The morning after the night before… the final training session that is!

We had our final training session last night at the indoor centre where we collected a few more items of kit, confirmed travel details and did a media session with the BBC (photos and interviews). Adding in of course the normal banter associated with any tour, whether or not it is any coarser than any other international cricket team remains to be seen, regardless we wouldn’t want our wives, daughters or boss present.

When Andy Cornford and Keith Greenfield first got involved with coaching the national side they were absolutely stunned at the level of micky taking but also how well everyone got on. On occasions in years gone by the fun and games had traveled with us on to the pitch, however now we are all a bit more aware, but no less relentless when the opportunity arises. I dish it out but I kop more than my fair share trust me! All of the other guys that have been over and worked with us have loved it especially Murray Goodwin who I think it is fair to say has some shared common values with the Guernsey boys. It’s a small island and if we didn’t get on it would be a problem. Truth be told everyone is looking forward to the cricket but also each others’ company which is a great sign.

The management has been down sizing… they’ve actually had to order new kit because of weight loss! Across the board everyone is fitter than for any other tournament we’ve been to and a lot of the guys haven’t had a beer since the Jersey game. Ben Ferbrache scored his first century on Saturday against Argylls which was great for him and us as we know everyone will need to be performing over the next two weeks. Generally the timing of the tournament for us is perfect as we are coming out of our own season. Thus everyone is playing and hitting loads of balls, mentally too people are in cricket mode which puts us in a strong position.

As always there will be those that are less happy as we get on the plane on Sunday. The wives, girlfriends and children are no doubt less enamored with us being away, but whilst they’d prefer us home they recognize how important this trip and other trips are for ourselves, cricket in the Island and Guernsey as a community. I wonder how many people around the World had no idea where Guernsey was until we started playing ICC cricket?

Probably the most accommodating woman on the Island is Kate Le Prevost who gave birth to baby Edward who will be two and a half weeks old went Daddy (Stu) gets on the plane. Selflessly I offered my wife Chantelle to Kate to help with any nappy changing, feeding, cleaning or cooking she may need a hand with, whatever the time, day or night. A pretty generous offer I think. I can hear Kate and Chantelle, deprived of sleep, slating us relentlessly over a bottle of rose, warm baby milk, Cow & Gate and dirty nappies… whilst Stu and I sit pool side with a long glass of something tropical. We will be thinking of them!