After a return journey to Accra which included a trip along the rainforest canopy walkway at Kakum, the squad caught their flight home. Sabre was at Gatwick to see them in - a tired, sun-kissed and remarkably chirpy group given the 0610 arrival.
The feedback on arrival was fantastic - "the best sports tour in 20 years of teaching" and everyone should be very proud of what they achieved in Ghana, both on and off the pitch.
On behalf of the District Education Office and everyone at Sabre, we would like to say a big, big thank you to Chesham for being such a wonderful touring party. This was the first Sabre sports tour, but judging by its success, it certainly won't be the last!
Tuesday, 27 October 2009
Sunday, 25 October 2009
Match Day 4
Sunday 25th October 2009
Netball Team A
Susie Gillott :
Time: 8:30 if im honest im being forced to do this when all I want to do is sleep so ill try my best.
For our final fixture we travelled to Komanda to play a team made up of the best players from all the teams that we had already played. We werent sure what to expect but went into the game optimistic as we were unbeaten so far on the tour.
The game started pretty closely with good play from either side and it was clear that we thought the match would be intense. By the end of the firstquarter it was 4-4 with both teams looking strong, but never-the-less Chesham pulled through and won the second quarter by three goals resulting in the score of 7-4. The third and fourth quarters are kind of a blur, but as usual we kicked ghanahian butt and ended up with a final score of 14-5. The team played immensely and the concentration levels never dropped.
Love from all the A team,
Can't wait to see you on Tuesday.
P.s from Ali Cullen, please buy me nice food for my return and from me, mother please could you prepare me a veggie stir-fry... thankyou x
Netball Team B
Ella Gillett:
For the last fixture, Chesham's Netball B team played Komanda. With Komanda's first centre, the game was off to a fierce and furious start, and after an intense first quarter, Komanda was in the lead with 4-2 in their favour. Despite the score neither teams were willing to give up!
However, Komenda's standards had increased in the second quarter causing their score to rise rapidly, leaving Chesham disheartened with the score standing at 9-2.
Chesham high, despite the high level of effort and standard displayed by Komanda, was determined to fight for more goals. With more accurate passes and desensive perseveerence Chesham managed to score 3 more goals in the third quarter... however so did Komanda.
But Chesham refused to surrender to the viscious Ghanahian team so in the last quarter Chesham gave it their all scored an incredible 5 goals with Komanda only scoring 4. The game ended with 16- 10 to Ghana, however Chesham left proud as they did their best under the circumstances.
From the B team, we shall see you all soon!
Football Report
Paul Fellows:
Cheshams last fixture was played on what could have been the nicest pitch they had seen in ghana. However, without lines and the right side being un mown it became just another pitch.
The opposition were another academy team but a younger age than last time. The match kicked off under the setting sun and it was another fast paced, competitive game from the off with very few chances and plenty of tough tackles. The first third past uneventfully with both teams showing a lot of respect to each other.
Chesham started slowly in the second third, not getting to tackles quick enough but once again their were very few chances as both teams cleared up well at the back.
The final third was the most controversial with referee decisions including a terrible offside call that disallowed cheshams only goal. The remainder of the third was firey with both teams going in hard and the referee giving more questionable decisions but passed without any goals.
So the tours final game ended in a goaless draw but Chesham showed that they could overcome heat, exhaustion and malaria and could still give a good account of themselves against top Ghanahian teams.
Netball Team A
Susie Gillott :
Time: 8:30 if im honest im being forced to do this when all I want to do is sleep so ill try my best.
For our final fixture we travelled to Komanda to play a team made up of the best players from all the teams that we had already played. We werent sure what to expect but went into the game optimistic as we were unbeaten so far on the tour.
The game started pretty closely with good play from either side and it was clear that we thought the match would be intense. By the end of the firstquarter it was 4-4 with both teams looking strong, but never-the-less Chesham pulled through and won the second quarter by three goals resulting in the score of 7-4. The third and fourth quarters are kind of a blur, but as usual we kicked ghanahian butt and ended up with a final score of 14-5. The team played immensely and the concentration levels never dropped.
Love from all the A team,
Can't wait to see you on Tuesday.
P.s from Ali Cullen, please buy me nice food for my return and from me, mother please could you prepare me a veggie stir-fry... thankyou x
Netball Team B
Ella Gillett:
For the last fixture, Chesham's Netball B team played Komanda. With Komanda's first centre, the game was off to a fierce and furious start, and after an intense first quarter, Komanda was in the lead with 4-2 in their favour. Despite the score neither teams were willing to give up!
However, Komenda's standards had increased in the second quarter causing their score to rise rapidly, leaving Chesham disheartened with the score standing at 9-2.
Chesham high, despite the high level of effort and standard displayed by Komanda, was determined to fight for more goals. With more accurate passes and desensive perseveerence Chesham managed to score 3 more goals in the third quarter... however so did Komanda.
But Chesham refused to surrender to the viscious Ghanahian team so in the last quarter Chesham gave it their all scored an incredible 5 goals with Komanda only scoring 4. The game ended with 16- 10 to Ghana, however Chesham left proud as they did their best under the circumstances.
From the B team, we shall see you all soon!
Football Report
Paul Fellows:
Cheshams last fixture was played on what could have been the nicest pitch they had seen in ghana. However, without lines and the right side being un mown it became just another pitch.
The opposition were another academy team but a younger age than last time. The match kicked off under the setting sun and it was another fast paced, competitive game from the off with very few chances and plenty of tough tackles. The first third past uneventfully with both teams showing a lot of respect to each other.
Chesham started slowly in the second third, not getting to tackles quick enough but once again their were very few chances as both teams cleared up well at the back.
The final third was the most controversial with referee decisions including a terrible offside call that disallowed cheshams only goal. The remainder of the third was firey with both teams going in hard and the referee giving more questionable decisions but passed without any goals.
So the tours final game ended in a goaless draw but Chesham showed that they could overcome heat, exhaustion and malaria and could still give a good account of themselves against top Ghanahian teams.
Match Day 3
Saturday 24th October 2009
After quickly recovering from the outbreak of sunstroke that had spread across camp during the previus week, most of the team was fighting fit and raring to go as soon as we got on the bus to the venue. During the journey, we picked up the ghanaian netball team who shortly started singing for mental preparation before the big game. However, the year 11 boys decided to outsing them with their ladish football chants.
We got off the bus and scuttled for the shade before limbering up.
Thankfully we had established how to start a match and exchange gifts ghanaian style – which suprisingly took a lot of practice for it to run smoothly but we cracked it.
With our first netball teams toes behind the line, we got onside and the first whistle was blown. It was clear from the first couple of minutes of play that both teams were determined to conquer their opposition and claim victory for their nation.
The midday heat and humidity had begun to effect the players but those acclimatisation days shockingly payed off and Chesham High managed to withstand the sweltering heat. With the encouraging support from the football team and the other netball team, the score at half time was 17-1 to Chesham High.
Our opposition, Peshi, had previously had only two netball practices befre challenging chesham and still had their heads up at half time. In Ghana, sport is not as important as it is in the UK because education is their main priority and helping/providing for their family comes second. Therefore sport is not as well recognised and funding for facilities and equipment is difficult. However, the combination of Peshi's netball coach,our contribution and the help of the SABRE trust is a starting point to improve the standard of extra curricular activities which will in turn contribute to the development of Ghana as a whole.
The Chesham High Ghana Sports Tour 2009 and the SABRE trust has made netball a more recognised sport and hopefully the teams that we have played against will continue playing and improving their skills.
The girls completely swapped positions in the last quarter, appart from susie which she was clearly delighted about. We continued to play some awsome netball which ran like clockwork, with the odd smash in the face which hindered the flow of play. However, both teams had a fantastic match with enormous effort put in from both sides and ended the match with a stonking score of 32-1 to Chesham High. The obama biscutis and pineapple juice was seriously appriciated by both teams before we all retreated into the shade to cool down and watch the second netball match.
The second match of the day started of with a massive outbreak of heat, and the game began when it was at its peak. This made the game so much harder to play in as the heat and humidity made the game tiring and tougher. The game started of in the same way as always with the presenting of gifts to each opposing team and lining up. Then the game began.
For the first quarter there was 10 minutes of aggressive playing by the ghanahians which was quite a shock as we should have been used to how the Ghanahians play; many of us got battered by the opposing team during the first part of the game. This quarter seemed to be the toughest quarter compared to all the other quarters as the Ghanahians put together a strong and aggressive side. The game that was played proved to us where our strengths and weaknesses were when we play netball and it also proved to us how fit we were to manage in the stealth of the heat. It also determined that we had the skills in the game, whereas the ghanahians had the pace so both teams were equally matched with strengths in the game. By the end of the first quarter the score was 2-1 to us after a ferocious intense 10 minutes had gone by.
The second quarter of the game began well with a goal scored in the first few minutes which gave everyone a boost of confidence and the game suddenly became more rapid and intense as the players in our team soon began to show a more aggressive side to their side of the game. The game also became more structured and was more organised than thje first quarter and everyone played their best to score more goals, and achieve a higher result. We were now used to how the ghanahian players played so we wernt as scared of them as we were at first, and along with the support from the other netball team and the footballers our morales soared.
By the end of this half we had scored 3 more goals, so the final score after the first half was 4-1 to us. During our break we switched positions with whoever else was playing the same position, and consumed lots of water to relieve ourselfs so we wouldnt feel ill, or be overcome with dehydration and faint or something. After the break we went straight back on to the pitch to begin the second half of the game. We began in the same intense way and followed out all our tactics and skills to perfection in the game, and this helped to improve our score. We were now so in control of what we were doing the game soon became a lot easier and along with the support everyone was giving each other it became an eventful and great game. By the end of this quarter the score was 7-1 to us, which was a good result as we only had 7 minutes to play these last quarters as the sun was going down and we had to think of the footballers games in the light not the dark.
Finally, the last quarter was about to begin. This was the most keenly contested quarter as it proved to everyone the strength and energy that we were putting into the game. The shooters improved so much and it was a joy to see how the game was playd with the balls gliding into the nets, and people always their for the rebounds ready to shoot again and score if people missed. The final score shot up, to a successful 13-1 to us with a steady pace. The result of the game put a fine boost of morales on everyone for not only had the first team won their match but also the second team as well had won too. It was a great finish for the netballers.
Football match report
Chesham's third match was their toughest yet against Redeemer Boys Football Academy. It took placeonce again at SSNT ad the weather was the hottest they had experienced playing under.
The first third started and chesham fought well against a team who were fast and knew eachother well. How ever Chesham gave them nothing ending the first third still level. The second third started, but it was clear chesham were tired ad Redeemer had decided to pick up their game. Second balls and tackles were rushed and chesham took their eye off the ball twice and were punished with two goals.
A deflated Chesham came out for the final third but their was to be no heroic come back this time as redeemer scored their third. Chesham did well close the game after that, as they came back into the game slightly. Chesham returned to the bus understandably that the team that beat them was better and to come away only beaten 3-0 showed how far Chesham had come on this trip as individuals and as a team.
Written by Paul,
poorly typed by oli,
Netball Report
Woke up at 6.30 because Dave Hill was being noisy, and so told him to shut up. Went down at 8.00 for a leisurely breakfast of scrambled egg and porridge. Mr Ofari has officially disappeared. Too much egg. After washing we headed down to the beach for sunbathing and paddling. The weather was steamy and sunny as always. At ten thirty we went for showers just after we played volleyball. Then we had lunch, which was soup, before heading off for our third fixture. We played at the first pitch where we trained on the second day of our trip and on the way we picked up the other girl's netball team.
We whipped them 32-1 at netball, the girl's second team won 13-1. Well played girl's!! The boys played Ghana's regional academy. 3-0 loss. It was a close game in which Joe Flack was the best player. We arrived home in the dark which lead to an interesting shower in the pitch black, after that we headed down to dinner, we all miss london. We all assembled around the camp fire after dinner for funny performance's and singing. The year twelve girl's pulled it off by singing their own version of 'a wim ba whey'. Year eleven boys came second with their nudity. Year eleven girl's finished third with their malarone song, which was insane. Year twelve boy's finished last, as expected, because they did jokes and scored an unbeatable score of 2 out of 60. We all headed to bed at eleven. Nighty night.
P.S. Happy 13th Birthday to Olivia Wright.
After quickly recovering from the outbreak of sunstroke that had spread across camp during the previus week, most of the team was fighting fit and raring to go as soon as we got on the bus to the venue. During the journey, we picked up the ghanaian netball team who shortly started singing for mental preparation before the big game. However, the year 11 boys decided to outsing them with their ladish football chants.
We got off the bus and scuttled for the shade before limbering up.
Thankfully we had established how to start a match and exchange gifts ghanaian style – which suprisingly took a lot of practice for it to run smoothly but we cracked it.
With our first netball teams toes behind the line, we got onside and the first whistle was blown. It was clear from the first couple of minutes of play that both teams were determined to conquer their opposition and claim victory for their nation.
The midday heat and humidity had begun to effect the players but those acclimatisation days shockingly payed off and Chesham High managed to withstand the sweltering heat. With the encouraging support from the football team and the other netball team, the score at half time was 17-1 to Chesham High.
Our opposition, Peshi, had previously had only two netball practices befre challenging chesham and still had their heads up at half time. In Ghana, sport is not as important as it is in the UK because education is their main priority and helping/providing for their family comes second. Therefore sport is not as well recognised and funding for facilities and equipment is difficult. However, the combination of Peshi's netball coach,our contribution and the help of the SABRE trust is a starting point to improve the standard of extra curricular activities which will in turn contribute to the development of Ghana as a whole.
The Chesham High Ghana Sports Tour 2009 and the SABRE trust has made netball a more recognised sport and hopefully the teams that we have played against will continue playing and improving their skills.
The girls completely swapped positions in the last quarter, appart from susie which she was clearly delighted about. We continued to play some awsome netball which ran like clockwork, with the odd smash in the face which hindered the flow of play. However, both teams had a fantastic match with enormous effort put in from both sides and ended the match with a stonking score of 32-1 to Chesham High. The obama biscutis and pineapple juice was seriously appriciated by both teams before we all retreated into the shade to cool down and watch the second netball match.
The second match of the day started of with a massive outbreak of heat, and the game began when it was at its peak. This made the game so much harder to play in as the heat and humidity made the game tiring and tougher. The game started of in the same way as always with the presenting of gifts to each opposing team and lining up. Then the game began.
For the first quarter there was 10 minutes of aggressive playing by the ghanahians which was quite a shock as we should have been used to how the Ghanahians play; many of us got battered by the opposing team during the first part of the game. This quarter seemed to be the toughest quarter compared to all the other quarters as the Ghanahians put together a strong and aggressive side. The game that was played proved to us where our strengths and weaknesses were when we play netball and it also proved to us how fit we were to manage in the stealth of the heat. It also determined that we had the skills in the game, whereas the ghanahians had the pace so both teams were equally matched with strengths in the game. By the end of the first quarter the score was 2-1 to us after a ferocious intense 10 minutes had gone by.
The second quarter of the game began well with a goal scored in the first few minutes which gave everyone a boost of confidence and the game suddenly became more rapid and intense as the players in our team soon began to show a more aggressive side to their side of the game. The game also became more structured and was more organised than thje first quarter and everyone played their best to score more goals, and achieve a higher result. We were now used to how the ghanahian players played so we wernt as scared of them as we were at first, and along with the support from the other netball team and the footballers our morales soared.
By the end of this half we had scored 3 more goals, so the final score after the first half was 4-1 to us. During our break we switched positions with whoever else was playing the same position, and consumed lots of water to relieve ourselfs so we wouldnt feel ill, or be overcome with dehydration and faint or something. After the break we went straight back on to the pitch to begin the second half of the game. We began in the same intense way and followed out all our tactics and skills to perfection in the game, and this helped to improve our score. We were now so in control of what we were doing the game soon became a lot easier and along with the support everyone was giving each other it became an eventful and great game. By the end of this quarter the score was 7-1 to us, which was a good result as we only had 7 minutes to play these last quarters as the sun was going down and we had to think of the footballers games in the light not the dark.
Finally, the last quarter was about to begin. This was the most keenly contested quarter as it proved to everyone the strength and energy that we were putting into the game. The shooters improved so much and it was a joy to see how the game was playd with the balls gliding into the nets, and people always their for the rebounds ready to shoot again and score if people missed. The final score shot up, to a successful 13-1 to us with a steady pace. The result of the game put a fine boost of morales on everyone for not only had the first team won their match but also the second team as well had won too. It was a great finish for the netballers.
Football match report
Chesham's third match was their toughest yet against Redeemer Boys Football Academy. It took placeonce again at SSNT ad the weather was the hottest they had experienced playing under.
The first third started and chesham fought well against a team who were fast and knew eachother well. How ever Chesham gave them nothing ending the first third still level. The second third started, but it was clear chesham were tired ad Redeemer had decided to pick up their game. Second balls and tackles were rushed and chesham took their eye off the ball twice and were punished with two goals.
A deflated Chesham came out for the final third but their was to be no heroic come back this time as redeemer scored their third. Chesham did well close the game after that, as they came back into the game slightly. Chesham returned to the bus understandably that the team that beat them was better and to come away only beaten 3-0 showed how far Chesham had come on this trip as individuals and as a team.
Written by Paul,
poorly typed by oli,
Netball Report
Woke up at 6.30 because Dave Hill was being noisy, and so told him to shut up. Went down at 8.00 for a leisurely breakfast of scrambled egg and porridge. Mr Ofari has officially disappeared. Too much egg. After washing we headed down to the beach for sunbathing and paddling. The weather was steamy and sunny as always. At ten thirty we went for showers just after we played volleyball. Then we had lunch, which was soup, before heading off for our third fixture. We played at the first pitch where we trained on the second day of our trip and on the way we picked up the other girl's netball team.
We whipped them 32-1 at netball, the girl's second team won 13-1. Well played girl's!! The boys played Ghana's regional academy. 3-0 loss. It was a close game in which Joe Flack was the best player. We arrived home in the dark which lead to an interesting shower in the pitch black, after that we headed down to dinner, we all miss london. We all assembled around the camp fire after dinner for funny performance's and singing. The year twelve girl's pulled it off by singing their own version of 'a wim ba whey'. Year eleven boys came second with their nudity. Year eleven girl's finished third with their malarone song, which was insane. Year twelve boy's finished last, as expected, because they did jokes and scored an unbeatable score of 2 out of 60. We all headed to bed at eleven. Nighty night.
P.S. Happy 13th Birthday to Olivia Wright.
Saturday, 24 October 2009
Sports Tournament & Shopping
Friday 23rd October 2009
Hello from Ghana, it's Hannah P here. This blog page was written by me, Rich G, Dan O, Chrissy N and me.
Not so early rise- 7:30 compared to the normal 6! year11 lads only just began to realise the full extent of the Year 12's shananigans during the previous night. Oh my gosh, eggs again- fried this time! We could also chose from toast, porridge and pineapple - the ususal.
We were then allowed an hour of fun on the beach!! So fun, and I have a tan(Hannah). The itinery promised a volleyball tournament, however, a quick change of plan had us all hop on the bus. We drove to Islamic School where a few of us helped to set up a netball and a football pitch! We had to mark out the lines from scratch with powdered chalk. We supported four netball and five football teams, we were also the umpires which was very difficult as the children had no idea what they were doing. Me, Hannah Batson, Dave, Owen, Will and Alew Wright presented the school with some great sports equipment which they seemed very pleased about! Rich Gamble also delivered a very insiring and touching speech (in his own words) to the three schools which consisted of pupils teachers and sports coaches.
On the homeward bound trip we stopped off at Aubrey's local bar and we were allowed to go over the road to a street-side shop where there were many exciting and colourful Ghanahian gifts and souvenirs. Making our way back to Stumble Inn, all that could be heard was the echo of our newly bought dums all the way home! We ate dinner straight away, many of us struggled to cope with the extreme garlic mash! We then sat down to reflect on the fun-packed day we just had and the majority played cards like usual. Us three, Hannah, Rich and Dan, sat down to write this blog but Chrissy had dissapeared off to the showers!
Bye bye England!!
from all in Ghana
Love...
Hannah
Rich
Dan
Chrissy
xxxx
Hello from Ghana, it's Hannah P here. This blog page was written by me, Rich G, Dan O, Chrissy N and me.
Not so early rise- 7:30 compared to the normal 6! year11 lads only just began to realise the full extent of the Year 12's shananigans during the previous night. Oh my gosh, eggs again- fried this time! We could also chose from toast, porridge and pineapple - the ususal.
We were then allowed an hour of fun on the beach!! So fun, and I have a tan(Hannah). The itinery promised a volleyball tournament, however, a quick change of plan had us all hop on the bus. We drove to Islamic School where a few of us helped to set up a netball and a football pitch! We had to mark out the lines from scratch with powdered chalk. We supported four netball and five football teams, we were also the umpires which was very difficult as the children had no idea what they were doing. Me, Hannah Batson, Dave, Owen, Will and Alew Wright presented the school with some great sports equipment which they seemed very pleased about! Rich Gamble also delivered a very insiring and touching speech (in his own words) to the three schools which consisted of pupils teachers and sports coaches.
On the homeward bound trip we stopped off at Aubrey's local bar and we were allowed to go over the road to a street-side shop where there were many exciting and colourful Ghanahian gifts and souvenirs. Making our way back to Stumble Inn, all that could be heard was the echo of our newly bought dums all the way home! We ate dinner straight away, many of us struggled to cope with the extreme garlic mash! We then sat down to reflect on the fun-packed day we just had and the majority played cards like usual. Us three, Hannah, Rich and Dan, sat down to write this blog but Chrissy had dissapeared off to the showers!
Bye bye England!!
from all in Ghana
Love...
Hannah
Rich
Dan
Chrissy
xxxx
JHS Coaching Day
Thursday 22nd October 2009
Hello everyone Pip, Ben Beard, Lucy and Paul here.
The day started off with another late start and lazy morning. A breakfast at 8 consisted of scrambled egg, toast, porridge and pineapple. After a quick wash of smelly clothes, most headed for the beach before stopping as we experienced our first Ghanahian shower. For most, this decided that cards was the best option for a good few hours, under the cover of the food hut.
The rain stopped so a trip to the beach for sun bathing and paddling was welcome.
A lunch of Yam balls, tomato salsa and bread went down well before everyone went to get ready for the afternoons coaching session.
In the afternoon we returned to Brenu School; the same place as yesterday but today we were coaching children nearer or sometimes older than our age. We were accomponied by only Mr Miles as Mr Pierce stayed to look after the “sickies” and Mrs Maishman and Miss Court departed for a very new experience. They had to teach Ghanahian teachers how to teach netball! This proved a very difficult but rewarding task as most of them did not speak english and were in absolute awe of actually holding a netball!
The girls divided the small number of Ghanahian girls into half and taught them two different warm-up games that we, ourselves, regularly use. It took the learners a while to pick it up but they did... eventually!
The Boys used the same techniques as the day before resulting in great progress made by all. In other words, they messed around with a football for an hour!
After the exhausting coaching session (for some,) we all returned to Stumbleinn, fought for cold showers and ate a dish closest to home... SPAG BOL! Which was thoroughly enjoyed by all.
A very sleepy group went to bed... or so they thought as the year 12 boys very maturely stole the year 11s shoes, gaffa taped footballs to palm trees, moved washing lines full of wet washing and hid creepy Ghanahian statues in more unsuspecting people's beds.
Just a typical day for the “Ghana gang.”
Miss you all.
Hello everyone Pip, Ben Beard, Lucy and Paul here.
The day started off with another late start and lazy morning. A breakfast at 8 consisted of scrambled egg, toast, porridge and pineapple. After a quick wash of smelly clothes, most headed for the beach before stopping as we experienced our first Ghanahian shower. For most, this decided that cards was the best option for a good few hours, under the cover of the food hut.
The rain stopped so a trip to the beach for sun bathing and paddling was welcome.
A lunch of Yam balls, tomato salsa and bread went down well before everyone went to get ready for the afternoons coaching session.
In the afternoon we returned to Brenu School; the same place as yesterday but today we were coaching children nearer or sometimes older than our age. We were accomponied by only Mr Miles as Mr Pierce stayed to look after the “sickies” and Mrs Maishman and Miss Court departed for a very new experience. They had to teach Ghanahian teachers how to teach netball! This proved a very difficult but rewarding task as most of them did not speak english and were in absolute awe of actually holding a netball!
The girls divided the small number of Ghanahian girls into half and taught them two different warm-up games that we, ourselves, regularly use. It took the learners a while to pick it up but they did... eventually!
The Boys used the same techniques as the day before resulting in great progress made by all. In other words, they messed around with a football for an hour!
After the exhausting coaching session (for some,) we all returned to Stumbleinn, fought for cold showers and ate a dish closest to home... SPAG BOL! Which was thoroughly enjoyed by all.
A very sleepy group went to bed... or so they thought as the year 12 boys very maturely stole the year 11s shoes, gaffa taped footballs to palm trees, moved washing lines full of wet washing and hid creepy Ghanahian statues in more unsuspecting people's beds.
Just a typical day for the “Ghana gang.”
Miss you all.
Friday, 23 October 2009
Primary School Coaching
Wednesday 21st October 2009
Hello, typing today's blog is Emma Gillott, Owen Phillips, Dave Hill.
In the morning we had a 'chillax' session. Today was the first day that we had a lie in which was good for most people but not for others as they got woken up early by people.
After breakfast, everyone went down to the beach. It was a glorious day, beautiful as well with the scorching sun beating down upon our backs. The waves in the sea were crashing down at our feet. It was like a cat catching a mouse when everyone got caught out by the undercurrent. The temperature of the sea was cold at first but we soon got used to the temperature and we soon all warmed up.
Then we had lunch! It consisted of tuna sandwiches, with tomato in them, and for the vegetarians salad. Mr O'foray was on top form! We then got ready for an exciting afternoon coaching Brenu's primary school children.
We assembled at 12:30pm alongside the corridor between the rooms. The bus shuddered and shaked along the road until we reached the school. A short walk up a sandy and dusty; treacherous slope with too many hazards to count got us to the school. We met many smiley faced children with beady eyes looking at us and wanting to hold our hands when we were there, which was considered very friendly of them, and was much appreciated by us for their kindness towards us.
Once inside, we got a tremendous welcome from all the Ghanaian's and Paddy who had previously visited us. After an X factor awarding performance from Owen Phillips for walking in and going along with the hands in the air, everyone from England were told to sing the National Anthem. It was rather embarrising as some people had really low voices (Owen Phillips and Will Jones) which could be heard over everyone else, but aside from that, the Ghanahians appreciated everyone elses singing. However, we got outdone by their choir as their singing was insanely good.
In the meeting, Paddy, the headteacher was giving his speech when his phone went off a number of times. We laughed because he answered the phone exactly the same way every time.
We then walked down the hill to the playing fields where we set up our coaching and we met the children. There were 5 stations for the lads, and there were only 3 stations for the ladies. The little boys were really good and all our coaching stations were easy to them! We had a : posession station, a shooting station, a dribbling station, a touch station, and a passing station. For the ladies, there was a passing station, an interception station, and a positioning of the game station. The girls who we were coaching were really good considering their age and the fact that they had done hardly any netball in their lives. For both genders, there was a massive age range which was strange; it took an hour. It seemed so much longer because it was so hot. We then got back onto the bus and traveled back to the famous Stumbleinn.
Once home, we played volley ball, and played cards until dinner but for some who were unfortunately ill slept. For dinner, there was golden rice, with pieces of chunky frazzled beef.
After dinner, there was a drumming and singing session led by the ghanahians who work here. Everyone was included in the singing but the ghanahians soon gave up teaching everyone because noone had good enough voices. We then sang songs that we knew, such as 'Get back in your biscuit tin...' and '99 Green Bottles...'.
Then, we went to bed! The lads stayed up for a long time being effortlessly annoying by having a banter session and complaining about a mysterious bug which seemed to end up always on their roof.
Love from, Emma Gillott
David Hill
Owen Phillips
Holly Newson
XXX
Hello, typing today's blog is Emma Gillott, Owen Phillips, Dave Hill.
In the morning we had a 'chillax' session. Today was the first day that we had a lie in which was good for most people but not for others as they got woken up early by people.
After breakfast, everyone went down to the beach. It was a glorious day, beautiful as well with the scorching sun beating down upon our backs. The waves in the sea were crashing down at our feet. It was like a cat catching a mouse when everyone got caught out by the undercurrent. The temperature of the sea was cold at first but we soon got used to the temperature and we soon all warmed up.
Then we had lunch! It consisted of tuna sandwiches, with tomato in them, and for the vegetarians salad. Mr O'foray was on top form! We then got ready for an exciting afternoon coaching Brenu's primary school children.
We assembled at 12:30pm alongside the corridor between the rooms. The bus shuddered and shaked along the road until we reached the school. A short walk up a sandy and dusty; treacherous slope with too many hazards to count got us to the school. We met many smiley faced children with beady eyes looking at us and wanting to hold our hands when we were there, which was considered very friendly of them, and was much appreciated by us for their kindness towards us.
Once inside, we got a tremendous welcome from all the Ghanaian's and Paddy who had previously visited us. After an X factor awarding performance from Owen Phillips for walking in and going along with the hands in the air, everyone from England were told to sing the National Anthem. It was rather embarrising as some people had really low voices (Owen Phillips and Will Jones) which could be heard over everyone else, but aside from that, the Ghanahians appreciated everyone elses singing. However, we got outdone by their choir as their singing was insanely good.
In the meeting, Paddy, the headteacher was giving his speech when his phone went off a number of times. We laughed because he answered the phone exactly the same way every time.
We then walked down the hill to the playing fields where we set up our coaching and we met the children. There were 5 stations for the lads, and there were only 3 stations for the ladies. The little boys were really good and all our coaching stations were easy to them! We had a : posession station, a shooting station, a dribbling station, a touch station, and a passing station. For the ladies, there was a passing station, an interception station, and a positioning of the game station. The girls who we were coaching were really good considering their age and the fact that they had done hardly any netball in their lives. For both genders, there was a massive age range which was strange; it took an hour. It seemed so much longer because it was so hot. We then got back onto the bus and traveled back to the famous Stumbleinn.
Once home, we played volley ball, and played cards until dinner but for some who were unfortunately ill slept. For dinner, there was golden rice, with pieces of chunky frazzled beef.
After dinner, there was a drumming and singing session led by the ghanahians who work here. Everyone was included in the singing but the ghanahians soon gave up teaching everyone because noone had good enough voices. We then sang songs that we knew, such as 'Get back in your biscuit tin...' and '99 Green Bottles...'.
Then, we went to bed! The lads stayed up for a long time being effortlessly annoying by having a banter session and complaining about a mysterious bug which seemed to end up always on their roof.
Love from, Emma Gillott
David Hill
Owen Phillips
Holly Newson
XXX
Thursday, 22 October 2009
Match Day 2
Tuesday 20th October 2009
7 o'clock in the morning at turtle lodge,breakfast arrived, a little later than thought- toast, museli, & scrambled eggs an hour after everyone elses. Half an hour later the team piled onto the bus to go to meet the eagerly awaiting Brenu chiefs.
Another two hour bus journey and we arrived at the Chief Palace of Brenu Akyinim. After an uncertain start the welcoming began, with warm smiles all round. The chiefs, who are the rulers of the Brenu region blessed us into their land, offering us anything we may need. A short prayer of well-wishing followed, before heading off for lunch on the beach for a much appreciated burger and chips. After a glimpse behind the bar choc chip cookies were consumed with pleasure with this being most peoples first taste of chocolate on tour!!
Netball Match report - Komenda
After a long tiring and extremely bumpy bus ride we arrived at the venue for our second fixture against Komenda in Takoradi. The opposition were once again extremely welcoming and we were all raring to go out hard and make this another great fixture. After the exchange of gifts and the tossing of the coins, the whistle blew to signal the start of the first quarter. At the beginning it was clear that both teams were equally matched in skill and pace so we knew it was going to be a tough one especially with so many players missing from our team because they felt ill.
Many of our players played out of position but we all got on with it and played our hardest. We atarted off very well winning the first game of 2 quarters 5-3 however in the second game (3rd and 4th qurters) the strain of the heat started to take it's toll and the ghananian team shooter's confidence soared getting in so many good shots that until the last 45 secs we were losing. We managed to however get a goal and actually win a very physically demanding 7-6. We were all exhausted and very thirsty after the hardest match we have played yet in ghana but we summoned the energy to shake hands and thank the opposition for a truly great match. All in all we thoroughly enjoyed today's game and can't wait until the next fixture in a couple of days.
Football Match Report – Komenda
After a picturesque day at Turtle Lodge, Chesham High faced their second opponents, Komenda. The game started under the afternoon sun and the massive crowd created an intense atmosphere. Early on, Komenda scored after taking a lucky break and slotting it home. The second third started and after some intense pressure Chesham won a string of freekicks, which were all close and a penalty. The penalty was taken and struck hard into the bottom right corner, except for a flying save. The ball spun into the air and landed in the goal but the linesman judged it to have gone over the bar and out for a corner.
A distraught and distracted Chesham then let their concentration slip and after some fortunate bounces, Komenda scored again making it 2-0. At the end of the second third, Mr Miles and Mr Pierce gave the team the opportunity to abandon the game due to lack of substitutes through illness. However, the team were unanimous in playing on and came out for the final third determined. The match was completely different with Komenda barely allowed out of their half and the intense pressure paid off after a long throw into the box was well flicked on and the keeper failed to catch it and ended as an easy tap in for Ben Beard.
Ten minutes later, Chesham won a free kick at the edge of the box. It was swerving into the far post and was met with a leaping header from David Hill to tie the game. To an elated Chesham, the draw was as good as a win and nobody could take the smile off our faces. The team had pulled a massive performance out the bag and returned to Stumble Inn for a well deserved rest.
7 o'clock in the morning at turtle lodge,breakfast arrived, a little later than thought- toast, museli, & scrambled eggs an hour after everyone elses. Half an hour later the team piled onto the bus to go to meet the eagerly awaiting Brenu chiefs.
Another two hour bus journey and we arrived at the Chief Palace of Brenu Akyinim. After an uncertain start the welcoming began, with warm smiles all round. The chiefs, who are the rulers of the Brenu region blessed us into their land, offering us anything we may need. A short prayer of well-wishing followed, before heading off for lunch on the beach for a much appreciated burger and chips. After a glimpse behind the bar choc chip cookies were consumed with pleasure with this being most peoples first taste of chocolate on tour!!
Netball Match report - Komenda
After a long tiring and extremely bumpy bus ride we arrived at the venue for our second fixture against Komenda in Takoradi. The opposition were once again extremely welcoming and we were all raring to go out hard and make this another great fixture. After the exchange of gifts and the tossing of the coins, the whistle blew to signal the start of the first quarter. At the beginning it was clear that both teams were equally matched in skill and pace so we knew it was going to be a tough one especially with so many players missing from our team because they felt ill.
Many of our players played out of position but we all got on with it and played our hardest. We atarted off very well winning the first game of 2 quarters 5-3 however in the second game (3rd and 4th qurters) the strain of the heat started to take it's toll and the ghananian team shooter's confidence soared getting in so many good shots that until the last 45 secs we were losing. We managed to however get a goal and actually win a very physically demanding 7-6. We were all exhausted and very thirsty after the hardest match we have played yet in ghana but we summoned the energy to shake hands and thank the opposition for a truly great match. All in all we thoroughly enjoyed today's game and can't wait until the next fixture in a couple of days.
Football Match Report – Komenda
After a picturesque day at Turtle Lodge, Chesham High faced their second opponents, Komenda. The game started under the afternoon sun and the massive crowd created an intense atmosphere. Early on, Komenda scored after taking a lucky break and slotting it home. The second third started and after some intense pressure Chesham won a string of freekicks, which were all close and a penalty. The penalty was taken and struck hard into the bottom right corner, except for a flying save. The ball spun into the air and landed in the goal but the linesman judged it to have gone over the bar and out for a corner.
A distraught and distracted Chesham then let their concentration slip and after some fortunate bounces, Komenda scored again making it 2-0. At the end of the second third, Mr Miles and Mr Pierce gave the team the opportunity to abandon the game due to lack of substitutes through illness. However, the team were unanimous in playing on and came out for the final third determined. The match was completely different with Komenda barely allowed out of their half and the intense pressure paid off after a long throw into the box was well flicked on and the keeper failed to catch it and ended as an easy tap in for Ben Beard.
Ten minutes later, Chesham won a free kick at the edge of the box. It was swerving into the far post and was met with a leaping header from David Hill to tie the game. To an elated Chesham, the draw was as good as a win and nobody could take the smile off our faces. The team had pulled a massive performance out the bag and returned to Stumble Inn for a well deserved rest.
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