Commonwealth Games
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Travel home to Guernsey - if all goes according to schedule, we should be on the Aurigny flight leaving Gatwick at approximately 3.30pm on Tuesday 28 March, so hope to be back home at Guernsey airport about 4.30pm. Thank you to those who supported the Guernsey Badminton Team. Angela Stuart.
Monday 27 March 2006 - we're on our way home! We said our farewells to our Team Volunteers yesterday before the Closing Ceremony. They were given a gift of an enscribed Guernsey Can. I think it will be an emotional farewell this evening as they have got to know us all so well and have been fantastic. The Closing Ceremony was entertaining, and we were also given a taste of what is to come in 2010 in Delhi. If any of you were watching, when one of the men was giving his speech, we were in the background waving the Guernsey Flag. Dame Edna ended the evening with 1,000 dressed up mini-Edna's for her final song. The fireworks also made a brilliant end to the Games. We have all enjoyed our time here in Melbourne, and to participate in the Commonwealth Games 2006. We look forward to Delhi in 2010. Angela Stuart.
Sunday 26 March 2006 - final full day and it's very hot (32c+). Saw some of the finals this morning in a sell out crowd. The Village here is emptying daily with much less people here now than a couple of days ago. The full Guernsey Team is meeting today at 4.30pm in preparation to leave for the Closing Ceremony - can't believe over 2 weeks have gone. We have all started packing our bags in preparation for our departure tomorrow (Monday) evening. Angela Stuart.
Saturday 25 March 2006 - off to see the bronze medal play-offs. Went shopping this morning in the city (it's Johns 50th birthday on Thursday 30th March). Elena and I went to loads of shops and spent a little too - nice to have a companion shopping for opinion (she helped me pick out John's present - she will have to keep it a secret too!). We almost got lost in the City, but luck as have it we found our way back to the bus location (by accident), realising the area we were in was not perhaps the best!. Back to the badminton - saw some of the bronze play offs - brilliant play by all; you have to be there to appreciate the nerves, the tension, and the fantastic atmosphere. Obviously there is the happy events, and the tears, so good to be able to congratulate everyone what ever they achieved. Tomorrow is the finals for Gold and Silver events, so intend to watch (after morning meetings). Then in the evening the closing ceremony - can't believe the time has gone so fast and we are looking toward our journey home. So much to share with everyone - small talk etc. Paul and Elena enjoying their limited time of freedom before training starts again. Everyone very happy. Angela Stuart.
Friday 24 March 2006 - we had a day of rest (if that's what we're allowed!). Three of our volunteers assigned to the Guernsey Team arranged our minibus and a car to take us out for the day to Torbay (a surfing outlet shopping area), then to Anglesea to a friend's beach/holiday home for BBQ lunch. Followed by swim and surf in the local beach. Similar temperature to local Gsy water, but a few degrees warmer (I got wet!). On the drive home we were taken to a golf course in Anglesea where kangaroos live in the woods in the heat of the day, but come out late afternoon to graze - amazing to see families of hoppers all over the place. Cuts the cost of green keepers too!! The group was the swimmers, plus me and Elena - a good group. The people here can't be more helpful, we have been made extremely welcome. Let's see what tomorrow may bring. Angela Stuart.
Thursday 23 March 2006 - after the match against Australia. We tried our best, but it was not to be this time. The Oz pair, ranked 15 in the world, were just out for the kill and with their home crowd behind them it was always going to be hard. Paul and Elena started slow against the Australians and didn't seem to get a good rally going in the first game, and were defending most shots. In the second game we stepped up a little and kept a more even score at the earlier points. The Oz attack was very effective. Paul & Elena didn't give up and we tried to get into double figures. Alas, was not to be on this occasion. I can only say that I'm very proud of both Paul and Elena for their commitment to the Games, for their training and good sportsmanship. Final score Australia 2 Guernsey 0 (21-5, 21-9). They have been a credit to both Guernsey Badminton and the Island - well done! Angela Stuart. (PS - saw George Foreman with his many security guards going into the boxing, which is at same venue as badminton - he's a big guy).
Thursday 23 March 2006 - our first morning of not having to get up early for a training session or a match, so making the most of the hot day to relax. Today 38-40c. Paul having a lie-in and Elena in the sun - me, I'm doing all the laundry! (A day in the life of a Team Manager!). Have been reflecting on yesterday's matches, both players pleased with their performance in their respective singles and together in their mixed games. Lots of support here for our two players, both from our own team and the locals. Tonight we are against Australia, who are ranked 7 in this event (and pretty high ranked in the world too). We are going to give our best shot! Thank you for your messages - will pass them all on to our players. All very excited about this evening's match. We are 5th or 6th match from the 4.30pm session, so could be any time from 5.30pm to 6.30pm depending on how long the previous matches take. With the new scoring system the games can last anything from 20 minutes plus. Will report back later after the match, have to get ready for the bus. Angela Stuart.
Wednesday 22 March 2006 - afternoon session (brief for now). Another very exciting afternoon/evening. Elena played her singles match against Singapore. Her first point was full of acrobatics on court and received much applause from the crowds. Elena played brilliantly, lots of power as well as gentle net play. The crowd also behind her - full of encouragement. Unfortunately it was not to be her day today, but she gave a fantastic performance on court. Final score Guernsey 0 Singapore 2 (21-13, 21-9). The Bailiff again in attendance to watch our young players. Elena was only given 30 minutes break, then she and Paul were on court for their second round mixed match against South Africa. What excitement! They started out very strong and continued in a brilliant match together, which they won 2-0. Guernsey through to the last 16 - well done Paul & Elena. Tomorrow early evening I believe will be against Australia, but will check that out in the morning. If they get through the next round they will be through to a quarter final. Late now so catch up tomorrow. Go Guernsey Go!!!! Angela Stuart.
Wednesday 22 March 2006 - Well, what an exciting morning. Paul & Elena played their first mixed match against Fiji. We had trained with them last week and felt we would get through this round. It was good to see them both playing well together and enjoying the match. Result Guernsey 2 Fiji 0 (21-8, 21-16). There was lots of crowd support to for Guernsey. Paul then had his second round singles against Singapore. Can only say I wish you were all here to see how brilliantly Paul played against another talented player. He fought for every point and deservedly won the second game. The first game was very much getting used to each other, but the Singapore lad had the upper hand for much of the time, with Paul giving him some very long rallies to deal with. The second game was a turn around and the crowd was very much behind Paul, applauding some fantastic winning shots. The third game started in Paul's favour, and he turned ends up at 11 points. A mistake followed shortly after, then the opposition took advantage of the next few points. Paul came back again, but alas lost the third game. Final score Singapore 2 Guernsey 1 (21-11, 8-21, 21-18). Can only say that Paul did us all proud and he had lots of congratulations from individuals in the crowd as well as in the public areas following the match - they very much wanted him to win too. Will report again later with details of Elena's singles and next round of their mixed together. Oh yes, we also caught up with Julie Haywood, she came and watched the matches this morning. She looks very well and round - expecting baby in July. The Bailiff and his wife also came to the Badminton Venue this morning to watch our players and spoke to us all. A lot of support all round. See above for afternoon session. Angela Stuart.
Tuesday 21 March 2006 - Go Guernsey Go!!! Well, I was nervous for the players! Paul won his first round match this morning against Kenya 21-8 21-14. We are playing the new scoring system which is best of 3 games to 21 points, scoring on each rally (for those who weren't aware). A good first round match for Paul - it's very hot under the lights and the shuttles seem a bit slow. Paul's second round tomorrow is against Singapore. It is a shame for Elena that she wasn't given a first round match too, as there are several girls here that she could have won a first round match if drawn against them. She has a bye to the second round and is against a girl from Singapore - we're going to give it our best all round! The fastest smash recorded last night in the mens doubles was 266kph. Will report more later, have to sort out some tickets for the squash people to come and see Paul and Elena tomorrow. Everyone supporting each other as their events finish. More news - Paul has been in touch with Julie Haywood from Guernsey, who now lives in Melbourne. I've got tickets so she's coming to watch tomorrow, Wednesday morning. It will be good to see her. If you look at the Melbourne 2006 website there are now photo's of the badminton Competition Venue as well as some action shots from recent games. More about the Village here - lots of street entertainers to keep us amused. In the 'International Zone' there is also big garden games - boules, four in a row, pick up sticks, chess - all giant size to add to the entertainment. Also deck-chairs to sit and watch the big screen in the open air. Getting hotter again here - about 24c today, expected to get to 30c by Thursday. Paul and Elena very much looking forward to tomorrow. Both players potentially could have 3 matches each tomorrow. Angela Stuart.
Monday 20 March 2006 - Last session at training venue before the start of the Individual Compeition tomorrow. I had booked a regular 10-12noon training slot daily so had no problems. Other Islands weren't so organised and turned up without a court! Aamir Gaffar (English singles player) was lost for a court, so we let him share our 2 courts that we share with the IOM. They make it look so easy when they train! Chatted a while with him about development of badminton. All the England Team players and coaches I've spoken to are very positive about progressing our young players with exposure on big events - something to work towards. The big Team final tonight, England v Malasia, so want to get early coach to watch - about 5.30pm. Have managed to get shuttles signed by some of the England players - something for our juniors to work for as a prize perhaps. Trying to get some signed photo's to bring back too. It's a nice sunny day here, so off to find a sheltered spot. Lots to look forward to. Angela Stuart.
Sunday 19 March 2006 - A bit behind (catching up on Monday). Paul and Elena had a lie in today as I had a 9am meeting at the Competition Venue. Changed our training time to 12-2pm, again together with the IOM guys. Their Manager/Coach/Player has been very helpful both with training and moral boosting. A late lunch back at the village, followed by household chores and paperwork (with an hour in the sun all thrown in while waiting for the laundry!). Back on the coach by 6pm to arrive at the Competition Venue in time for the start of the semi-finals of the Team Event. Both semi's were very close, as you will know if you saw it on the TV. Malasia were playing New Zealand and although won 3-1, the games were close and NZ never gave up. The England v India match was a bit nail biting. Nathan Robertson and Gail Emms won their mixed OK, but England then lost both singles. It was up to the men to level the match, which they did after long battling rallies. At 2 games all Gail then partnered Donna Kellog. With the new scoring system you cannot affort to make mistakes. The girls played well in the first game, but the India pair were gaining on them in the second. At 20-19 to the English girls the opposition served in the net to give the match and finals position to England. Serving is very important!!!! A late evening, but managed to catch up with some of the other Guernsey Team to see how everyone was doing - all happy even if no longer in their competition. Angela Stuart.
Saturday 18 March 2006 - Well, we finally have the individual draw, but no times for the games as yet. Meeting on Sunday morning to see if there are any last minute appeals or changes, before we start the individuals on Tuesday. Looking at the countries and different standard of players in the Team Event, Guernsey would not have been out of place if we were able to field a team. Training still going well each day. Also returned to the Competition Venue to watch the last round of matches for the Team Event. Australia and New Zealand were battling it out for top of their group (a bit of rivalry similar to the greens and the reds). New Zealand came out on top, so avoid playing Malasia in the forthcoming quarter or semi finals - that's probably going to be Australia's pleasure. The Team finals are on Monday evening here, and should be Malasia/England - a must to see. The village buses here also getting in the spirit of competition with messages on their illuminated signs like 'stay focussed' and 'go, go, go'. Met with some of the England players today too. All good experiences. Angela Stuart.
Friday 17 March 2006 - Still waiting for the draw for the individual events. There appears to have been problems with the world rankings. Now 2.30pm and have just received the rankings for any appeals before 5pm. We are told the draw will be complete tonight, so hopefully by tomorrow morning we will know who we will be up against. Another good training session this morning, again with the IOM pair. Both Paul & Elena playing well and appreciating the match practise, as well as training opportunities with different players. We hope to go to watch some of the badminton team event games tonight. Our accommodation here is great. The Guernsey Team has been allocated 2 large houses. There are only 6 of us girls, so we are all in singles or twin rooms upstairs in one house with 2 bathrooms. Downstairs in our house we have the bowlers, 2 shooters, and triathletes, again with 3 bathrooms. Owen is in charge at the bottom of the stairs! The other house contains the remaining men; Paul, the swimmers, cyclists, squash, 2 clay shooters, & several bathrooms. David Harry is the leader in the boys' house. Everyone is in and out at different times of the day either training or competing so we try and catch up in the lounge areas of either house at some time to share information. Cloudy here today, but still warm. Eveyone here very encouraging and positive. Angela Stuart.
Thursday 16 March 2006 - What a fantastic Opening Ceremony last night - hope you all had the opportunity to see it on TV. The Team were all pleased that Alan Rowe accepted the position as Flag Bearer, he is a great athlete to lead us all out. The Melbourne Cricket Ground is the biggest arena I've ever seen and was filled with thousands of people. The Queen and her party were there, and our Guernsey families were quite close the Royal Box. It was good to see the Guernsey flags flying in the crowds. The firework display was spectacular, although we were underneath the falling debris! We've been picking bits out of our hair and clothes since! A late night followed by early morning training. Paul and Elena trained this morning with two IOM men (Alan & Matt). They played very well together and beat the 2 men several games - getting used to the new scoring system too. Both players then had lunch with the Queen. Elena was very fortunate to sit next to the Duke of Edinburgh throughout lunch on one of the 'top' tables. They both enjoyed a steak lunch followed by cheese. Elena informed me that Prince Philip declined the cheese having given it up for lent - someone didn't do their homework very well! The Guernsey Squash player, Chris Simpson, was playing is second round match in the evening so we all went along to support him. Chris ranked 122 and his Canadian opponent ranked 23 in the world. Chris played as well as his opponent and didn't give up on a single point. Unfortunately his lost, but the applause at the end was definitely for him. He has a following of young squash enthusiasts who swamped him for autographs at the end of his match. Chris's Manager, Peter Bridgeman, calls them his 'Simpets'. A wonderful team spirit between everyone. Angela Stuart.
Wednesday 15 March 2006 - Best morning training session yet for Paul & Elena. Good skills & fitness work. Jet lag & illness put behind us and concentrating on the task ahead. We expect a late night tonight at the Opening Ceremony so taking the afternoon to catch up and rest. All looking forward to tonight. Angela Stuart.
Tuesday 14 March 2006 - Another good day training at the Competition Venue. England were just finishing their training as we arrived - saw Gail Emms, Nathan Robertson, Robert Blair, Tracey Hallam all training and had a chat with the England Manager. Unfortunately, they were not available to give our pair a game, so we settled with more practise games against the Fiji Team (and won). Both Paul and Elena had more singles match play too. We have no more allocation at the Competition Venue as the Team Event starts on Thursday, so are returning to the Altona Badminton Centre each day to continue training sessions. We have a busy day tomorrow so may not be able to report again until after the Opening Ceremony. Local time here in Australia the Ceremony is to be at 8pm Wednesday 15 March, so that's Wednesday morning Guernsey time. Team Guernsey is due to be the 4th country on parade. We'll all wave and be thinking of you all back home. Angela Stuart.
Monday 13 March 2006 - OK so it rained over night, but as some of the rooms were like being in a sauna it was most welcome. A few showers this morning, but sunny again this afternoon about 22c. Paul and Elena trained in the Competition Venue today, Melbourne Exhibition Centre. There is also boxing and weightlifting taking place here. The badminton area has 5 match courts plus 2 training courts. We were allocated our practice session alongside Fiji and Trinidad & Tobago. After Paul & Elena's own training they played a mixed match against the Fiji top pair and won, then Paul played some singles against both country's players. They both welcomed the match practice, and a bonus that it was in the competition venue. BBC Spotlight Jersey were also there filming, and interviewed both our players. Keep an eye on the TV. Unfortunately Elena is suffering with a bit of illness so has been advised to take it easy apart from training. They are both representing Guernsey very well and we are all making new friends and meeting up with old friends. We have all been given local cards for our mobiles with new numbers, but we check for messages at appropriate times of the day. I am delighted to report that Paul and Elena were accepted by the Guernsey Team Management to have lunch with the Queen on Thursday, representing the Island Sports. An update on the volunteers - I was informed late last night that there are about 16,000 volunteers, and they all work incredibly hard to help with the smooth running of all aspects of the Games. Bye for now. Angela Stuart.
Sunday 12 March 2006 - another early training session start - just my luck! Paul & Elena doing well and getting used to playing in the heat. As it happened it has been very hot today, so was good to train early. Forecast 38c and feels like it. Have the rest of the day free of training to catch up on sleep, relax and explore (and paperwork of course). The city is about 15 minutes away so that is a possibility. The village is filling up very fast now. The England Team arrived today after spending 2 weeks at a training camp to acclimatize. Everyone here is very friendly and helpful. The Guernsey Team has been provided with 3 permanent volunteers to assist wherever possible. There is entertainment and activities in the village, which feels very safe and security is extremely tight. Athletes train what seems like throughout the night when it's cooler as we hear runners on the streets at all times. Yesterday I saw a team of boxers in full track suits training in the street at 3pm in about 34c - I was hot just watching them in my shorts & t-shirt. Tomorrow we go to the Competition Venue (Melbourne Exhibition Centre) for the first time, together with a training session. The whole team getting on well and helping each other. A good atmosphere all round. Angela Stuart.
Saturday 11 March 2006 - our first official training session was at 8am, so it was an early coach at 7am. The training venue is about 30 minutes journey (Altona Badminton Centre). There are 12 semi-sprung floor courts, and the venue has trainers & medics if needed. Back to the village for late brunch. The food hall caters for all - there is so much choice and everyone is very helpful. We had our official Welcome Ceremony at 12noon and were supplied with umbrellas (not for rain). They were very welcome! The officials were concerned we may get too burnt or pass out. We were honoured with the presence of Prince Edward at our Welcome Ceremony. Back on the coach at 1pm for second training session of the day. Much hotter now in the venue. All well here. Angela Stuart.