Jersey Festival Update: 5/4/09
SUNDAY NIGHT SAW a wholesome dinner, followed by a quiz. It was won by the worrying brains-trust of Connor Gray, Luke Gelston and Alec Monk. Plenty of interesting answers and broken pencils!
Tucked up with their teddies, the boys settled down to watch Match of the Day in their respective beds. Most were asleep well before West Ham came on. Those who weren't probably wished they were.
After a well needed sleep, the squad rose bright and early, experiencing the novelty of a wash, and enjoyed a hearty feast. Lots of full English breakfasts - a few even braved the black pudding. Kippers were generally declined.
Prestigious
Sunday's match saw an unpredictable encounter with North Easterners, Felling. On the prestigious "Wembley" pitch, Barking & Dagenham bossed the first half right from the kick-off. Literally!
It was 1-0 after just twenty-seven seconds, Siju Odelusi latching onto Alec Monk's long throw before superbly lobbing the keeper to snatch what could be the fastest ever Festival goal.
The team then weathered a spell of heavy Felling pressure but managed to add a second from Daniel Boyce after some good work from Luke Gelston.
The second half was a different story however as the exploits of the previous day took their toll on Barking & Dagenham's weary legs. (Okay, so technically Felling travelled twice as far to reach Jersey but they're used to long journeys to get coal and stuff). Felling scored twice to level the scores at 2-2. Football was the winner etc.
After the game, the team paid their first visit to Green Island beach for a well deserved ice-cream in brilliant sunshine.
Following lunch, the boys sauntered over to the Springfield Staduim to watch the inter-island grudge-match between Jersey and Guernsey Under 18s. With the rays continuing to beam down, Jersey were victorious 1-0.
Entertainment
After a quick kick about on the hallowed turf, they wandered back to the hotel. Walking thorough town, a herd of cattle provided lengthy entertainment. The boys decided the best course of action was to jump on their backs, in Buffalo Billesque rodeo fashion! Thankfully, they were some kind of bovine-related metal sculpture. No doubt some kind of place of worship for the townsfolk.
A brief splash about in the pool followed before gathering around the big screen to watch Manchester United V Aston Villa.
On Monday, the side meet Thurrock - with the benefit of neutral officials - who had a stunning result in their first match, coming from two goals down to beat Gloucester 3-2, with a last minute winner.
The final game in the group finished South Birmingham 5-1 Orpington.
