Viewpoint

Arrival and Introduction (Jan 5)

The tour began in Mumbai, where the boys arrived eager for the adventures ahead. Healthy and enthusiastic, they looked forward to their first day of cricket. Their cultural journey commenced with a visit to a Mumbai slum. Guided by a local resident, the group observed the incredible resilience of the community, which supports itself through industries like fabric dyeing, recycling, and clay pottery. Despite the challenges of life in the slums, the locals’ positivity left a lasting impact. The day concluded with mass at Mumbai’s Catholic Cathedral and a delicious dinner featuring the ever-popular butter chicken.

First Matches and Challenges (Jan 6-7)

The cricketing action began with a tough match against the Global Cricket School team. Despite valiant efforts from Nicholi and Hugo, the Riverview team fell short. The boys adjusted to the new playing conditions and learned from the game. The next day brought a thrilling T20 match despite lingering illness among the squad. Riverview posted 125 runs, led by standout performances from Hugo and Ben, but their opponents chased the total down with ease. Spirits remained high as the team focused on recovery, enjoying simpler meals to regain strength.

Cultural Connections and a Stunning Victory (Jan 8)

A visit to St. Mary’s Jesuit School was a highlight, where the boys were warmly welcomed with song, dance, and the symbolic presentation of orange turbans. The cultural exchange deepened when Riverview musicians joined the school band for an impromptu performance. We were welcomed into the school with the phrase that visitors are like Gods. That afternoon, Riverview played their third match, clinching a nail-biting victory in the final over. Nicholi’s six to win the game underscored the team’s resilience and determination. It was to be our only win on the tour.

Matches and a Tie (Jan 9)

In their final Mumbai match, the boys played at PJ Hindu Gymkhana. The narrow ground and hot conditions challenged the team, but they managed to tie the game at 226 runs apiece. Needing 11 runs from the last over, Niall and Drew were able to score 10, unfortunately we couldn't play a super over because about 50 kids were waiting to use the ground for practice. This memorable match demonstrated the unpredictability of cricket and the boys’ ability to adapt under pressure. With the Mumbai leg complete, they prepared to travel to Delhi for the next phase of the tour.

Delhi Adventures and Tough Matches (Jan 10-12)

After a comical travel experience involving oversized cricket bags and bustling Indian airports, the boys arrived in Delhi. The cooler weather and thick smog marked a stark contrast to Mumbai. The first Delhi match against Bhavan Cricket Academy tested the team’s skills, with Riverview posting 162 runs but falling short in the chase. Some rain settled in after stumps that day causing the cancellation of our game the following day. However, a surprise T20 match was organised at the last minute on the same ground and pitch from the previous day.  The T20 game featured stellar batting from Hugo and strong bowling from Niall, though the opponents’ expertise secured their victory.

Final Match and a Visit to the Taj Mahal (Jan 13-14)

The final match of the tour against Modern School showcased the skill and sportsmanship that defined the trip. Their opening batter scored 68, which added to his total of 6000 runs over the last year, including a game where he hit 350! Modern School’s impressive total of 278 was matched by determined Riverview batting, with Ben scoring a valiant 53. Although the team fell short, they ended the cricket component with pride in their performances.

The tour concluded with a visit to the Taj Mahal, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the Seven Wonders of the World. The boys learned about the monument’s rich history as a mausoleum built by Shah Jahan for his wife, Mumtaz Mahal. They also visited Agra Fort, another historic site, marvelling at its architectural beauty.

Final Reflections

As the boys prepared to return home, they reflected on the experiences that made the tour so special. From intense cricket matches and cultural exchanges to the warmth of Indian hospitality and the sheer diversity of life, the trip left an indelible mark on everyone involved. It was more than just a cricket tour—it was a journey of learning, connection, and unforgettable memories.

Following this, the Athletics boys went down to San Diego where they were given a tour of the USA Olympic Training Facility, along with a recovery session of cryotherapy before their race at San Diego State University.

The basketballers then headed to the desert to Xavier Prep High School (a Jesuit school), where we were able to really bond and form new connections with the students and had a great showing winning all three games.

The next morning, we flew to San Francisco and drove to Sacramento where the Athletics boys trained with and prepared for their next race with the boys of Jesuit High School. On Saturday the boys competed at the brand-new Reno/Tahoe Indoor Track, a first for many of the boys to be running on an indoor track.

We closed off the trip with tournaments in Sacramento with JV and Freshmen playing in the JV tournament at Rockland High School and Varsity playing the Father Barry tournament at Jesuit High School. JV and Freshmen both had strong tournaments being able to reach the grand final but both eventually fell short. A special shoutout to Henry Meany, Archer Wilson and Zach Hawkins on receiving All Star 5 honours. The Riverview Varsity team was the only team to really push the overall winners of the tournament Brophy but struggled to close out our other games. The results didn’t reflect on the fun and progression the boys had.

We then drove back to San Francisco, where we had time to rest and conclude with our final events. We visited some of San Francisco’s most famous sights such as Alcatraz, the Golden Gate Bridge, and Lombard Street.

A massive thank you to Mr Paul O'Brien, Mr Thomas Garlepp, Mr Callum Balmer, Mr Alex Godbold, Mr Michael Dela Cruz, and Mrs Cathy Walsh for giving up their time to support, coach, mentor, and care for us on the trip. We are endlessly grateful for all the sacrifices they made for us over the trip. We thank our parents for giving us the opportunity to go on this trip.