In July, thirty senior girls from Oundle School took part in a three week hockey tour which started in Singapore, with four days of training and playing. Despite the 30 degree heat and high humidity, the girls won both their opening matches 3-0 and 9-0. In Singapore, sightseeing included visiting the famous Raffles Hotel and the Gardens by the Bay, wandering around the numerous markets as well as spending a day at Sentosa beach.
The group then flew to Australia and spent five nights in Sydney, playing and working with a high performance coach at the Sydney 2000 Olympic Park, climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge, visiting the Opera House, surfing the shark-infested waters and Oz Jet boating around the harbour. This was all topped off with tickets to an Aussie rules match where they watched the Sydney Swans play and win a home game.
New Zealand was the next on the itinerary, with a week and a half spent travelling around the North Island. First was Rotorua, a sulphur city known for its natural hot springs, shooting geysers and bubbling mud pools. Once used to the stench, it proved to be a fascinating location and the girls visited the Agrodome, a reptile park and Te Puia, home to the famous Pohutu Geysers. One evening, they experienced a traditional Maori culture night where one of their teachers was volunteered as chief, and consequently with the support of another teacher performed the Haka for the group!
After a trip to the Polynesian Spa, the group travelled on to Hamilton to their first billets with Waikato Dio, one of New Zealand’s top hockey teams. At their next billets, Rangitoto College, they were welcomed with a Haka performed by the 1st XV rugby boys. However, unperturbed by the intimidating display and high expectations, the first team went on to win 6-1 and the seconds were 
just as successful. The sightseeing around Auckland was topped off by lunch at the top of Auckland Sky Tower, a visit to the aquarium and the Auckland Museum, where a wreath was laid in remembrance.
The final destination was Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia, where the group visited the celebrated Batu caves, went jungle trekking and explored one of Asia’s largest water parks. They played their final match on tour against KL sports school. Both teams played seven matches, with the 1sts winning four and losing three matches against some of the world’s top sides, whilst the 2nds remained undefeated, without even conceding a single goal.
Pupil, Lara Chapman (17) commented, “The hard work and training at home and abroad has meant we have come back ready for the term, performing well at pre-season tournaments and creating what looks to be a promising season ahead.”
Tour staff leader, David Talbot commented, “The girls had an experience of a life-time that they will never forget: fantastic hockey, incredible sightseeing and new friendships forged on the other side of the world.”