Craighouse School, Santiago

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Having arrived into Santiago on Friday, our first stop was Craighouse School where we enjoyed a wonderful lunch surrounded by the mountains. Unfortunately the wet and cloudy weather meant we could not see the beautiful scenery many had promised. Mr Zair, ever the optimist, ensured the boys we would wake up the following morning to blue sky and fresh powder on the magnificent surrounding mountain peaks; surprise surprise, Mr Zair was right!

Saturday morning, game day and what a beautiful morning it was. With early kick offs we arrived at Craighouse just before 9am to be surrounded by some of the most amazing scenery; a once in a lifetime opportunity to place at such a venue. We anticipated both games to be the toughest on tour. 

The 2nd XV produced some excellent rugby with considerable progress seen in the set piece and some good attacking play by the backs. Finn O’Mahoney threw superbly and Louis Hudson managed the line out well. In the backs Tom Bantock offered some good running lines which resulted in an excellent try in the first half. Unfortunately despite plenty opportunities we were unable to capitalise. Craighouse were physical and skilful, turning over several breakdowns and looked to threaten whenever they had the ball in hand. The final score 21- 10 to Craighouse reflected a close game but one in which missed opportunities really counted. 

Sometimes you win, sometimes you learn. In the 1st XV game, Craighouse came flying out the blocks and scored three tries in quick succession. They won the physical battle which meant we got very little ball and were continuously on the back foot. Injuries to a number of players meant we struggled to get any continuity and settle into the game. In the previous fixtures we had looked dangerous in attack, but with the boot firmly on the other foot we simply didn’t match the intensity and aggression of Craighouse and to the level expected of an RGS team. Arguably if we had, the game could have been a lot closer. Credit to Craighouse on demonstrating school boy rugby at the very highest level. 

Staff, parents and boys from Craighouse were superb, and helped make the overall experience a positive once despite the two losses. 














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