A great win!

Friday 8th April. It's difficult to believe we only arrived yesterday as already we have done so much.  I meant to say that yesterday when we arrived  at the airport with several hundred other  visitors and tourists, we were met by a lovely lady named Winsomme, who works at the airport, but also happens to be the netball league coordinator in St James Parish [we play them on Tuesday].  Much to the dismay of everyone in the passport control queue, we were  taken to one of our own  and went straight through.  Customs was the same!

This morning, after a big breakfast, we left for Kingston.  The journey was incredible.  We followed the beautiful coast road and stopped at Runaway Bay [where the Jamaicans 'ran away' from the British invaders, we then went inwards and upwards through small friendly villages, and then downwards towards New Kingston.  We had passed through several parishes with amazing scenery and vegetation, and learnt about all the famous people that had been born in the various places.  The girls are to be quizzed by Marcia at the end of the week!  It was a lovely journey and enjoyed by all.
Checked in at the Wyndham and were met by Marva Bernard, President of Jamaican Netball and Antoinette who has worked [voluntarily] on the netball part of the trip. Straight away we started preparing for our first match against Jamaica 13's [although ranged from 12 - 15, but mainly 12/13]. 
Jamaica Netball Association gave us a great welcome, everyone was so nice.  They provided us with iced bottle water and energy drinks as well as fresh fruit snacks.
The newspapers [we have already appeared in 2 newspapers http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/sport/Birmingham-Juniors-arrive-to-play-Sunshine-counterparts_8641681 were there, live radio and Jamaican Television [apparently we were on the news that evening and later that night].  Jamaica Netball are certainly taking the Legacy Programme seriously.
A formal welcome was given, teams walked on and gifts were exchanged.  Players were then called out [on the PA] onto court.  School mates and familes had come to support their girls.
Sophie did a great job as Captain, and really motivated the players.
And then play began...
1st 1/4 we were clearly getting used to the heat and a different style of play,  we were down 4 -5.  2nd 1/4 - played with a lot more conviction and more determination, went into a lead of 12  - 7.
3rd 1/4 18 -12, and to win 24 - 16. 
Jamaica U13's are a sharp team, I doubt you would see the same in England. 
After 3 cheers, we had photos with the Sunshine Girls and lots of chat and laughs with the U13's and sisters and brothers.  We also met Grace Jackson [Olympic Athlete - as was her Mum who was also there] who has promised to coach Ellie Reilly if she goes to Jamaica!
We left late, tired, inspired and happy!
Cold soak, then meal by the pool with DJ Jenny Jenny Karaoke...She made a special announcement about Team Birmingham Netball and our win, and everyone [her Karaoke is a local event at the hotel] gave us a great welcome.  Karaoke night......I think you know what happened next!!  If I can post the video  - I will.  Our team's first song was Happy Birthday to you [it was my birthday] which was so sweet.. and then it went onto Girls just gotta have fun...   DJ Jenny Jenny thanked them and said 'I hope your performance tomorrow [v u16'S] is the same as your performance tonight!!!
We moved into the lounge for a team briefing about the day ahead.  Plus individual feedback was given to all players before retiring for the night.  Tomorrow......... Opening Ceremony [the players have had to learn the N.A!], V u16's, back to hotel then Official welcome reception]  Not sure what all this yellow is about!

A busy day - but yet another one to look forward to.  No need for photo explanations