Day 4 – Ynys Mon Glory!!

Well we’ve watched Ynys Mon compete in a number of events so far and we’ve not been the greatest lucky charm to the team, however all changed today! Today was fantastic from start to finish.

It all began with a watch of the volleyball seeing a brilliant game between Jersey and Faroe Islands. We definitely recommend if you have time head to the Volleyball, it’s a great venue. Also the Basketball is up there which we’ll be seeing later in the week.

We had sailing down in our schedule for the next stop but we decided to change it! We thought it’s hard to see anything really with the sailing and we wouldn’t have much hope of knowing what was going on. So instead we headed off to the tennis. We did pass the bay in the car so could see the boats out. We’ll count that as our sailing watching. The tennis was excellent as we found out that one of our team David Parry was on court 2. He played really well even in the insufferable heat. He came through to win the game 2-0 and go through to the Round of 16. While stood watching the game Jersey’s top tennis player Scott Clayton came over to us and said ”You’re the guys from the TV last night aren’t you?” He is a great lad and we wish him all the best for the rest of the tennis.

The big one was next! The last group game for Ynys Mon men who could finish anywhere from 2^nd to 4^th. We arrived in our Ynys Mon pimped vehicle, horn blaring out as the players were warming up. We joined the team in the changing room once again before they headed out and this time we were asked to give the team talk, so Pete stepped up to motivate the lads. There was a great crowd as both the Gotland women’s and Ynys Mon women’s football teams had come to support. Even though we started off well and were on top we went 1-0 down then later on in the half it was 2-0. Not good and we were set to finish bottom. However after half time the women and other Ynys Mon team members joined us and we really rallied to get behind the team. We got a penalty awarded but Jamie Roberts blasted it straight over the bar. We didn’t stop singing though and as we began the give me an L… chant we pulled one back, then another. Then with a few minutes remaining Ryan Booth scored another fantastic goal and we went wild. The full time whistle went off and we celebrated. Guernsey had beaten Gibraltar 4-0 so it means we finished 2^nd and will play Greenland on Thursday.

We had to race straight off to Grouville football club to see Greenland vs Saaramaa. Due to the water breaks in the previous game we were late and even though it was 4pm we still hadn’t had lunch and had run out of water but fortunately thanks to the brilliant people at Grouville FC we got a plentiful supply of water and managed to eat before relaxing in the shade. It was a good game and nice to relax to watch.

Our next stop was St John’s for Western Isles vs Alderney although the game was delayed by 15 minutes so we had enough time to sit in the shade and for Dave to cook dinner on the camping stove. It was noodles for tea which filled the hole in our stomachs. We’re not sure we’ve ever eaten noodles on plates while watching football live. The teams walked to the pitch to Bagpipes played by a member of the Western Isles which received a large round of applause from everyone. This is what the games is all about. The facilities up at St John’s are fantastic and will be a real asset to the community. Full credit to all involved especially our friend Andy Jehan. We were meant to stay for the whole game but decided to leave at half time as we had a Women’s 400m final to see.

                                                    Rob and Dave eat noodles while watching the game.

Back at the athletics track we joined some of the Ynys team at the 200m mark. We met Connor Laverty on the way in and he told us he’d got Bronze in the Discus a fantastic result and really well deserved. Well done Connor!! We waited by the track and then large clouds of smoke came pouring over. A shed next to the ground was on fire and thick black smoke was everywhere. Fortunately the fire services were on the scene to save the day. We moved round to join a few other Ynys to watch the 400m final. Mikaela Harrison was running for Ynys Mon in lane 6. It was a tough field but we had a slight hope for a medal. They were off and she pushed hard. We screamed as she came past and kept going to push her across the line. She ran really well and finished third getting Ynys Mon’s 3^rd medal of the games. Well done Mikaela!! We stayed to see Connor’s medal ceremony then it was back home for beers and whisky before bed.

                                                            Mersea to Jersey with Connor Laverty

And finally… It was another great day for our sailors on the water, we’re sorry we didn’t stay to watch.

Photos to Follow