The match was played in the gorgous surroundings of Church village and following the win by the second team, we were anxious to also take our first victory.
By the end of the first quarter the score was 4-6 to Church Village. Both teams started strongly and it was a closely contested match. After the hard Silver raders game of the evening before, everyone was ready to play a hard game of physical netball, which we we certainly given.
In the second quarter the score was 3-5, and so brought the overall score to 7-11. Time was taken 2 minutes from the end of the quarter to take time for Lucy who had been elbowed in the nose and so had a nose bleed. But she played on for the final 2 mins where the team played excellantly, despite the set back.
In the the third quarter Harriet was subsituted for Miss Jones. This was to give the team a fresh pair of legs for the final half, because after over half way through all the games on tour tiredness was beginning to show. The score was brought to 12-14.
In the final quarter, excellent interceptions and shooting drew the Adams' team to a 15 all draw. However, in the final 2 minutes, the oppositon pulled ahead to win by 3 goals.
After the match we were informed that the team which we so nearly beat, had 2 National Barbados players who had competed internationally. Their GS and GD had played outstandingly, and Adams' had given them a good fight finishing with a final score of 16-19.
Thursday, 4 August 2011
Monday, 1 August 2011
Day 6 - Fourth Hockey Match
Adams turned up in the morning ready to play for the second time in less than 24 hours, against a once again strong Barbados u21 team. On paper it was yet another monumental task, however we all know paper has never won a hockey game before. We started strongly and applied pressure to the Barbados U21 team, which won us two short corners, the second of which Tom Widdows scored with a well placed flick. The Bajans tried a variety of tactics but were unable to break down a stubborn Adams' defense. Concentration eventually wavered unfortunately and the home team seized the opportunity, quickly scoring with some individual skill and luck. The half ended with a barrage of Adams' chances. The half time whistle blew before this could come to any consequence however. 1-1. All level. After a quick break, Adams' went back out for the second half fired up and more determined than ever with the prospect of our first win on tour. Lower temperatures a sea breeze both played in to the hands of the tourists, leading to a high work rate with the forwards running the international standard defense ragged. The intensity increased from both sides with a frustrating lack of end product. 70 minutes came to a close with the scores still level. Penalty flicks were in order. After picking themselves up from a fruitless second half, Adams’ rose to the occasion, winning 4-3 in a tense showdown of skill and composure. This meant Adams' won their first game on tour. Pete Grech was awarded man of the match after his instrumental work which has been evident throughout tour. Tour 2011 debutant Ian Armstrong also had a strong game orchestrating play from the midfield, pulling the strings in an overall fantastic team performance.
Day 5- Third Hockey Match
Off the back of two defeats to the U21 Barbados National team, it was time to face their U18 side. Unlike previous encounters we started with an all L6th XI in order to gel as a team in preparation for next year.
AGS were quick off the mark, hassling and harrying the opposition. In what was a gritty first 10 minutes, concentration and determination were key in the explosive start. Unfortunately we conceded against the run of play, but heads did not drop. Immediate pressure saw the Bajans on the back foot, with David Bentham surging into opposition territory on numerous occasions and Cameron Law's inspired efforts catching the eyes of many and the hearts of some.
Hard work paid dividends after admirable work from David Bentham and Nick Middleton set up Raj Sandhu to pounce from 7 yards. At 1-1 Adams' were dominant for extended periods until a couple of mistakes and some ruthless finishing left the home team leading 3-1 at half time.
After the break the opposition 'half-court press' stifled the flow of the game, arguably in the home team's favour. With a thirst for possession Adams' pressed from the front. A couple of quickfire injuries upset the dynamics of the Adams' team and the already high work-rate was pushed to a near-frantic level. A piece of brilliant individual skill saw AGS undeservedly go 4-1 down and again it seemed as if the Bajans would walk away with a flattering victory. Adams' reduced the deficit with a fine first-time strike from eventual Man of the Match Alex Gray.
Valiant efforts across the pitch allowed Adams' to more than hold their own against a strong U18 National side, but what I suppose is most pleasing is that there were clear spells of AGS dominance. Perhaps if we had faced such a team earlier in the week the outcome would have been different. No matter though, plenty of positives have left the squad optimistic for their last two games. On to the next one.
Sunday, 31 July 2011
NETBALL Silver Raiders 26-5 Adams' Grammar School 2nd Team
Our second match was about three quarters of an hour away, where we were playing silver raiders in unfamilar surrondings. The match was watched by many of the locals in the neighbour hood includining lots of young children. We were lucky enough to have the hockey boys to come along to support us.
All the team were faced with a tough challenge of playing on a rough court. This match started with a new combination of Kate at goal attack. Both of the shooters worked well together in the D along with Faye and Laura at wing attack and centre, even when under pressure from the silver raiders defense. Emily was a great back up for the attack. The shooters were happy of meeting the target set by miss jones of 5 goals, with many more on target.
All the team were faced with a tough challenge of playing on a rough court. This match started with a new combination of Kate at goal attack. Both of the shooters worked well together in the D along with Faye and Laura at wing attack and centre, even when under pressure from the silver raiders defense. Emily was a great back up for the attack. The shooters were happy of meeting the target set by miss jones of 5 goals, with many more on target.
The team were all very pleased with their effort levels, with everyone playing the best they've ever played.
The end result was 26- 5 to silver rangers who were a very strong team, that have been playing together at their club for a very long time.
The end result was 26- 5 to silver rangers who were a very strong team, that have been playing together at their club for a very long time.
Friday, 29 July 2011
Days 3 and 4- Second Matches
Day 3
Today it tipped it down until mid afternoon; for those of us who didn't pack waterproofs, the day was even wetter! The locals told us they hadn't seen rain like this for a very long time. However we decided to make the most of our morning and head into Bridgetown, the capital of the country. Our first Bajan public bus journey was somewhat interesting and cramped. In Bridgetown we did a spot of shopping. The boys’ purchases were very different to the girls- water guns and clothes- I will leave the rest up to you to work out.
On our return we learnt that the girls' netball game had been cancelled due to the weather, so everyone went to watch the boys’ hockey game.
HOCKEY-Barbados U21s 5-1 Adams' Grammar SchoolAfter our initial defeat against the U21 squad we thought that our opponents couldn't get any stronger. However, to our surprise, we arrived to see many familiar faces from the day before. It was soon realised that it was the same U21 squad after the weaker players had been removed. Tough opposition indeed! However we had the advantage of home support from the netball girls, who generously volunteered to come and watch the match, as their match had been cancelled due to the weather.
After our vigorous warm-up, the slightly different starting lineup stepped on the pitch for push back. Being cloudier than the previous day, conditions seemed better to play in. Push back was taken and the game was underway. After the first 10 minutes we were on the back foot as the opposition attack were relentless. The strength of the opposition slowed once again after they scored from a short corner. Undettered we kept going, straight from push back, we saw a brilliant aerial from Nick up to the opposition D. The unexpected defenders were left awe-struck as Widdows bought the ball under control and scored what would be described as our best goal of the tour so far.
So it was now half time and we were only losing by 2-1. This is a great improvement considering that the day before we were losing 5-0 to a weaker team. After discussing our weak points, we were ready to start the second half.
We were now playing the half court press to try and change our game plan. This proved to be an effective strategy; however it required a much higher work rate, which meant players were getting more tired and de-hydrated. About halfway through the second half us had a period of poor communication where we only had 10 men on the pitch for about two minutes. Nick was not happy. So after quick counter attack they scored another goal, and despite this our heads did not drop. Everybody was working really hard to keep up with the play, even Pete Grech was slide tackling their players. However they scored another goal to make it 4-1 and our hopes were starting to fade. The final score was 5-2. Despite the lose everyone agreed that we had put up an excellent performance especially compared to outré last match. Player elected by the opposition coach was Olly, Scriven and Nick.
Day 4
After a heavy night of rain, we woke to glorious sunshine. Today we went to 'The Boatyard' which is a private beach/restaurant in Bridgetown. With the sun gleaming we all enjoyed a day on the water trampolines, iceberg and rope swing in the sea. After catching a few rays we headed back to the resort to get ready for the girls' netball match against the Silver Raiders at 5pm. Today was the Boys' rest day, which judging by the redness of some of their backs, was probably a good thing.
NETBALL- Silver Raiders 15-14 Adams' Grammar School 1st
After the disappointment of being rained off in their previous game- something more common with the game of cricket- Adams' 1st VII travelled to an interesting neighborhood to play against silver raiders. After a tough first game the girls were fired up to reward their first victory of the tour.
The game started at a rapid pace and only a few seconds in Adams' found themselves a goal down. However they hit back immediately with some quick and precise play and a good finish from Hannah Nicholls- something that continued throughout the match. The fast tempo was sustained for the first quarter.
With no sign of the play slowing, Miss Jones gave a few choice words to make sure the girls carried on the way they were. And it worked: Jess Martin was a stallwapt in defence. Not being intimidated by their excellent shooter, she made several interceptions and broke a lot of the previous play with some timely tips. In attack the combination of Charlotte Gammon, Harriet Grandfield, Katie Russell and Steph Wood was often too hot to handle and this helped to put Adams' one goal up on the raiders at half time.
Adams' were particularly on top from the restarts. Their very structured and well rehearsed phases of play were often too good for the home side and ensured Charlotte Gammon and Hannah Nicholls could continue popping them in.
As Darkness fell on the court, the dominance of Lucy Bratton became more and more evident. I feel she was instrumented in all of Adams' play, often starting attacks with brilliant interceptions and finding a pass quickly to relieve pressure. Her passion was matched by her were rate and this rubbed off on the others, a sign of a good captain. In particular Harriet Grandfield played hard all game to chase no end of the previously thought lost causes. Steph Wood also was inspired and despite some vicious opposition, she gave as good as she got.
As the end of the match drew close Adams' were up by one. However some great play by the Raiders and some extremely casual shooting took the Bajans' victory by one goal. Adams' played exceptionally well and should count themselves unlucky not to have at least tied this game. I’m sure if they continue to play this manner they will defiantly be picking up wins soon. A brilliant effort the girls can be proud of.
Today it tipped it down until mid afternoon; for those of us who didn't pack waterproofs, the day was even wetter! The locals told us they hadn't seen rain like this for a very long time. However we decided to make the most of our morning and head into Bridgetown, the capital of the country. Our first Bajan public bus journey was somewhat interesting and cramped. In Bridgetown we did a spot of shopping. The boys’ purchases were very different to the girls- water guns and clothes- I will leave the rest up to you to work out.
On our return we learnt that the girls' netball game had been cancelled due to the weather, so everyone went to watch the boys’ hockey game.
HOCKEY-Barbados U21s 5-1 Adams' Grammar SchoolAfter our initial defeat against the U21 squad we thought that our opponents couldn't get any stronger. However, to our surprise, we arrived to see many familiar faces from the day before. It was soon realised that it was the same U21 squad after the weaker players had been removed. Tough opposition indeed! However we had the advantage of home support from the netball girls, who generously volunteered to come and watch the match, as their match had been cancelled due to the weather.
After our vigorous warm-up, the slightly different starting lineup stepped on the pitch for push back. Being cloudier than the previous day, conditions seemed better to play in. Push back was taken and the game was underway. After the first 10 minutes we were on the back foot as the opposition attack were relentless. The strength of the opposition slowed once again after they scored from a short corner. Undettered we kept going, straight from push back, we saw a brilliant aerial from Nick up to the opposition D. The unexpected defenders were left awe-struck as Widdows bought the ball under control and scored what would be described as our best goal of the tour so far.
So it was now half time and we were only losing by 2-1. This is a great improvement considering that the day before we were losing 5-0 to a weaker team. After discussing our weak points, we were ready to start the second half.
We were now playing the half court press to try and change our game plan. This proved to be an effective strategy; however it required a much higher work rate, which meant players were getting more tired and de-hydrated. About halfway through the second half us had a period of poor communication where we only had 10 men on the pitch for about two minutes. Nick was not happy. So after quick counter attack they scored another goal, and despite this our heads did not drop. Everybody was working really hard to keep up with the play, even Pete Grech was slide tackling their players. However they scored another goal to make it 4-1 and our hopes were starting to fade. The final score was 5-2. Despite the lose everyone agreed that we had put up an excellent performance especially compared to outré last match. Player elected by the opposition coach was Olly, Scriven and Nick.
Day 4
After a heavy night of rain, we woke to glorious sunshine. Today we went to 'The Boatyard' which is a private beach/restaurant in Bridgetown. With the sun gleaming we all enjoyed a day on the water trampolines, iceberg and rope swing in the sea. After catching a few rays we headed back to the resort to get ready for the girls' netball match against the Silver Raiders at 5pm. Today was the Boys' rest day, which judging by the redness of some of their backs, was probably a good thing.
NETBALL- Silver Raiders 15-14 Adams' Grammar School 1st
After the disappointment of being rained off in their previous game- something more common with the game of cricket- Adams' 1st VII travelled to an interesting neighborhood to play against silver raiders. After a tough first game the girls were fired up to reward their first victory of the tour.
The game started at a rapid pace and only a few seconds in Adams' found themselves a goal down. However they hit back immediately with some quick and precise play and a good finish from Hannah Nicholls- something that continued throughout the match. The fast tempo was sustained for the first quarter.
With no sign of the play slowing, Miss Jones gave a few choice words to make sure the girls carried on the way they were. And it worked: Jess Martin was a stallwapt in defence. Not being intimidated by their excellent shooter, she made several interceptions and broke a lot of the previous play with some timely tips. In attack the combination of Charlotte Gammon, Harriet Grandfield, Katie Russell and Steph Wood was often too hot to handle and this helped to put Adams' one goal up on the raiders at half time.
Adams' were particularly on top from the restarts. Their very structured and well rehearsed phases of play were often too good for the home side and ensured Charlotte Gammon and Hannah Nicholls could continue popping them in.
As Darkness fell on the court, the dominance of Lucy Bratton became more and more evident. I feel she was instrumented in all of Adams' play, often starting attacks with brilliant interceptions and finding a pass quickly to relieve pressure. Her passion was matched by her were rate and this rubbed off on the others, a sign of a good captain. In particular Harriet Grandfield played hard all game to chase no end of the previously thought lost causes. Steph Wood also was inspired and despite some vicious opposition, she gave as good as she got.
As the end of the match drew close Adams' were up by one. However some great play by the Raiders and some extremely casual shooting took the Bajans' victory by one goal. Adams' played exceptionally well and should count themselves unlucky not to have at least tied this game. I’m sure if they continue to play this manner they will defiantly be picking up wins soon. A brilliant effort the girls can be proud of.
Just a quick message from the 1st netball Girls:
We would like to thank Nick for writing the match report for us and also thank the boys for their support on the sidelines, it helped a great deal.
Despite the cuts, heat and vicious opposition we were determined to put up a great fight. The 3 ‘Newbies’ to the 1st team had an outstanding game and fitted in perfectly. Every single ball was fought for by every player on the Adams’ side showing sheer determination. The ball was worked well around our attacking D with many options available making it hard for the opposition to compete. Our work rate was extremely high, we had even made the opposition sweat. It was defiantly one of the most outstanding and well fought matches the Adams’ 1st VII had had all year. A well deserved pat on the back to everyone.
Wednesday, 27 July 2011
Day 2 - First Matches
Arrived in All Seasons, Barbados, at around 18.30 yesterday all safe and well. We relaxed in rooms before going to the "Just Grillin'" restaurant down the road. Most of us were suffering from the jet lag this morning and were in the pool at 06.00. Water volleyball was a particular favourite.
Today the boys played the U21 Barbados national team and the girls played St. Barnabas School. Here are the match reports from the games:
HOCKEY - Barbados U21s 5 - 2 Adams' Grammar School
Today we played the U21 Barbados national team. We anticipated from the name alone this would be a tough match. However, we rose to the challenge well and despite the end score line it was a closely fought match. In the first half, we were out run and quickly found ourselves two goals down. By half time we had let two more slide but it could have been more without the valiant efforts of Oliver Bruce and Dan Scriven. It was clear to see that many of our players were struggling with the plus 30 degree temperatures.
After a brief rest and some motivational words we came out fighting in the second half. The Barbadians got the first goal after the break but then we quickly hit back thanks to a superb interception from James Boyd who teed up Nick Middleton who then finished brilliantly from a tight angle. Our determination and hard work paid dividends as Pete Grech picked up the ball in midfield, skillfully moved past two players. Moved the ball into the D, he then found Raj Sandhu who returned the ball across the face of goal for a simple finish for Grech.
Overall, a brilliant effort from all and we can only see ourselves improving as the tour progresses.
NETBALL - St. Barnabas 15 - 3 Adams' Grammar School 2nds
The 2nds were first to play in the heat of the day. We went out fairly confident as our opposition were about half our height, however after the first 5 minutes that confidence disappeared when we realised how fit and fast they were. We were more optimistic going into the 2nd quarter as there was only a small difference in the scores. However as we started to feel the heat, fatigue set in and the opposition's fitness really started to show.
Although we were losing we still continued playing and everyone kept their heads up. the Barbs were very aggressive players and what they lacked in size, they made up for in speed and agility. as we went into the 3rd quarter we were really feeling the heat but we changed round our positions and this helped to make a difference to our game. Unfortunately we were unable to make a difference to the score. The team however continued playing to the best of their ability.
In the final quarter we went out with a fresh burst of energy as we knew it was our final quarter. we scored one goal which really lifted our spirits. Although we lost the game, we all put in our full effort and well done to everyone, especially Emily Grandfield who was Miss Jones' player of the match.
NETBALL St Barnabas 21-13 Adams' Grammar School 1sts
After watching the 2nds play a team half their size, the 1sts were more than apprehensive about their game against the older players. The first quarter however, proved fairly evenly matched with the score 5-5 going into the 2nd quarter. The Barbados girls were just as feisty and aggressive as we had imagined and we had to step up our game to compete.
Unfortunately fatigue began to set in during the 2nd quarter when the sun came out and the heat started to affect us. Although all players, particularly in centre court managed to cope with the conditions, we went into half time a few goals down. After a brief rest and a few words from Miss Jones the team fought back and some fantastic attacking play allowed us to score 4 consecutive goals and draw almost level. The remainder of the game was fairly evenly matched, although we were unable to take the lead with the score finishing 21-13.
The whole team put in maximum effort, as was obvious from 7 very red faces but in particular Hannah, Jess and Harriet who were outstanding in their debut match for the 1sts. Miss Jones' player of the match was Stephie Wood for her brilliant reading of the game and endless interceptions. Lucy Bratton was the oppositions player of the match.
Today the boys played the U21 Barbados national team and the girls played St. Barnabas School. Here are the match reports from the games:
HOCKEY - Barbados U21s 5 - 2 Adams' Grammar School
Today we played the U21 Barbados national team. We anticipated from the name alone this would be a tough match. However, we rose to the challenge well and despite the end score line it was a closely fought match. In the first half, we were out run and quickly found ourselves two goals down. By half time we had let two more slide but it could have been more without the valiant efforts of Oliver Bruce and Dan Scriven. It was clear to see that many of our players were struggling with the plus 30 degree temperatures.
After a brief rest and some motivational words we came out fighting in the second half. The Barbadians got the first goal after the break but then we quickly hit back thanks to a superb interception from James Boyd who teed up Nick Middleton who then finished brilliantly from a tight angle. Our determination and hard work paid dividends as Pete Grech picked up the ball in midfield, skillfully moved past two players. Moved the ball into the D, he then found Raj Sandhu who returned the ball across the face of goal for a simple finish for Grech.
Overall, a brilliant effort from all and we can only see ourselves improving as the tour progresses.
NETBALL - St. Barnabas 15 - 3 Adams' Grammar School 2nds
The 2nds were first to play in the heat of the day. We went out fairly confident as our opposition were about half our height, however after the first 5 minutes that confidence disappeared when we realised how fit and fast they were. We were more optimistic going into the 2nd quarter as there was only a small difference in the scores. However as we started to feel the heat, fatigue set in and the opposition's fitness really started to show.
Although we were losing we still continued playing and everyone kept their heads up. the Barbs were very aggressive players and what they lacked in size, they made up for in speed and agility. as we went into the 3rd quarter we were really feeling the heat but we changed round our positions and this helped to make a difference to our game. Unfortunately we were unable to make a difference to the score. The team however continued playing to the best of their ability.
In the final quarter we went out with a fresh burst of energy as we knew it was our final quarter. we scored one goal which really lifted our spirits. Although we lost the game, we all put in our full effort and well done to everyone, especially Emily Grandfield who was Miss Jones' player of the match.
NETBALL St Barnabas 21-13 Adams' Grammar School 1sts
After watching the 2nds play a team half their size, the 1sts were more than apprehensive about their game against the older players. The first quarter however, proved fairly evenly matched with the score 5-5 going into the 2nd quarter. The Barbados girls were just as feisty and aggressive as we had imagined and we had to step up our game to compete.
Unfortunately fatigue began to set in during the 2nd quarter when the sun came out and the heat started to affect us. Although all players, particularly in centre court managed to cope with the conditions, we went into half time a few goals down. After a brief rest and a few words from Miss Jones the team fought back and some fantastic attacking play allowed us to score 4 consecutive goals and draw almost level. The remainder of the game was fairly evenly matched, although we were unable to take the lead with the score finishing 21-13.
The whole team put in maximum effort, as was obvious from 7 very red faces but in particular Hannah, Jess and Harriet who were outstanding in their debut match for the 1sts. Miss Jones' player of the match was Stephie Wood for her brilliant reading of the game and endless interceptions. Lucy Bratton was the oppositions player of the match.
Wednesday, 20 July 2011
Before we leave.
5 days until we leave and we have set up this blog for parents and friends to read while we are away to keep you informed of our activities and the results of our matches.
The aim is to update this daily, atleast. All tourists will have the password to the blog so any of them can post during their time away.
Happy following.
The aim is to update this daily, atleast. All tourists will have the password to the blog so any of them can post during their time away.
Happy following.
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