In pouring rain and slippery underfoot conditions, the Barker Reds notched up their second victory in South Africa - 34-0 against Linkside High School in Port Elizabeth. Our opponents were tenacious in defence and their unstructured play proved difficult to counter, with the Barker boys forced into numerous errors. First half tries to Tim Pearson and Alex Broad, with conversions from David Balcomb, gave our boys a 14-0 half-time lead. The score remained unchanged until  a late surge as the home team faded. Four tries in the last 10 minutes from Anthony Knox, Leon Akopian (2) and Harry Wilson secured a good win on a wet and gloomy morning.

The group left a damp Port Elizabeth to travel north to Schotia Game reserve for what was to prove the highlight of the tour to date. Despite the continuing inclement weather, we were treated to some close-up encounters with lions, rhino, elephant, hippo, crocodile and giraffe, alongside numerous species of antelope. Traditional South African bush cuisine (including a kudu stew) in the lapa around open-air wood fires, sealed a superb afternoon in the African bushveld. The boys were treated to expert advice from the game rangers who spoke about the flora and fauna of the local area. Despite the rain, the open-air landrovers allowed for extra-close-up engagement with the unique natural environment. A quick shuttle back to the hotel in Port Elizabeth, preceded a well-earned sleep-in before our departure for Knysna this morning.

It is lovely to have the Cadets with us and we would like to acknowledge our thanks to Mike Green who chaperoned son, Jonathan, together with Stephen Kirkby, Theo Hanson, Brandon Fernandes and Ryan Turkington from Sydney to Port Elizabeth. The boys have recovered well from their Cadet camp and long flight and they have quickly got involved in the tour activities.

Enroute to Kysna, we were all tempted to bungee jump (not!) at the world-renowned Bloukranz River bridge - the highest bungee jump in the world at 216 metres! We settled for cokes, ice-creams, chocolates and the spectacular views!

The Knysna Elephant Park proved another highlight as we all got to feed, touch and even "cuddle" the elephants. The baby elephant was a definite favourite and the boys were enamoured with its cuteness. The hand-on experience was moving and comments ranged from: "this is the best feature of the tour" to "this little fella is just like a big dog - with the tail at the wrong end!" The vulnerability of these magnificent animals was an eye-opener and we learned a lot about the plight of orphan elephants from the Knysna Forest region.

The day was rounded off with excellent accommodation and food at the Knysna Hollow Country Estate - a good rest day and we are now ready for our "assault" on Cape Town and the Cape of Good Hope.

Baby elephant cuddles for the macho!

Breathtaking views at Bloukranz

Young lions hunting a warthog trapped in his underground burrow by night - just metres from the Landrovers, adrenalin rushing (particularly from the vehicle which stalled!)

Within touching distance of two magnificent white rhinos. Hearts were pounding.

A gaping hippo yawn, warning us not to venture any closer

Jackson Bradford (1), George Stephens and Mike Lloyd in the mist and pouring rain against Linkside

Reds in action in their 34-0 win in Port Elizabeth

Team groupie in the Town Lodge foyer prior to Linkside game

Knysna elephant sanctuary provided an exciting hands on experience