Jersey Festival Update: 7/4/09
MONDAY EVENING SAW swimming and phone calls. The boys were flaked out by 10 p.m. with a forecast of heavy rain for Tuesday.
So it was no surprise when the sun was blazing down again, resplendant in the shimmering haze of early Spring, and the temperatures soared to the hottest they've been all week.
Mr Appleyard's kippers caused quite a stir at breakfast, which was delayed by half an hour due to a later kick-off time. However, most of the squad were up and ready earlier than normal.
Demented Gibbons
Perhaps they shoud have taken the option to stay in bed though as much-fancied Gloucester, without a point in the festival so far, rampaged like demented gibbons through the Barking & Dagenham defence to chalk up a one-sided victory.
Connor Gray was captain for the day but was powerless to prevent a 2-0 half-time lead for the opponents.
The interval saw the introduction of Gloucester's mammoth striker, who devoured another couple of goals in quick succession to leave Barking & Dagenham swaying on the ropes.
However, some good old fighting spirit brought a flicker of hope as Barking & Dagenham pulled a few punches of their own. Metaphorically speaking.
Billy Rose and Siju Odelusi set up Daniel Boyce who was denied by an unbelievable save. He maintained his composure though to grab his second of the week.
Big mistake. Gloucester added two more.
Thurrock lost 3-2 to Orpington (cough). Felling drew with
South Birmingham.
Credit Crunch
The afternoon saw a lengthy sojourn at St Brelade's Bay. Enthusiastic bouts of football and cricket ensued. Play was abandoned for the day when Farquhar's reverse sweep, to bring up his maiden beach-century, sailed into a garden, landing tantalisingly out of reach amongst the azaleas.
Also on the beach, the football match saw Barking & Dagenham notch their first win of the week. Although, as they were technically playing against themselves, the impressiveness of the satistic is somewhat lessened.
Chips and ice-creams (interesting combination!) rounded off the afternoon. Staff were then impressed as the team, instigated by Connor Gray, debated the effects of the Credit Crunch on Jersey's troubled tourist trade.
The evening sees a trip to Corbiere Lighthouse.
Orpington lie in wait on Wednesday. The forecast for is for rain. So break out the parasols.
STOP PRESS: Should anyone need something to ward off vampires or burglars, official photographers - RWT - have posted mugshots and action pics from Monday at: www.rwt-photography.co.uk. They take a bit of finding but are available for order direct from the website.
"You see, what they need is a cohesive marketing plan that maximises the island's assets... "
