With the inevitability of any tour, we reached the day of the serious match.
The team started as normal with the busy loading of vans at 7, followed by a 7.30 invasion of the breakfast restaurant. Copious helpings of toast, muffins, scrambled eggs, bacon and sausage, together with fruits, juices, and some more exotic accompaniments such as curried chicken were consumed by the team.
Hence, with bulging pockets of supplies for lunch, we headed off to the range for the published start of 10am.
Unfortunately, due to another bus malfunction (not one of ours) this was pushed back, but the teams utilised the time well to check kit and stay cool. At roughly 11am we kicked off the first of the ranges at 300 yards. We had two teams, Red and White. Red took an early lead overall in fairly benign conditions.
Moving back to 500 yards the winds proved more challenging and the West Indies pulled a few points back against England Red, with White improving considerably but still knowing work needed to be done. On to 600, where a strong wind proved to be readable enough for both teams to record good performances.
Whilst we have been on tour acclimatising for almost three weeks, it is worth mentioning that we have found the conditions really tough. So much so, that one team member who performed admirably during the match, required some medical intervention immediately afterwards due to heat exhaustion. It is really challenging to cope in the heat, and all credit to both teams for their performance. A huge team effort.
Obviously, we have had excellent support from our sponsors, the Anniou tops have been well worn across the team, helping to keep us cool. Coupled with our SWATCOM hats we have been well protected. Fancy stuff.
Finally the results were announced…
6th – WI “Pure Vibes” – 1029.40
5th – WI “C” – 1061.41
4th – England “White” – 1127.65
3rd – WI “A” – 1130.71
2nd – WI “B” – 1133.71
1st – England “Red” – 1149.88
Full stats can be found here
England Red Top Guns – Alex Sadler and Nigel Stangroom 146.09, with Alex taking the honours on countback.
England White Top Gun – Ellie Hoolahan – 145.11
For the White Team, David Colegate scored a fancy 50.6 at 300 yards: not bad on ICFRA targets!
Honorable mention is also made of our Adj and armourer, Adam, who at this point has fixed many more international rifles than English ones.
Following an intense but very successful shirt swapping episode, the team packed up rifles and kit, and said our goodbyes.
Whilst we waited for him we played a game of “how did the marmalade get there?” and determined why Mr Colegate should never play poker.
Back on the road and off to “The Hut” on Little Jumby Island… and definitely nothing like Jabba.
Access is via an ornate Roman style villa from which you board a boat and are whisked across the bay to the island. We were escorted to our private beach and fed a selection of “salad” and “protein”. The penultimate lollipop session was completed, wines toasted to everyone under the sun, and good food had.
The captain once again graced us with some kind words before plunging into the sea in suitably fashionable attire.
Back to the hotel, via the quiet post-election Antigua streets once again, and off to bed.
Lollipops awarded: 12
Lollipops to date: 70