Day Five

The final day of competition dawned (again) soon after the GB Supporters and old bloggers arrived at the Puerto de Hierro venue. It is worth looking it up on Google Earth, the pool area is immense, and the overall venue (for sport) is something we can only dream about in the UK. However, there is a picture in the bar of the pool area which appears to have the entire Madrid population in attendance. Like a Where’s Wally picture, there is hardly a square inch of space. I would avoid that day!

Talking of Where’s Wally, this morning at the metro station near the hotel, Wally was seen sleeping on a bench, waiting for the bus. I think the Old Bloggers can claim that prize.

So, as the sun started to rise, GB U21 Ladies were starting proceedings with a match against Germany. Unfortunately, the match went the wrong way, with a victory for the Germans by 4 – 1. So, the 3rd /4th playoff to look forward to.

Time for a coffee and croissant, then off to see the GB Ladies in their semi final against the Netherlands. Back on form, the GB Ladies (current World and European Champions) played steady polo, taking the semi by 5 – 1. They meet France this afternoon in the final. Here’s hoping!!!

Moving from pitch 2 to pitch 1, we then had the semi final for the GB Men versus Germany. The German’s used their strength to muscle themselves to a b4 – 1 lead, but GB rallied, and the final score was 4 – 3 to the Germans. Another 3rd / 4th Place play-off to look forward to.

While this match was taking place, the GB U21 Ladies were playing their 3rd / 4th match against France. As we joined it, it was 9 – 8 to the girls. Another couple of goals made it 11 – 8 at the final whistle. A special mention to Kate Mathers, who asked especially that I correct the spelling of her name. Sorry Kate / Cate, Cait, Cayt, no can do.

GB U21 Men beat the Netherlands team 11 – 0 to secure 7th place. Lots of photo opportunities, etc, for the parents, grandparents etc.

The Men have won the Bronze medal, with a fantastic team performance against the Netherlands team. Eventually winning 3 – 1 with goals from Nick (2) and Dan, this result has been hard earned, not only here in Madrid, but also through a particularly difficult training period.

And……the Women have retained their European Championships title, by beating the French ladies (for the second time this weekend) 7 – 3. A fantastic result which keeps their rightful place at the top of their Game. Goals from Pru (3) Aimee (3) and Kathryn ensured this famous win!

So, in summary, the titles went to:

• Mens: Champions France, runners up Germany, third GB Men
• Ladies: Champions GB; runners up France;
• Mens U21: Champions France; runners up Germany
• Ladies U21: Champions Germany; runners up Poland; third GB girls.

A successful set of results, and a great few days of competition. Thanks for reading the reports, and for Sam K for acting as the conduit between us and the Canoepolo.org / Facebook weblink.

I can hear the bar calling, our plane home has been delayed by 4 hours until 01.55 Monday morning, so it will be a late arrival at Gatwick, and a later arrival at work.

Buenos dias from Madrid for the Old Bloggers!

The GB Spectators

Day Four

Well, we are now three quarters of the way through the competition, the sun is still blazing down, and the competition is hotting up (no pun intended). There have been some surprises during the matches, but more of that later. Also, the silly old bloggers have put together a surprise competition, which you can enter via the website. First correct answer will get a prize. Attendees at the tournament, their families and friends are not allowed to enter. This is for those unfortunate enough to be at home in the rain and cold. Perhaps something to do as the nights get longer. The teams only have two games each today, so there is a lot of time between games for all but the spectators. 

Match Summaries
First game today: GB Ladies versus Spain. The current world and European Champions looked a little out of sorts this morning. The Spanish Ladies took the lead early on, and GB were always playing catch-up. The final score, 3 – 3, was probably a fair representation of the game, but GB can do better.

Next up was the U21 Mens game against the French. The spectators were fearful of this game, but not the players. Possibly the best GB game of the weekend, the boys took the lead against the tournament favourites, leading 4 – 2 halfway through the second half. All players were working hard, then a shot at the French goal, a save, and a sprint, and the French were behind 4 – 3. Then another sprint, 4 – 4. GB did not give up, but one well worked goal, and another break gave the French the win by 4 – 6. 

The men’s game against the Swiss, the GB men won the match 6 – 4. The half-time score was 4 – 3. However, due to one of many ECA administrative problems, the match was voided, and was replayed again at the end of the day. This means that the GB teams have started the competition under floodlights, before the sun came up, and have now also played under floodlights, after the sun has gone down again, albeit on different days.

The pre-lunch game saw the GB U21 Ladies playing Spain. The final score was 3 – 1 to the girls, with Nicole punching the air after scoring the third. The Spanish girls were very disappointed in a very Latin fashion.

In the Charles Dickens book “A Tale of Two Cities”, the first words are: “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.” How apt for the Mens U21 team. Following the close, entertaining games against the Germans, Italians and this morning, the French, this afternoon they played the Spanish U21 team, and lost 2 – 4 in what can only be described as a very poor game for the lads.

GB Ladies beat France 6 – 2 in a pretty much one-sided match. The ladies were focussed, and went for the match from the very start. The French must have wondered what hit them!

U21 Ladies lost to Poland 4 – 5 in a very close, end to end game. However the girls had done enough to progress through to the semi finals.

GB Men then played Italy Men, Gianluca et al. A really physical affair, the men were really up for this, with strong performances from them all. A 5-3 win for GB left us thinking that they were now in the semi finals, with a game to play. But, as mentioned above, the organisers struck, voiding the earlier game against the Swiss, and so it was all still to play for.

Because of the varies of the structure, The men had to play France again, but with the crucial game for progression to the semis being the re-scheduled Swiss match, the men could be forgiven for taking their foot off the pedal a little, but keeping their focus. The French won by 9 goals to 2.

Half an hour after the French game ended, on again paddled the GB Men. The sun had set, the floodlights were on, and the Men were psyched up for this night time encounter. If the GB Men were to win, then they would be in the semis.

The atmosphere was electric, with British and Swiss Spectators filling the stand and making lots of noise. Lots of other spectators (neutrals) were also there for this match.

This was another end to end game, with GB leading 3 – 2 at half time. The Swiss scored to level the match 3 – 3, but GB went on to win this late night encounter 4 – 3, and to go through to the semi-finals and a match on Sunday morning against the Germans.
 
So, a very long day for all involved, with a variety of emotions, and a lot to look back on later.
 
And…..it’s the final tonight of the player’s Where’s Wally Competition. Don’t know who is in the lead, but Jack went out secretly last night to do a reccy of the area.

Note: this was put on hold – as the teams got back to the hotel so late.

Now for the Silly Old Bloggers Competition:

Who am I?

I was born in Buckie, Scotland, several years ago.
I have an in depth knowledge of splitting the willow and tossing the caber.
I went to school up there, and college at the Institute of Advanced Spoon Bending in Aberdeen. Kicked off the course in Natural Philosophy.
I worked for a submerged communication company before moving away from the Granite City.
I am of indeterminate age.
My parents came from Whitley Bay and Enfield, and moved north for work in lighting.
My star sign is Aquarius.
I hate public transport.
The prize? That’s under consideration – it depends upon the mystery person co-operating once they find out that we are writing about them………
 
 
The GB Spectators

(New Shot Clock?)                               (A skinned lion)

Day Three

And so we come to the third day of the tournament and the second day of competition. Matches today started 30 mins later than yesterday, to enable Mr Blue Sky to turn up and lighten the proceedings. From that great song, ”the sun is shining in the sky, there’s not a cloud passing by…….” Glad we’re here topping up the tans.

A public holiday today in Madrid, so we had a small wait for the bus no problems though, as the driver was an absolute nutter, and almost got us here before we left. Perhaps he is the driver of the night bus of Harry Potter fame.  We were joined on the bus by the German ladies teams. They held an impromptu dance session in the street, keeping the locals, and us, entertained.

We arrived in time for the GB U21 mens’ game, against Italy. A really good game, end to end, played with spirit by both teams. We scored first, but Italy soon levelled, then took the lead with a somewhat dodgy goal, the GB lads adamant that the ball had rebounded from one of the goal suspending wires, and not entering the goal. The game ended 4 – 3 to the Italians – really close, but no satisfaction this time. The Italian coach took it out on a plastic chair, kicking it in the air with all the aplomb of a knackered Serie A league player. Chair abuse – ECA are checking the rules on this!

Immediately following this game came the U21 women, who played Germany. The Germans were 2 – 0 up at half time, but some spirited play in the second half by GB lead to a couple of goals, levelling the score to 2 – 2 at full time, hard worked but very rewarding.

Then, the Men faced Denmark, and we can report a victory! GB played well, and worked effectively as a team. Finally finishing 3 – 1 to the GB Men, the match saw Dan getting green, then yellow. We think he took a card for someone else, but only Dan knows if that is true.

The U21 Ladies played France, generously giving them a 3 goal head start, then decided that they could have a go, the match ending 5 – 4 to the French. C’est la vie!

And now for the big boys. GB Men versus France Men. But before we try to explain this, on a lighter note:  Nipper was trying to open a jar of Doritos dip, but failed. Gave it to Aimee, and…pop, it was open. Ross claimed it was the sun-tan lotion on his hands causing a lack of grip, but the jury is out on this. Another decision for the ECA Committee?

So, to the match: GB took the lead, but unfortunately, that was it. The final scoreline does not represent the pressure that GB put upon the French defence, but five players concentrating on attacking often leads to breakaway goals, and this was the case here a few times. Not much to say, the final score tells all. 10 – 1 to the French. Coach Vessey will be pleased to know that the spectators are considering having a whip round for a water bottle and a new pair of sunglasses , these having flown from his face as result of his hand waving expressions.

GB Women v Poland ended with a win for our ladies 5 – 1. Boy it was hot, and most of us were sitting with no shade, and a long way from cold, golden coloured drinks, ice creams and the like. The girls played really well, Pru scoring with some long shots, but they did look as though they were conserving their energy. The quote for the game – “it did what it says on the tin”. Sums it up nicely.

GB Men v Poland put the men back on track, with a 5 – 2 win. A good win, Coach Vessey managed to keep his sunnies on this time, didn’t shout too much, and was fairly well behaved.

The sun was still out, and the U21 Men v Switzerland cruised to a comfortable 7 – 2 win. I think they are also being sponsored by Ronseal – they also did enough, but at a slower pace than other games they have played this week.

And the final GB game of the day involved GB Men v Germany. After the earlier performance (I won’t say which one)the spectators were a little concerned. No need, this was probably the best game of the day, with the men losing 2 – 1, but it was such a tight match. Great to watch!

So, now back at the hotel. Yesterday, the lads started a “Where’s Wally” competition. One dressed up in a red and white tee, went out on the streets, and the remainder had to spot him from the hotel balcony. There were several Wallies’ during the night! Tonight, we are at the semi-final stage of WW. We are still waiting for the results!

Another early start tomorrow, but we are keeping up with traditions and keeping the bar going (again) this evening.  Looking forward to the third day of competition, which I still don’t fully understand. However, the GB teams are each playing two matches during the day:

• Women play Spain and France
• U21 Women play Spain and Poland
• Men play Switzerland and Italy
• U21 Men play France and Spain

Let’s all hope for the best.

PS - some pictures available here: http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.155046877916283.40928.100487833372188&l=8993dbde04

The GB Spectators

Day Two

An early start, 6.30 am in the lobby (5.30 in real money). Glenn has forsaken public transport and has reluctantly” accepted a lift in a squad car. George was researching the possibility of buying head torches when we arrived at the pool.

Russia and the GB U21 lads were warming up when we arrived. At least, we think it was them, as the sun had not come up over the horizon. Both teams hadn’t realised they were wearing very similar colours, and eventually Russia changed their buoyancy aids. Eventually winning 11 – 1, the GB lads were good value, working for each other, and attacking with speed and strength.

Next up were the Men, versus Spain. A first half penalty gave Spain the lead, but despite one of the Spaniards getting a red in the second half, GB eventually lost 4 – 3.

Women versus Ireland - a massacre. Half time it was 7 – 0, and finished 14 – 0, with Aimee getting 6 and Pru got 4.

U21 women versus Spain, finished 3 – 3, with GB goals from Beth, Liz and Louise. Unfortunately, the stop clock came into play in this game, GB gave away possession, and Spain scored in the final minutes.

U21 Men v Germany was an ill-tempered affair (some would say competive), with GB missing many opportunities. Jack had to wait ages before being allowed to take a penalty. We finally lost 6 – 5, and at the final whistle Jamie and the German number 4 were locked in admiration for each other!

Women versus Germany, Pru got the ball from the sprint, but had her fingers crushed in the process. We were 2 – 0 up but the Germans responded with the half time score being 2 – 1. Final score was 3 – 4 to the Germans, tempers were higher than temperatures.

U21 Men v Denmark was slightly one sided affair, with GB eventually winning 10 – 1. One poor lad (number 7 for Denmark), had his fingers rapped, uttered a Danish swear word (probably “I hate bacon”) and got a green card.

GB Men v Russia was almost a mirror of the earlier game at under 21 level. This time the men raced away to a 10 – 1 lead by half time, they looked strong, confident and played well together as a team. In the second half, Coach Vessey was heard persuading the team to try new moves only ever practised in training. They certainly confused me! The final result – ( I think) was 12 - 1, but it well could have been 14 – 1. The mens team only had two games today, one near the start, and the other at 17.30. What a long day!

GB ladies and Ladies U 21 both played at the same time, so your boggle eyed reporters had their work cut out. However, the Ladies beat Italy 9 – 2, with 5 goals

to Aimee, 3 to Pru and the other to Grace. The U21 ladies went one better against the Polish Ladies U21 team, beating them 10 – 2. Kind of one sided, don’t you think?

So heading into tomorrows epic adventure, the fun starts again after the sun rises, at 8.40 local time, with the U21 men facing Italy, who fought out a draw against the Germans for their final game today.

I am not too sure of the cross over / play off structure, but the U21 mens team have told me that they have to beat the Italians and Swiss tomorrow to progress in the next cross-over league. However, if they come third in their group, they will again be in a group with Germany. Here, though, is the stinger……..If this happens, the result against the Germans in round one automatically is logged for that league, so the U21 team would start one game down. Again, this needs to be confirmed, but if this is so, then surely the ECA Committee is born of the same European committee that introduced the straight banana directive! Don’t worry, your reporters are on the case, and will update you tomorrow.

Finally, it has been a very hot day (once the sun turned up). So hot that even the Dutch Lion disrobed. One complaint, the sun dial was about 20 minutes slow at 3 o’clock this afternoon, but caught up by 6 this evening. Strange, but true. We will send a photo of the dial tomorrow (we were wondering if it could be used as a shot

clock). Our Spanish is improving, we can now order beer, chips (sometimes crisps) and chips with tomato sauce. And café con lecha, which gets a coffee with milk. Not bad, eh!

Oh and another finally, I have received a request for the squad names, so here goes:

Ladies:

Charlotte Lister; Aimee Robson; Kathryn Grieves; Ellie Bates; Grace Galvin; Chaz Cheung; Zoe Anthony; Pru Blyth. Coach Elan Winter

Ladies U21:

Kate Mather, Louise Saxon; Cate Mathers; Liz Ponting: Bethan Littlewood; Beth Barratt; Nicole Brain. Coach Paul Brain

Men:

Nick Archer; Dan Robson; George Murfin; James Longley; Will Borrett; Martyn Williamson; Ed Feltham. Coaches Alan Vessey and Howie Whitaker

U21 Men:

Ross Martin; Ross Montgomery; Pete Neal; Olly Thomson; Jamie Thomson; Jack Robson; Matt Fletcher. Coach George Spittal

Apologies for any wrong spelling!

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The GB Spectators