The final took place between Fourques OL, who had been lucky to win against both Diamonds and ESA Brive in penalty shootouts in the quarter and semi finals respectively after being outplayed in each, and ES Cannet Rocheville who had beaten Diamonds 1-0 on the first day. Once again Fourques were outplayed but just when it looked as though the match would go to penalties Fourques broke away to score the winner against the run of play to claim the trophy. Not sure whether to put their win down to good fortune, tactical acumen or a combination of the two. It would have been great to see how Diamonds would have fared against Brive and ES Cannet had they achieved the result their play deserved.
A presentation followed the final and all participants received a plaque and each team were given a trophy reflecting their finishing position. In addition to the medals and trophy for 5th place Diamonds had the honour of being presented with the Fair Play Award in recognition of their excellent sportmanship - well done lads.
We stayed at the stadium for dinner and while waiting a dads v lads match got underway. It was noticeable that the majority of dads took up positions which mirrored their son's position in the lads team (there must be some psychological explanation). The dads were given able assistance by some of our hosts and I am sure that we won in the end! Although the lads had received one or two minor knocks during the tournament the worst injury occurred in this impromptu match. One of the dads was working his way down the touchline when he pulled up and looked behind him to see who had kicked him from behind. Although Clarky was not too far away he had not touched the dad and it was clear that a calf muscle had been torn. We all hope the dad makes a speedy recovery.
Just when we thought the entertainment had come to an end a match which was taking place between two local adult teams turned into a complete free for all. Apparently it turned out that most of the fighting was taking place between team mates from the same team following an ongoing family dispute. Our lads were not at any risk but our hosts, who were suitably embarassed, thought it best to get us away and back to our accommodation right away.
Once back at the accommodation 12 lads piled into a chalet for five and the parents all congregated on the verandah to while away the rest of the evening - we did have to exhaust the beer stocks before leaving in the morning!
The lads managed to get a final swim in the pool in their shorts (it was too early for the commandant) while the parents completed the packing for the return trip home. Prior to leaving the accommodation we had to stand to attention while all barracks were checked to make sure that we had not rifled any crockery or cutlery. We passed with flying colours and the trip home could get underway.
It was a really enjoyable trip and the weather was superb throughout. We had to endure brilliant sunshine and blue sky, although there was a pleasant cooling breeze, and the temperature during the day must have been in excess of 75F. It did cool down during the evening and was bitterly cold overnight on a couple of occasions. The only time the sun wasn't shining was on the Sunday evening around the time of the presentation and it rained for all of 5 minutes.
It was a great experience for the lads, both on and off the pitch, and playing in front of a stand holding a few hundred people can only benefit them in the future. The lads were well behaved throughout and were a credit to everyone especially themselves. They performed well overall on the pitch and were unfortunate not to make the top four where I am sure they would have given a good account of themselves. Congratulations lads.
I am sure that all the lads and parents enjoyed themselves and the trip was a valuable experience on many fronts. Hopefully it will not be too long before we can organise a similar venture.
Many thanks go to: David Woods, Kingy & Burkey, Woolton Gold for the loan of their kit and everyone else who contributed towards raising funds, organising and helping out on the trip.
Special thanks go to: our hosts in France who were fantastic and went out of their way to ensure that we were looked after.
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