Back in Ottowa, the girls woke early on Sunday morning for an action-packed day of white-water rafting. The girls practised paddling, reversing, capsizing the raft and getting back in, flipping their raft and holding onto the raft if they were to fall in. This was done with great hilarity and for anyone who was still half asleep from the early start, the were soon fully awake due to the cold water. After practise, we headed down the Ottowa river, paddling along slowly in the flats and attacking the rapids with great bravery and excitement – not all teams were fortunate enough to stay in their rafts though! Half way down the river, the girls were treated to a delicious 3 course bbq which was an absolute treat. After the final rapid, the girls had a chance to do team challenges that involved somersaulting off the raft, balancing all the people around the raft, amongst other fun games. 

Monday saw both teams getting the chance to play in an indoor fixture against Akwesense, which was organised last minute thanks to the amazing hospitality of the Canadians. Both teams had very talented players and this proved a tough fixture for all on the tour. The U16’s went down 13-5 and the U18’s 9-6 however the girls took a lot from this game and were absolutely blown away by the tight stick skills and cradling from their opposition. Players of the day go to Jasmine L, for her sheer determination to drive down the pitch to the fan each time and Sam S for her tight defending around the fan to reduce the goal count. That evening, in Tononto, the girls were treated to an amazing feast in Spring Rolls, thanks to Mr Rowlands recommendation where he visited during the Fettes ski trip earlier this year, clearing up the variety of dishes brought to them to try.

Tuesday saw the team do some recovery and recuperation at an early morning yoga session focussing on rehabilitation and stretching - our cheery instructor was very helpful and accommodating with modifying activities around injuries. After this, the girls had some time to enjoy down town Toronto, which has a very similar vibe to NYC and explore the Eton Mall, the biggest Mall in Toronto. We were warmly welcomed to the Orangeville Northmen’s grounds and the U16’s took straight to the pitch after a warm-up. It was another tough, physical and well skilled game for the young team, who went down 10-5 to their opposition. There were a number of stellar performances throughout the game but special mention must go to Colette K-L, who led the team with pride and helped guide the younger players around the pitch and during set plays. It was a similar feat for the U18 team, who played a very fast U18 side, who were dominant on their left and right stick skills, an area we fell down in, with the final result being 14-2 to the opposition. Despite the score line, goal keeper Charlotte B deserves special recognition for keep out another 12 goals, in a game that really tested her keeping skills. A great effort from both teams and a fantastic set of games to finish the tour on. The girls were then treated to local pizza and an array of desserts, fruit and salad. In return, the girls organised a mini ceilidh experience for their Canadian counterparts which was thoroughly enjoyed by all. 

Wednesday saw the last day of the amazing tour and the girls were determined to go out with a bang. The day started with a zip lining experience at Niagara Falls, where the girls travelled down a huge zip line, with the falls thundering down to their left. The view was amazing and it was definitely a once in a lifetime experience for the girls. After the excitement of zip lining wore off, the team headed to the Hornblower Cruise, where we were taken right up to the edge of both falls, allowing the girls to cool down and get absolutely soaked, whilst also taking in the breathtaking views of the natural wonder around them. A final team meal was had at the Hardrock Cafe, where we celebrated Liv A’s 17th birthday.

From start to finish, the girls have been a pleasure to coach and spend time with and they have been a credit to Fettes and the values it represents. An amazing tour on all accounts and all the coaches wish the girls luck in the future with their lacrosse playing careers.