LATEST FROM SRI LANKA

10 April 2007

SRI LANKA UPDATE

Back in internet range now after being up country in the jungle!!

The tour gets even better with our visit to Sigiriya!

We arrived near the Rock to eat a typical Sri Lankan lunch in the traditional Sri Lankan way - with your right hand!! This was the best food I have tasted for a long time!! The boys loved eating with their fingers!

The balance of the trip between 'boy activities' and cultural experiences has been perfect. On the way to Sigiriya we visited a Batik factory and girlfriends can expect a beautiful pashmina! Even the spice garden was entertaining as it ended with a massage for the boys which Howie Brown thought was 'sensational'!

The Rock itself was conquered in an awe inspiring climb before we setled into our beds in chalet style rooms on the edge of 1000s of acres of jungle. Doors had to be kept shut in the night!!

Day 9 saw both teams perform really well at Kurunegala, the B team playing first and winning convincingly, scoring 146 Ford 55 and Williams 38. We bowled them out for 90.

The A team restricted the oppo to 108 with some excellent bowling from Pinner and Sproul aided by some very good ground fielding. The target was reached for the loss of only 3 wickets, Flower again displaying a good temperament helped by Pinner and Sproul.

The boys continue to be excellent ambassadors, mixing easily with the locals.

Everyone getting used to the heat and only 2 more bad tummys as the food continues to impress.

Day 10 saw a long and arduous journey via the Elephant Orphanage and Tea factory. Both excellent in their own ways.

After nearly 8 hours sat in a bus we were relieved to arrive at the magnificent Mount Lavinia Hotel where we were greeted by a Sri Lankan dance and traditional welcome with garlands. 3 days at this wonderful resort will be the perfect way to end the tour. Boys have been great - all very happy and spirits are high!! Staff very tired but also doing their best to enjoy this part of their job!!! - Someone has to do it!

MDW
09 04 07

Lost both games today (06/04/07) but the Temple of the Tooth was amazing (07/04/07)

MDW

What a couple of fantastic days we've had since we spoke last!!!

Tuesday saw our 2nd round of matches and boy were we tired after a day in the sun the day before! And Tuesday was hotter!! But the boys were brilliant, all coping much better with the heat and all playing much better - in fact a 100% improvement on the Monday games.

The A team won handsomely scoring 196 with Liam Booth scoring a 50 and then bowling the oppo out for under 100 - Liam Booth taking 5 wickets!! He had to be carried off at the end!

The B team lost quite quickly, only scoring 121 - Jake Saunders scoring an excellent 50 but the Lyceum School got 122 pretty quickly so we played a short 15 over match which we won in a tense finish.

Both sides have really enjoyed mixing with the local lads - they all love their cricket here!

Today we set off at 8am!! We travelled up country for 3 hours into the mountains and had a real gas going down the white water rapids - and we all jumped out and 'body rafted' the last bit - but don't tell Mr Lowson!!!

Had lunch next to the river in THE most pictuesque spot - then 2 hours to Kandy and another wonderful hotel. Tonight we settle down to watch England v Sri Lanka in the world cup - could be interesting with the waiters!!

Wish you were here!!
MDW 04 04 07

Click below for photos:
http://www.rgsw.org.uk/senior/sri_lanka_photos

Lost both A & B 1st games today - but that is to be expected as it was 1st match for all for 8 months!! Oppo good (goes without saying here in SL) but everyone did as well as can be expected. ALSO it was VERY VERY HOT!!!
Over 100 at times today and boys wilting........ Ollie Flower got 97, Dan Sproul 49 and Owen Philp took 5 for 7 in 8 overs - a magnificent effort in the conditions!

Grounds fantastic and oppo very welcoming and hospitable. Our boys being very good ambassadors and all going well.
MDW 02 04 07

Had a great journey. Flights smooth and no delays....... and...... WOW what a fantastic hotel!! Boys are bowled over - but all very tired after no sleep. All very cheerful and hot sun plus fantastic swimming pool helped!

Food amazing, rooms very good, locals couldn't be more helpful and polite.

Organiser this end looks really clued in and will be with us whole trip so it looks like this could be one to remember!

As I write this we are sat watching THE most spectacular tropical storm!!!! Rain? I've never seen it like this before!!

MDW 31 03 07

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