And now, the end is near and so we face the final dinner

In the immortal words of Roy Orbison: It's over! Well almost. Just time, after the fantastic games of yesterday, for a day of relaxation and calm as the tour comes to an end.

At 10 am, we set off for a trip on glass-bottomed boats to go snorkelling in the reef that surrounds the islands. Narrowly avoiding sharp coral and snapping giant clams, we swam with a multitude of sea life, some with a rainbow of colours decorating the area vividly. It was a little cold at first, but everyone had a great time.

Then it was back into the boats to cruise to Koromiri Island for a barbecue lunch. While it was being prepared, the boys, in a manner akin to Coral Island, explored their surroundings. It is amazing how young men, approaching the world of independence, can be so absorbed by sea cucumbers and hermit crabs!

After the cucumber fights and crab races had finished, and a fantastic lunch of fish, salad, coconut and barbecued bananas had been consumed, we were treated to a lesson in opening coconuts from husk to open nut and making coconut cream. One or two of the boys then gave it a go themselves; needless to say it was not as easy as it looked!

After a great day out, the evening promised the tour dinner at a local restaurant. It was a good opportunity to wind down and reminisce about the exciting moments we have had in the last three weeks.

The evening was rounded off with speeches, first a wittily delivered presentation on behalf of the boys by captain of rugby Tom Bliss, followed by the round-up and tour prize-giving by Mr Drinkall.

A host of awards, from silly to serious, were given out, the most notable being the top try scorer awarded to Alex Aves, the most improved player to Ciaran O'Duffy, the most valuable U17 team player to Robbie MacDonald and most valuable U18 team player to Kyle Sinkler. A special award was also made to Ben Kirby, who was judged by the tour management to have been the member of the party who tried to get as much out of the trip as possible, trying new things and seizing all the opportunities the tour had offered him.

The dinner was enjoyed by all and was a fitting final evening before we begin the long journey home.