VICTORIA LAIRD COLTS UNDER 14s
EUR-SPORTRING TOURNAMENT APRIL 06/07
TROFEO MEDITERRANEO TOURNAMENT
CALELLA SPAIN
We left victoria park 6.30am by coach on route to John Lennon airport 44 people all present.Except one who shall remain nameless but with a passport two years out of date first big decision do we carry on and take him, yes we do. Arrive at the airport board the plane at 8.30am Ryan air bound for Gerona, Spain. We got our illeagle imigrant through customs and on to the plane. Two hour flight we land in Spain. We get through passport control, two glances at the out of date passport but through we go. Executive coach meets us and one hour journey to our hotel Olimpic in Calella. Rooms sorted we all go to checkout the town. Some thing to eat then we found a nice little taverna for a few drinks then off to the hotel waiting for the next day and the start of the tournament. Picked up early by coach and off to the ground two games to play in a group of four teams, one game the next day and the remainder on the last day. We played in a group with teams from France, Italy, Sweden and Denmark. First up were Bjorkenas-pukaviks I.F. 1957, A good game but a dissappointing result narrowly beaten 1-0.
Next game Italians G.S. Lombardina 1969 better result 1-1 draw, but the italians went on to win the tournament a goal from Billy took us into the lead but we could'nt hold on and they scored to draw the match. The facilities very good ,pitches excellent, and the weather very hot. Back to the hotel by coach meal few drinks then bed down for the night. Next day picked up 11.30am to play the French in Tordera a spanish 3rd division league ground impressive, seats, stands and an artificial grass pitch. Fontaines Club Toulouse, this was a good game plenty of goals and missed chances from both teams, we went 2-0 down back to 2-2, then
3-2 up, then a good display by the french striker to score 2 great goals in the final minutes of the game the winner coming in injury time. Our goals scored by Joel, Josh and John. Back to the hotel. Swimming, sunbathing or a game of pool. A few of the lads and parents watching the premier league games on the t.v. The final day of the tournament, back to our first venue to play our final game, this time Herstedoster Idreaets 1920 from Denmark. I think we are suffering sunstroke as we go 2-0 down, we get back in the game with two good goals from Aaron and Karl final score 2-2 and into a penalty shoot out. We pick our five players Aaron steps up to take the first, keeper makes a good save we score our next four Luke,Karl,Joel and John. They miss one over the bar, then Danny pulls off a brilliant save to take the game. We did'nt gain enough points to go further, but the standard of teams were very good and very physical and the refs let alot go. Although it was pleaseing to get a 1-1 draw with the winners of the tournament G.S.Lombardina from Italy as they had beaten every team they had played. Back to the Hotel, more recreational activities. Our final day Sunday, a few of us travel to Barcalona on the train to visit the Nou Camp Barclona's home ground. We arrive after about an hour and a half on to the streets of the city which are quite deserted as it is a Sunday. We ask who we think is a local for directions only to find the only Italian tourist in the city who speaks no english or spanish. We carry on and find the stadium what an impressive sight, 11 euroes to get in. The ground and museum outstanding its something you won't forget. A good few hours spent looking round, then back to Calella in time to make our return journey to Gerona airport for our 10.15pm flight back home. Can we get our refugee out going through check in the line is stopped the check in sign pops up closed some moans from the other passengers as the supervisor is summoned, bit of excitment but our man is allowed through to the departure lounge. We fly out 10. 45pm everyone on board the plane. Arrive Victoria park 1.00am. The squad were a credit to the club on and off the pitch and I am sure all the parents that went had a great time. A big thankyou to Brian for all the organising that was needed for what was another memorable trip abroad for the under 14s.
