All set to head to Wildplay Adventure, Victoria.

A 5-30am start didn't go down too well as a tired group made their way to the waterfront in Seattle for the Clipper ferry to Victoria, Vancouver Island. Thankfully the sailing was a smooth one unlike the same crossing on the previous tour.

We arrived at the University of Victoria mid afternoon and after checking in to our accommodation we headed to downtown Victoria. As this is only a short stop in Victoria, tonight was the only chance we could get to explore the city. There was plenty of street entertainment to amuse the touring party and once again the boys found time to shop!

All in all it was nice to have a day where we could do things at our own pace after three packed days. Tomorrow sees a visit to a Zip Lining adventure centre followed by our next set of fixtures against Crimson Tide. Reports and photos will appear tomorrow.

Early morning Clipper to Victoria. Now time to explore downtown Victoria accompanied by our two Hulas!

Game day! A few last minute line out drills after breakfast and then a light lunch before we were due to get the bus to Pat Ryan Memorial Field.

First up was the 2nd XV against the Washington Loggers Under 17 side. An accomplished performance saw a good 20-12 victory recorded. The 1st XV then took on the Under 19 side an unfortunately came up three points short in a 15-12 defeat. Separate match reports appear on this site. 

On the social side of things we were treated to a fantastic afternoon by the Washington Loggers and as a touring party we are eternally grateful to Bobcat, Sully, Pete and all involved. Thank you very very much. 

44 tired boys returned to the University of Washington and a relaxing evening followed in the nearby shopping mall. This brings to an end our time in Seattle. Tomorrow morning we leave bright and early for the clipper ferry to Victoria in Vancouver Island.

Down High 1st XV came up agonisingly short against a very physical and skilful Washington Loggers Under 19 state side. Down started promisingly with an early break by Nathan Gibson which the home side defended well. The Loggers then found their feet and took the lead with a penalty kick after ten minutes. The Loggers' physicality continued to trouble the boys in green and after another infringement they scored a converted try to lead 10-0. This spurred the visitors into action and after a fine break by Thomas Donnan and an intelligent kick by Paddy Wright, Down had great field position. A set move followed and Nathan Gibson scored a well worked try in the corner. Wright missed with the conversion. The last knockings of the half were scrappy and the Loggers led 10-5 at half time.

Down started the second half on the front foot but once again a mistake close to the line cost the Mount Crescent boys dear as the Loggers made their way up the pitch and spent a long period of time in Down's 22. Some fantastic defence looked as if the attack would be repelled but unfortunately continual infringements from Down allowed the Loggers to score an unconverted try in the corner.

Down played great territory rugby after the try but credit to Loggers whose defence stood firm. But great opportunism from firstly Darren Cheung and then Donnan taking a quick penalty to score under the posts saw Down come back into it with the scoreline at 12-15. 

Down now had the momentum but once again little errors cost the tourists on two occasions. With time up, the Loggers winger deliberately threw the ball into touch and this meant Down had a chance to draw level. But Paddy Wright's long range penalty attempt hit the crossbar and Darren Cheung failed to gather the rebound and the sound of the final whistle was met by delight from the home team and supporters.

Down High's North American tour kicked off with a fine win for the 2nd XV versus national champions Washington Loggers U17. Both teams took time to settle with some big its going in early on. There were a number of early mistakes too.

The first real chance came when a mistake by a Loggers defender gave Down a 5 metre scrum. A number of pick and drives finished when the ball was dropped over the line. However  Loggers infringed as they tried to clear and but John Hyndman missed with kick at goal. Down continued to dominate territory and Hyndman was this time successful with a penalty from 25 yards. A scrappy ten minutes followed and then Loggers eventually found their feet. Credit to Down's great defence after a number of phases. Another attack saw Loggers score but disallowed for forward pass. Down should have got the first try of the game when blanket defence saw Hyndman hack through. However he was unable to pickup the ball cleanly and knocked on with the line at his mercy. However the boys in green were not to be denied when a training ground move saw Sam Leckey go in at the corner. The conversion was missed. Unfortunately for Down they could not see out the half and they conceded a try with last play of the game to leave the score 8-5. 

The second half started with Down on the front foot and they scored two great tries. The first came from a great steal by Elliott Evans at the lineout and a great line run by Hyndman who off loaded to Jamie Gibson. Hyndman converted. The Loggers restart didn't go ten and Down were once again on the attack. Lovely movement through hands and Gibson again scored in the corner. Hyndman missed the conversion. This eemed to knock the stuffing out of Loggers as Down continued to press in their half. However the Loggers got good fortune when a chip forward bounced favourably for the home sides number 9 to go under the posts for a converted try. Down came back at it but some massive hits repelled some carries from Clements and Chambers. Credit to Loggers who not for first time turned defence into attack and looked certain to score from a 5 metre lineout before the centre knocked on. This was the last moment of danger for Down and they saw out the remainder to finish victorious.

The 2ndXV side got their tour off to a winning start defeating the Loggers 20-12. Tries cam from Sam Leckey and Jamie Gibson (2) with John Hyndman adding a penalty and a conversion. Full report to follow later.

The touring party are just about to head for their first fixtures. Photos and reports will appear later.