to both teams.





B.A at night.


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R and R needed

Our boys appeared a little tired this morning. Although as the pic below shows, the team bond is better than ever.





Walmsley dreaming of being able to pass off both hands!!



Liggy "Hello dog, Let me tell you about me try yest-dee"

Alex "Not this story again Jonah!"




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Thank you Balmoral

It is fair to say that the boys have enjoyed this particular stay most of all. This is thanks to warm welcome they received from Balmoral. All of our hosts have been superb but the excitement surrounding our stay was evident from all concerned at Balmoral. Thank you very much for all you have done to make our stay a memorable one.




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Poor Horse

This poor old nag had the honour of carting Big Chaz around. Unfortunately for Charlie, he found the only living creature that actually eats more than he does!!!




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Ranch trip

We spent the day on a traditional Argentinian cattle ranch today. The boys ate plenty of meat and enjoyed visiting a traditional ranch. Surprisingly the lads really enjoyed the horse riding. (potentially a new GTX next year)














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Post match meal.

MAS checks that the post match meal is of a satisfactory standard. I wonder what culinary delight they have for us??? Yes Steak again with a side helping of Chorizo.





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La Bombonera

Whilst visiting the area we could not resist the temptation to take a look around the Stadium of Boca Juniors.
















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