GENEVA TOURNAMENT JUNE 2002
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The sun shone resplendenly against the cold, brutish facade of the Airport terminal. But this was sanctuary. A sanctuary which would consume the heat and fatigue of the slow sojourn across the land. ...and of course it had a Burger King. Karon Nicol arrived trying desperately to conceal her concern for what we were about to embark on... or did she always look like that? Fond farewells and good wishes and we were soon on our way. The few first time flying nerves were soon dispelled amongst the chatter and humour and London faded into insignificance behind us. Our baggage accounted for in record time and the friendly face of Andy Hill was waiting to greet us. We were whisked off to Bernex by coach where we took up our residence in the regal and majestic surroundings of the Hotel D’ La Nuclear Bunker. | 
What did you say we were here for again?
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DAY TWO - FRIDAY
The darkest echelons of the tomb seemed distant in the warm rays of the sun. Everyone paused to consume the morning ether. Penfold displaced the stillness of that perfect morn. "By eck... it’s bloody ‘ot" With those immortal words, Foluke and Mary were sent for sun cream. We wound our way through leafy village to the stadium for our first training session. This would be our first chance to kick a ball, have a bit of fun and start to get to know each other. The first game of the tournament began after lunch. The squad took up their position on a grassy embankment to take in the tense atmosphere and excitement that unfolded. The squad were told the of the starting line-up and there were nerves aplenty. A brilliant individual goal by Kevin Mitchell saw the English side take a shock 1 - 0 lead against the very skillful Junior Bernex team. The Juniors drew level through a very sloppy goal and we finished the game more than happy to cling on to the point. Schtroumpfs 1 England Gateway 0 | ||||||||||
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DAY THREE - SATURDAY
The trolley bus wound it’s way through the pictorial suburbs like a glistening, silvery serpent....... although the tram was more white.... with some red trim.... and maybe a hint of yellow. We had decided on a fleeting visit into the city in order to procure a few souvenirs and post cards. After prizing Clifford away from the friends he had made on the tram (the tart) we strolled down to the harbour in search of the usual "Tat" shops. Forty minutes later, we were back on the tram to Bernex to get ready for our first match of the day. The Hungarians were still at customs when the Gateway team strode into an early 2 - 0. Budapest pulled a goal back in the second half but Gateway held on for their first win of the tournament. A very credible 1 -1 draw against Bale kept the momentum going. These being the tournaments eventual winners. The final game of the day was against the French team from Saverne. Staunch rivals from Germany ‘99. An inspiring team talk preceded the game which filled the hearts and souls of every player ("If you lose this, I’ll kill ya"). It must have worked because the team was on fire. Not even the referee could have saved the French from this exhilarating performance. We were awe struck.... we were exuberant ...... we were crying. Bale (Switzerland) 1 Gateway 1 Saverne (France) 0 Gateway 3 |
‘Scholes’
Faster than a speeding train
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The Welsh lend their support
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DAY FOUR - SUNDAY We past the chocolate box cottages with their fuchsia beds and Rose gardens for the final time. The air was scented with Geraniums and the freshness that comes with the fall of rain. It was our last morning stroll up the stadium and although there was still excitement for the unfolding day, there was also a tinge of sadness. The games started early with a 10am kick off against FOA Belgique. This was another very tough game but the boys (and girl) stuck to their task and produced another brilliant performance, running out 2 - 1 victors. Draws against Westfriezen and Le Fayet finished off our group programme and meant that we had only lost one game. Westfriezen (Holland) 0 Gateway 0 Le Fayet (France) 1 Gateway 1 La Morgette were our opponents in the play off final for 7th and 8th place. The game was played at a fast and furious pace with Scholes putting Gateway in front with a typical Maradonna "Hand Of God" goal. Morgette equalised in similarly acrimonious circumstances to take the tie into a dreaded Penalty shoot-out. In the best traditions of England and pentaly shoot-outs…. We lost! La Morgette won 7 - 5 on Penalties The end of tournament party was an emotive night for all. It was the final chance to lift a glass to the many friendships and recount the awesome weekend. We were all touched by the benevolence and good wished bestowed on us by the many teams and their representatives. | |||
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DAY FIVE - MONDAY For some reason, this mornings wake up call was not received with the same uncompromised enthusiasm as on previous days. We said our fond farewell to the Welsh team and headed for the airport, still wiping the sleep from our eyes. We landed at Luton and the team gathered in a hushed silence as we waited for our luggage. To our total surprise, myself and Becks were then presented with a gift from the team.... we were filling up!. (much to the amusement of the gathering crowd). It was a lovelty thought which finished off a great trip. The hardest thing about the weekend, was having to saying goodbye.
Mark Summers
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