Well all good things must come to and end and we are now home after our trip. An exhausted tour group arrived back at KGS after a long, tiring journey at 3.30PM. I am sure all would agree that this an amazing trip as we reflect from the much cooler British climate that greeted our arrival. I hope you have all enjoyed the blog and hope it will live long in the memory.
We intend putting together a memento of the trip when we return to school in September which will contain photos, sketches and thoughts of the group as well as a copy of the blog. Watch this space!
Many thanks for all your comments over the last two weeks!
MR D
Saturday, 17 July 2010
Wednesday, 14 July 2010
Day 14: Tourist for the day, Rhys Williams
The tourists for the day boarded the bus and set off for their tour of the island. The first stop was the Concord waterfall which is set in the hills of Grenada. Opportunities were provided to take photos of the stunning scenery and chances to walk in the calm water. This calm water however suddenly turned into rough water as Benny MC took a tumble!
The next visit for the tourists was to a spice plantation where we learned about how different spices such as coco, nutmeg and cinnamon are grown. If any are interested apparently the plantation is up for sale at 25 million East Caribbean Dollars if anyone has some spare cash to spend. (Mr Harrison is checking his finances) After a visit here we visited a nutmeg processing plant where we had the chance to see how spices are taken out of their shells and then to be distributed to various places around the world.
After this it was time for the typical Caribbean lunch of chicken and rice in the stunning scenery where the Caribbean Sea meets up with the Atlantic Ocean and the island of Carriacou in the background. After a brief thunderstorm the boys moved onto see a rum distillery where we were shown how it is made. The boys were allowed to taste some of the rum that is made here ranging from 16% alcohol to 75% alcohol. There was also chances to purchase some of the products which many of the boys did, including Mr.Duncan who decided to purchase 4 bottles!
The tour party then moved onto their last stop where they visited the Grand Etang nature reserve. Again photos were taken of the scenery that surrounded us. We were also greeted by two monkeys one of which decided to jump onto Marcus Eaton's head and the the other one onto Mr. Harrison's head which also took a sweet off him during the process. The party now looks forward to their last evening on the island and then heading back to the UK tomorrow night.
The next visit for the tourists was to a spice plantation where we learned about how different spices such as coco, nutmeg and cinnamon are grown. If any are interested apparently the plantation is up for sale at 25 million East Caribbean Dollars if anyone has some spare cash to spend. (Mr Harrison is checking his finances) After a visit here we visited a nutmeg processing plant where we had the chance to see how spices are taken out of their shells and then to be distributed to various places around the world.
After this it was time for the typical Caribbean lunch of chicken and rice in the stunning scenery where the Caribbean Sea meets up with the Atlantic Ocean and the island of Carriacou in the background. After a brief thunderstorm the boys moved onto see a rum distillery where we were shown how it is made. The boys were allowed to taste some of the rum that is made here ranging from 16% alcohol to 75% alcohol. There was also chances to purchase some of the products which many of the boys did, including Mr.Duncan who decided to purchase 4 bottles!
The tour party then moved onto their last stop where they visited the Grand Etang nature reserve. Again photos were taken of the scenery that surrounded us. We were also greeted by two monkeys one of which decided to jump onto Marcus Eaton's head and the the other one onto Mr. Harrison's head which also took a sweet off him during the process. The party now looks forward to their last evening on the island and then heading back to the UK tomorrow night.
Tuesday, 13 July 2010
Day 13: Captain Galley reflects on yet another victory
The final game in Grenada, the fifth victory.
For only the second time on tour I won the toss and elected to bat. We started our innings slowly facing the quickest bowler we have come across in all the games. He seemed to knock our confidence by taking 4 of our top 6 wickets. The top score in the top 6 batsmen was 8 runs, however this joy for the opposition was short-lived when Will Roper and Marcus Mollinga entered the crease. Both scored respectably and scored 28 and 27 runs respectably, which brought our total to 109. We felt at this stage that we were quite some runs short of what we had hoped for but nevertheless the boys worked very hard in the bowling and fielding which clinched our fifth victory on tour bowling them out for just 77.
After a few trades with the younger players in the opposition we set off back to the Gem Beach Resort for a relaxing evening in the sea followed by yet another lovely meal in the hotel restaurant. We are all glad that the hard work is now over and are looking forward to the island safari and the final day trip to the capital St. George's for half a day of shopping before the long journey home.
See you soon
Galley & Marcus E
For only the second time on tour I won the toss and elected to bat. We started our innings slowly facing the quickest bowler we have come across in all the games. He seemed to knock our confidence by taking 4 of our top 6 wickets. The top score in the top 6 batsmen was 8 runs, however this joy for the opposition was short-lived when Will Roper and Marcus Mollinga entered the crease. Both scored respectably and scored 28 and 27 runs respectably, which brought our total to 109. We felt at this stage that we were quite some runs short of what we had hoped for but nevertheless the boys worked very hard in the bowling and fielding which clinched our fifth victory on tour bowling them out for just 77.
After a few trades with the younger players in the opposition we set off back to the Gem Beach Resort for a relaxing evening in the sea followed by yet another lovely meal in the hotel restaurant. We are all glad that the hard work is now over and are looking forward to the island safari and the final day trip to the capital St. George's for half a day of shopping before the long journey home.
See you soon
Galley & Marcus E
Day 13: Westerhall all in a spin in last match of the tour
In the final game of the tour Kirkham travelled to La Sagresse to play Westerhall Secondary School. A team had been selected to give some players the opportunity to bowl and/or bat again given the amount of appearances on tour, the number of overs previously bowled or the number of times batted.
In yet another 35 over match Kirkham elected to bat and made a reasonable start against strong opening bowlers (20 for 0 off 4 overs). However, when the bowlers found more line and length, wickets started to fall. Some poor feet movement and shot selection opened the door for the bowlers to take command. Only Will Roper (27) took the bowlers to task and when he was joined by Marcus Mollinga with seven wickets down the score remained well below a hundred. Nevertheless, these two pushed along and although Marcus was offered little support after the fall of Roper, at least the final total passed the hundred barrier.
This looked too little to defend, particularly as the openers for Westerhall looked composed and threatening. However a wicket in the seventh over (Baybutt) halted the Westerhall progress. As Baybutt and Vaughan were finishing their spells, Ryan suddenly found a great line and length and claimed three wickets in two overs. Now five wickets down it was the perfect opportunity for the spinners to mop up. With Wilson at one end claiming 3 wickets, and Whalley at the other claiming two, the game slid into the hands of the Kirkham side and victory was clinched in the 26th over with Westerhall stranded on 77, some 35 runs short of victory.
This was a fantastic turn around and reflects Kirkham's spirit and determination throughout the tour. Five wins out of seven is a remarkable achievement. Well done to all the squad and staff on this success.
In yet another 35 over match Kirkham elected to bat and made a reasonable start against strong opening bowlers (20 for 0 off 4 overs). However, when the bowlers found more line and length, wickets started to fall. Some poor feet movement and shot selection opened the door for the bowlers to take command. Only Will Roper (27) took the bowlers to task and when he was joined by Marcus Mollinga with seven wickets down the score remained well below a hundred. Nevertheless, these two pushed along and although Marcus was offered little support after the fall of Roper, at least the final total passed the hundred barrier.
This looked too little to defend, particularly as the openers for Westerhall looked composed and threatening. However a wicket in the seventh over (Baybutt) halted the Westerhall progress. As Baybutt and Vaughan were finishing their spells, Ryan suddenly found a great line and length and claimed three wickets in two overs. Now five wickets down it was the perfect opportunity for the spinners to mop up. With Wilson at one end claiming 3 wickets, and Whalley at the other claiming two, the game slid into the hands of the Kirkham side and victory was clinched in the 26th over with Westerhall stranded on 77, some 35 runs short of victory.
This was a fantastic turn around and reflects Kirkham's spirit and determination throughout the tour. Five wins out of seven is a remarkable achievement. Well done to all the squad and staff on this success.
Day 12: From Behind the Screens by Guest Blogger, Mr Sean Wilkinson
Concrete to wooden box, concrete to wooden box, back to concrete back to wooden box, as I ascended the grandstand. The grand and modern, National Stadium, finds it's self hemmed in between, the sparkling Caribbean Sea, the green tropical hillsides, clad with stilted gingerbread houses as it's older, more distinguished cousin which houses Grenada football and athletics falls into disrepair and dilapidation ever since Ivan failed to take it's life back in 2004. The two extremes sum up Grenada.
As I stand next to the Gods', I am so high up. I look over a mixture of the Island's historical colonial past, more recent troubled revolution and the devastation hurricane Ivan brought to these parts, I wonder how the future is looking for these friendly, hospitable and fun loving Islanders'? Times are tough, however, "We'll be alright man"
A cheer followed by "ooohs" and "aaarghs" from the middle, woke me from my daydream, another catch hits the bermuda, as a large Caribbean cloud casts it's welcome shadow over the arena. The stench of unwashed bodies and sweat soaked kit from the combatants slowly rising from the field as the sun reappears from behind it's guardians' the clouds....
Right! That was for Mr Watson and my Father, showing that an education at KGS was 'aint' not waisted????
Today was a total change in quality of venue and performance. Saturday's game was played on a goat herder's pasture, with the remnants of 'Tenko' as a pavilion, way, way up in the hills oh Morne Jalloux....
I have decided along with 'Dave Grenada' , my driver and all round good coconut (egg), to give the lads a little cultural education, other than that on the cricket field. Only if they win tomorrow mind you!!!
Dave & I have worked hard this week making various trips to lots of local Granadian Establishments, on and off the beaten track, that in my opinion, will no doubt "educate the whole person". Risk assessment have been done & 5 local Rum Shops have passed our quality control inspections!!!! Good luck tomorrow in your last game!!!!! A 'Winning Tour' is a happy tour.........
When touring with KGS back in the 80's, there were no blogs!! We used to write our postcards before we left!!!!
What went in tour always stayed on tour!!!!!!!
Sean 'Alright Man' Wilky
Master In Charge of Local Hospitality...
As I stand next to the Gods', I am so high up. I look over a mixture of the Island's historical colonial past, more recent troubled revolution and the devastation hurricane Ivan brought to these parts, I wonder how the future is looking for these friendly, hospitable and fun loving Islanders'? Times are tough, however, "We'll be alright man"
A cheer followed by "ooohs" and "aaarghs" from the middle, woke me from my daydream, another catch hits the bermuda, as a large Caribbean cloud casts it's welcome shadow over the arena. The stench of unwashed bodies and sweat soaked kit from the combatants slowly rising from the field as the sun reappears from behind it's guardians' the clouds....
Right! That was for Mr Watson and my Father, showing that an education at KGS was 'aint' not waisted????
Today was a total change in quality of venue and performance. Saturday's game was played on a goat herder's pasture, with the remnants of 'Tenko' as a pavilion, way, way up in the hills oh Morne Jalloux....
I have decided along with 'Dave Grenada' , my driver and all round good coconut (egg), to give the lads a little cultural education, other than that on the cricket field. Only if they win tomorrow mind you!!!
Dave & I have worked hard this week making various trips to lots of local Granadian Establishments, on and off the beaten track, that in my opinion, will no doubt "educate the whole person". Risk assessment have been done & 5 local Rum Shops have passed our quality control inspections!!!! Good luck tomorrow in your last game!!!!! A 'Winning Tour' is a happy tour.........
When touring with KGS back in the 80's, there were no blogs!! We used to write our postcards before we left!!!!
What went in tour always stayed on tour!!!!!!!
Sean 'Alright Man' Wilky
Master In Charge of Local Hospitality...
Monday, 12 July 2010
Day 12: Kirkham claim series win in National Stadium
As the tour heads towards the final furlong KGS gave the Presentation Boys School in Grenada a lesson in line and length. The Presentation boys elected to bat first on a hot and humid day as showers hovered overhead. A few early wides soon gave way to consistent line and length as no fewer than seven bowlers turned their arm over. The pitch itself had very little pace and Adam Galley as skipper wisely used three slow bowlers to good effect. The middle overs of McCarthy and Wilson strangled the Presentation boys of many scoring opportunities and both finished with wickets in trying playing conditions. The innings was wrapped up by the impressive Brookes who came on at the death to claim three wickets in five miserly overs.
Chasing a modest 97 runs for victory in 35 overs on paper seems quite straightforward. The high temperature of wearing a helmet has certainly been uncomfortable for all batsmen. The Kirkham reply was soon underway and both Mollinga and Jones scored freely at the wicket. An opening partnership of 65 all but sealed victory. Mollinga's 37 emphasized the outstanding tour he has had with the bat as runs flowed in all directions. The target or 98 was reached for just the loss of three wickets and another resounding win on tour.
Chasing a modest 97 runs for victory in 35 overs on paper seems quite straightforward. The high temperature of wearing a helmet has certainly been uncomfortable for all batsmen. The Kirkham reply was soon underway and both Mollinga and Jones scored freely at the wicket. An opening partnership of 65 all but sealed victory. Mollinga's 37 emphasized the outstanding tour he has had with the bat as runs flowed in all directions. The target or 98 was reached for just the loss of three wickets and another resounding win on tour.
Sunday, 11 July 2010
Day 11: Catamaran Chill-out - Guest blogger, Matthew Bennett
The day started with the usual wake up from the teachers at 8 o'clock for an 8:15 breakfast. After breakfast the boys boarded the bus to the beach where we were to meet our catamaran. After a short wait the boat arrived and we set sail. Immediately the boys were getting drenched,not by the sea water as you would expect, but by a huge rain cloud that hovered overhead. Many of the lads ran for cover in the cabin or under the shelter but there were a few that decided to withstand the heavy rain. As the cloud passed over, the boys relaxed on the hulls of the trimaran. A few waves came over the bow of the boat drenching the lads and those that had run for cover from the rain did not seem so smart after all. After an hour of sailing around the southern tip of the island, we dropped anchor and collected snorkeling gear for a swim in the sea. We spotted many fish around the coral we were anchored at and also some sea urchins (warnings were given to Jake Wilson following his recent encounter with a sea urchin). We all returned to the boat and motored to a beach where we were to have lunch. As the boat beached on the shoreline, the lads all hopped off into the shallow water. This was followed by Mr Duncan who, as he landed, lost his balance on landing and fell face first into the water. As the laughter from the boys calmed down, Mr Harrison also followed in the same manner falling straight into the water. This was one of the comedy moments of the tour. After a buffet lunch on the beach we set sail on our return to the hotel. As we headed out to sea, we were hit head on from some Atlantic rollers, one of which swamped the team and sent Marcus Eaton overboard. After a quick response from the captain to jump in and assist Marcus back on board, the boys were amused by the incident as they were assured of his safety. We returned to our hotel after another swim in the sea and a birthday song for Harrison Moulding.
All the boys look forward to tomorrow's match at the Grenada National Stadium.
All the boys look forward to tomorrow's match at the Grenada National Stadium.
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