First up on Sunday morning we faced the Whalers, a touring side from the UK, in our final pool game. Despite some staunch defense throughout the game, we struggled to win and retain enough ball to trouble the Whalers, and eventually they ran out 36-0 winners.

A second loss meant we had we finished 3rd in our pool and a quarter final with the Marauders, another UK based touring side, which also proved a tough assignment, and despite lots of early pressure, the Marauders won out by 29-0. 

While we were out of the main tournament, there was still the plate competition to go for and Ruairi Campbell rallied his troops to finish the tournament on a high.

In our next match we faced a team called Alcatraz Rugby, a team from Venezuela. Venezuela!? They play rugby in Venezuela?!?  Yes, we had the same reaction, they had brought a BIG, well drilled side with lots of pace out wide, so we knew they would be no push over. This proved to be the case and at half time there was nothing in it. Thankfully in the second half, the Penguins were able to ramp up a notch and managed to shake off their determined South American opponent with the final score 32-7.

After a long hot weekend, there was time for one final game, the Plate (5^th v 6^th) playoff final. In the final we faced another UK touring team called the Hurricanes. Despite both teams being out on their feet, both teams dug deep to deliver an entertaining final. The game remained close throughout, until a couple of late Penguin scores put the result beyond doubt at 26-19.

Following a 5-minute delay in play while an injury to the opposition was managed, the game restarted, unfortunately, Penguins were caught off guard and Ruckers scored making the half-time score 14 – 7 to Ruckers. Penguins came back fighting in the second half running a try-in within 30 seconds of the restart. However with just over a minute to go Ruckers scored again taking the final score to 19-12 to Ruckers.

Next up we played Switzers, a Swiss-based team and the Penguins started the game as they wanted to go on, scoring within 40 seconds of the kick-off and 30 seconds later Penguins scored again. Over the next five minutes, the ladies ran in a further four tries taking the Penguins to a lead of 34 - 0 at half-time.  The second half was much like the first with Penguins dominating in both defence and attack.  The team united to work hard, and the support play was superb.  Penguins ran in further six tries, winning the game 72 - 0.

The third game of the day saw us playing Deltadrone Tuks a team from Cape Town, South Africa.  For the first three minutes, both teams played end-to-end rugby but could not finish successfully.  It was not until the 4^th minute of the game that Tuks ripped the ball then quick hands saw them score at the far end. Both teams continued to play wide expansive rugby but neither could capitalise on their efforts making the half-time score 7 – 0 to Tuks.   For the first five minutes of the second half, both teams tried to open up their opposition with minimal success. Penguins struggled to get back against a kick and chase and with fast feet from the winger Tuks went over for their second try. However, Penguins were not giving up and from the restart deep in the 22, Penguins created some magic with hard running great support and fast legs they ran in their first try of the game.  The final whistle blew leaving the score at 5- 12 for Tuks.

Next up we came across the hometown team, Costa Blanca. Penguins got off to a slow start but once their first try had been scored, there was no stopping them and continuous pressure in combination with a well-worked attack saw Penguins taking the lead at the half-time 19-0. The second half saw the ladies attack much like the first half running in a further three tries with some conversions bringing the final score to 38-0 Penguins.

Our next opposition was the Czech Republic and from the start, it was a fast-paced game with both teams showing some good skills, but it was the Czech who put the first points on the board from some great support play.  Penguins defended well but with just ninety seconds to go before halftime, the Czech managed to squeeze in two further tries taking the half-time score to 19 – 0.  Penguins were the first to score in the second half, but the well-drilled Czech team continued to apply pressure and although Penguins had more opportunities it was the Czech team who came away 31 – 7 winners.

Having lost our previous game, we now found ourselves in the 5^th /6^thplace play-off where we were to take on the U.K. Wooden Spoon Marauders team.  A minute in and an error from Marauders saw Penguins take a quick tap kick and following some great support play Penguins secured the first points of the match. Penguins worked hard to keep the ball in the attacking 22 and it was not long before this paid off with another excellent Penguins line break try. From the restart Marauders retained the ball, taking advantage of a gap in the Penguins' defense they ran in an easy try taking the score to 7 – 12.  The next restart saw Penguins collect and attack and with only three passes in they broke the defense and ran in their third try. Penguins squeezed in another try on the buzzer to bring the half-time score to 22 – 7 Penguins.  Penguins continued their attacking ways at the start of the second half scoring first from a great team effort. There was no holding Penguins back now and the tries kept coming, two further tries saw the ladies leading 7 -39.  Marauders managed to claw a try back resulting in the final score of 14 – 39 Penguins, a great final performance from the ladies.

Off the pitch the entire squad made the tour a great success and will have made many memories and friends for life. Thanks to all who toured, and we wish you all the very best in your rugby careers going forward. Hopefully we will see many of you back in Penguin colours in the future.

Marc, Ting, Sue and Zailene – our hard working medical team

Sponsors

A trip such as this would not be possible without the generous support of our sponsors and friends. We thank you all.