Greetings all!The Summer Holidays are over and the kids are now back at School. The months here just seem to whiz by. It seems like only yesterday when Dave was dreading the Two-month break at home with the kids. Fortunately Val and Gordon arrived part way through to save the day. The kids were pretty happy to have them here and did their best to wear our visitors down at every opportunity (see photo below).
Anyway, enough prattling on. Enjoy the September Salvo!
Travel Report
No trips to report this month, apart from Gordon and Val who skipped over to Cuba for a visit during their stay here.
Visitor’s Report
Gordon (Michelle’s Dad) and Val popped over to stay with us for a while. Here’s their summary of their time here:
After our fabulous holiday in the BVI last year, we weren’t expecting this one to have the same “Wow!” factor, as we didn’t think it possible.
However, this Cayman experience has exceeded the BVI. So much to do, we only went to the same place a couple of times.
What were the highs and lows?
Well the only low was until we acclimatized to the heat. It was 35 degrees C or thereabouts most of the time.
But the highs – too numerous to remember them all and Val and I had different levels for our list:
1. Catching up with Michelle, Dave, Sam and Jake
2. Stingray City – our pre-conception was a man made pool but these monsters were in the sea swimming freely. To be able to pick these massive fish up by their fins (some would be close to a metre across) was truly an unforgettable experience.
No trips to report this month, apart from Gordon and Val who skipped over to Cuba for a visit during their stay here.
Visitor’s Report
Gordon (Michelle’s Dad) and Val popped over to stay with us for a while. Here’s their summary of their time here:
After our fabulous holiday in the BVI last year, we weren’t expecting this one to have the same “Wow!” factor, as we didn’t think it possible.
However, this Cayman experience has exceeded the BVI. So much to do, we only went to the same place a couple of times.
What were the highs and lows?
Well the only low was until we acclimatized to the heat. It was 35 degrees C or thereabouts most of the time.
But the highs – too numerous to remember them all and Val and I had different levels for our list:
1. Catching up with Michelle, Dave, Sam and Jake
2. Stingray City – our pre-conception was a man made pool but these monsters were in the sea swimming freely. To be able to pick these massive fish up by their fins (some would be close to a metre across) was truly an unforgettable experience.
Get back you brute!
3. Nautilus (a boat with windows etc below deck – a little like a submarine). Looked at underwater shipwrecks, feeding fish then snorkeling among them with fish swimming only millimeters away. .jpg)
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4. Turtle Farm – being able to pick up the smaller turtles was great.
5. Our day at Rum Point.
5. Our day at Rum Point.
6. Smith’s Cove Beach.
7. Governor’s Beach.
8. Pedro St James Castle.
9. Botanical Gardens
10. Our evening at Deckers – Double Decker Bus Restaurant and Gordon’s pre dinner Mud Slide (drink that is) at Breezes.
11. Can’t forget our few days in Cuba, another buzz seeing the old cars and sightseeing by Horse and Carriage.
12. Snorkeling nearly every day.
13. Was to get Val competent at snorkeling. She now loves it!
We know we have missed some things. Not the least was going to Rugby, and our last day with Brunch and at the beach. Brilliant. The Rugby was something the All Blacks should have watched, some parts exceeding their best efforts.
9. Botanical Gardens
10. Our evening at Deckers – Double Decker Bus Restaurant and Gordon’s pre dinner Mud Slide (drink that is) at Breezes.
11. Can’t forget our few days in Cuba, another buzz seeing the old cars and sightseeing by Horse and Carriage.
12. Snorkeling nearly every day.
13. Was to get Val competent at snorkeling. She now loves it!
We know we have missed some things. Not the least was going to Rugby, and our last day with Brunch and at the beach. Brilliant. The Rugby was something the All Blacks should have watched, some parts exceeding their best efforts.
Thanks Guys. Just another holiday of our lives to be remembered forever.
Love Val & Grandad
Val hunting the elusive Blue Iguana...
Fresh bananas from the back yard
Other pics from recent times:
Sport
800m Swim
The annual Fosters 800m sea swim was held here a few weeks back. Michelle decided to give it a crack. Dave was unfortunately indisposed that day, having already committed himself to play cricket. Well, that’s his excuse!
Michelle put in a pretty good effort to win her age group (yes they did have an age group for her! They had about 12 groups for both males and females) in just under 13 mins, 24th over all out of 194. She was pretty pleased with herself and got a nice trophy out of it!
Cricket
Meanwhile, across town, Dave was playing Cricket for the Rugby Club. Here is the official report from one of the local newspapers:
The Village Greenies against the Cayman Islands Rugby Club annual charity cricket match was held recently at the Smith Road Oval.
This year the beneficiary of the game was the NCVO Nadine Andreas Residential Foster Home with the game netting CI $1,700 in donations.
The NCVO’s aim is to create a “family type” home and provide the essential ingredients that offer the children as normal a life as possible. More information can be found on the NCVO website www.ncvo.org.ky
This eagerly anticipated clash played in times gone by was resurrected in 2005. The rugby club was captained by long time rugby stalwart, Matt Bishop.
Going into this year’s match, the Greenies lead the rugby club 2–1 with all games being closely contested. The format of the game was designed to optimise participation. Six pairs bat for four overs each. The loss of wickets results in deduction of five runs. Hence it was possible to have a negative total after four overs!
The Greenies won the toss by mutual consent and opted to bat. They got off to a good start with Ian Rotsey and Shannon Richard striking 30 runs for the first partnership.
However the rugby team struck back immediately with three outstanding run outs that ensured that the next partnership (Aitken and Masters) added just two runs to the score.
There after solid partnerships of 20 (O’Conner and Ware), 11 (Matty Glyde and Ware), 27 (Wetherell and Robinson) and 34 (Sellers and Rajaratnam) ensured the Greenies ended with a very competitive 142.
Simon Wetherell provided the highlight of the innings when he scored 20 runs off the last four balls. For the rugby club, Martin Livingston and James Alt took two wickets each. Tennis coach Warren Urquart instigated two outstanding run outs.
If the Greenies thought that the match was in the bag they were mistaken. Sensing that the Greenies bowling was not at its strongest, the rugby club went on the offensive.
A great opening partnership between Jonathan Doak and Pete De Vere of 26 was followed by a solid partnership of 19 by Alt and Dylan King.
The Greenies then fought back to restrict the next partnership of McDonald and Quinn to six runs. With the hard hitting Urquart joining Carey Tasker a big partnership of 21 ensured the match was finely poised.
The rugby club required a gettable 70 off 8 overs – considering the main batting pair of Bishop and Livingston was yet to come.
Up stepped David Bailey and Aloysius ‘Bluey’ Hannon to set a platform for the final onslaught. However this was not to be. The Greenies stuck at regular intervals leaving the partnership 17 runs worse off than when they started.
This was all too much for the final pair of Bishop and Livingston to catch up. The rugby club ending 39 short of their target. For the Greenies, Wetherell and Andrew Dean both accounted for three scalps.
Overall a very enjoyable day. Steve Smith, jerk chef extraordinaire, took the opportunity to prepare a scrumptious BBQ.
Greenies captain Richard Sawle–Thomas said: “Thanks to Jacques Scotts, Cayman Distributors and all the people who offered their time and money to support this worthy cause.”
So, there you have it. Dave’s batting hasn’t improved since his last game (about 20 years ago). His bowling was alright and he did put in a sterling effort in the boat race with the rugby club winning that by two lengths. The cricket ball throw was a different story. Mainly because it was dark by then and no one saw where the balls landed.
But it really was a fun day and the heads were a little sore the following morning. Too much sun, apparently.
Rugby
Reggie Hannon Memorial – Game Three
The final in the three game series was played earlier in the month. Unfortunately it was much the same as the last two. The under 35’s started with a flourish and scored a couple of quick tries. After half time, the Over 35’s came out swinging and really took the younger side to task. They even managed to score a few tries (one to Dave) but in the end it wasn’t quite enough. A three nil series drubbing and the Reggie Hannon Memorial Dog Bowl goes back on the shelf for another year.
Touch Rugby
The Summer Touch League has been running for the last couple of months. Michelle and Dave both played for Maples in the 1st Division and Dave also played for Digicel in the 1st Division. Michelle pulled up lame however (played ¾ of one game!), but did manage to ref the odd game.
Finals Day was held last Saturday. Maples was in the top six (2nd place) and looking for a spot in the final. The first game was a shocker and they managed to salvage a draw, which was enough to advance to the next round as they had beaten the opposition in the round robin part of the season. The next game wasn’t much better and finished in a draw as well, but since it was a semi final. Extra time was played with each team dropping a player every minute. It got down to three a side before Maples managed to scramble over the line and advance to the final.
Betweentimes, Digicel was playing in the plate round (bottom six teams). They won the first game, (just) and that was enough to put them into the final for the plate. In the final they actually played quite well for a change and won the game 5 – 2. Dave chipped in with a couple of length of the field tries. Digicel wins the Plate! No beers for Dave just yet, he still has another game to go.
Michelle and Dave both Reffed games during the day as well. Michelle came away a little worse for wear after being bowled over by some guy on his way to the line. But she gave him an earful and he eventually got the message!
Final Time. The opposition (Five Nations) hadn’t lost a game all season and the Maples team hadn’t played very well all day.
The game got off to a ripping start and both teams were defending very well. Maples slipped through and scored first. Both teams have a reputation for ‘chat’ and that soon started up. The Ref had his hands full! Dave saved a try with a spectacular diving touch late in the half. Half time, 1 – 0 to Maples.
The second half started in fading light but the pace didn’t slow at all. Five Nations pulled one back to even the scores, and soon after that Maples came back with another to reclaim the lead. It was looking like Maples could hang on for the win, but with only seconds to go, Five Nations slipped through to equalize.
Extra time was called. Sudden death Drop Offs… again. It was now almost dark, and there are no lights at the ground. Again the game sea-sawed, with a Maples player spilling the ball over the line in the corner. Every minute a player from each team was taken off. Down to three a side. Maples made the same move and sent the ball wide to the corner where their female player stood unmarked. The pass goes wide, she catches the ball and dives for the corner. Maples win!!! The crowd goes wild.
The annual Fosters 800m sea swim was held here a few weeks back. Michelle decided to give it a crack. Dave was unfortunately indisposed that day, having already committed himself to play cricket. Well, that’s his excuse!
Michelle put in a pretty good effort to win her age group (yes they did have an age group for her! They had about 12 groups for both males and females) in just under 13 mins, 24th over all out of 194. She was pretty pleased with herself and got a nice trophy out of it!
Cricket
Meanwhile, across town, Dave was playing Cricket for the Rugby Club. Here is the official report from one of the local newspapers:
The Village Greenies against the Cayman Islands Rugby Club annual charity cricket match was held recently at the Smith Road Oval.
This year the beneficiary of the game was the NCVO Nadine Andreas Residential Foster Home with the game netting CI $1,700 in donations.
The NCVO’s aim is to create a “family type” home and provide the essential ingredients that offer the children as normal a life as possible. More information can be found on the NCVO website www.ncvo.org.ky
This eagerly anticipated clash played in times gone by was resurrected in 2005. The rugby club was captained by long time rugby stalwart, Matt Bishop.
Going into this year’s match, the Greenies lead the rugby club 2–1 with all games being closely contested. The format of the game was designed to optimise participation. Six pairs bat for four overs each. The loss of wickets results in deduction of five runs. Hence it was possible to have a negative total after four overs!
The Greenies won the toss by mutual consent and opted to bat. They got off to a good start with Ian Rotsey and Shannon Richard striking 30 runs for the first partnership.
However the rugby team struck back immediately with three outstanding run outs that ensured that the next partnership (Aitken and Masters) added just two runs to the score.
There after solid partnerships of 20 (O’Conner and Ware), 11 (Matty Glyde and Ware), 27 (Wetherell and Robinson) and 34 (Sellers and Rajaratnam) ensured the Greenies ended with a very competitive 142.
Simon Wetherell provided the highlight of the innings when he scored 20 runs off the last four balls. For the rugby club, Martin Livingston and James Alt took two wickets each. Tennis coach Warren Urquart instigated two outstanding run outs.
If the Greenies thought that the match was in the bag they were mistaken. Sensing that the Greenies bowling was not at its strongest, the rugby club went on the offensive.
A great opening partnership between Jonathan Doak and Pete De Vere of 26 was followed by a solid partnership of 19 by Alt and Dylan King.
The Greenies then fought back to restrict the next partnership of McDonald and Quinn to six runs. With the hard hitting Urquart joining Carey Tasker a big partnership of 21 ensured the match was finely poised.
The rugby club required a gettable 70 off 8 overs – considering the main batting pair of Bishop and Livingston was yet to come.
Up stepped David Bailey and Aloysius ‘Bluey’ Hannon to set a platform for the final onslaught. However this was not to be. The Greenies stuck at regular intervals leaving the partnership 17 runs worse off than when they started.
This was all too much for the final pair of Bishop and Livingston to catch up. The rugby club ending 39 short of their target. For the Greenies, Wetherell and Andrew Dean both accounted for three scalps.
Overall a very enjoyable day. Steve Smith, jerk chef extraordinaire, took the opportunity to prepare a scrumptious BBQ.
Greenies captain Richard Sawle–Thomas said: “Thanks to Jacques Scotts, Cayman Distributors and all the people who offered their time and money to support this worthy cause.”
So, there you have it. Dave’s batting hasn’t improved since his last game (about 20 years ago). His bowling was alright and he did put in a sterling effort in the boat race with the rugby club winning that by two lengths. The cricket ball throw was a different story. Mainly because it was dark by then and no one saw where the balls landed.
But it really was a fun day and the heads were a little sore the following morning. Too much sun, apparently.
Rugby
Reggie Hannon Memorial – Game Three
The final in the three game series was played earlier in the month. Unfortunately it was much the same as the last two. The under 35’s started with a flourish and scored a couple of quick tries. After half time, the Over 35’s came out swinging and really took the younger side to task. They even managed to score a few tries (one to Dave) but in the end it wasn’t quite enough. A three nil series drubbing and the Reggie Hannon Memorial Dog Bowl goes back on the shelf for another year.
Touch Rugby
The Summer Touch League has been running for the last couple of months. Michelle and Dave both played for Maples in the 1st Division and Dave also played for Digicel in the 1st Division. Michelle pulled up lame however (played ¾ of one game!), but did manage to ref the odd game.
Finals Day was held last Saturday. Maples was in the top six (2nd place) and looking for a spot in the final. The first game was a shocker and they managed to salvage a draw, which was enough to advance to the next round as they had beaten the opposition in the round robin part of the season. The next game wasn’t much better and finished in a draw as well, but since it was a semi final. Extra time was played with each team dropping a player every minute. It got down to three a side before Maples managed to scramble over the line and advance to the final.
Betweentimes, Digicel was playing in the plate round (bottom six teams). They won the first game, (just) and that was enough to put them into the final for the plate. In the final they actually played quite well for a change and won the game 5 – 2. Dave chipped in with a couple of length of the field tries. Digicel wins the Plate! No beers for Dave just yet, he still has another game to go.
Michelle and Dave both Reffed games during the day as well. Michelle came away a little worse for wear after being bowled over by some guy on his way to the line. But she gave him an earful and he eventually got the message!
Final Time. The opposition (Five Nations) hadn’t lost a game all season and the Maples team hadn’t played very well all day.
The game got off to a ripping start and both teams were defending very well. Maples slipped through and scored first. Both teams have a reputation for ‘chat’ and that soon started up. The Ref had his hands full! Dave saved a try with a spectacular diving touch late in the half. Half time, 1 – 0 to Maples.
The second half started in fading light but the pace didn’t slow at all. Five Nations pulled one back to even the scores, and soon after that Maples came back with another to reclaim the lead. It was looking like Maples could hang on for the win, but with only seconds to go, Five Nations slipped through to equalize.
Extra time was called. Sudden death Drop Offs… again. It was now almost dark, and there are no lights at the ground. Again the game sea-sawed, with a Maples player spilling the ball over the line in the corner. Every minute a player from each team was taken off. Down to three a side. Maples made the same move and sent the ball wide to the corner where their female player stood unmarked. The pass goes wide, she catches the ball and dives for the corner. Maples win!!! The crowd goes wild.
The 2009 champions
Sevens
The annual Club Sevens starts this weekend. There have been a few practice games on the odd Saturday, but this week it’s for keeps. Every Saturday in October. Dave is playing for the Irish Wolfhounds (given his obvious Irish heritage!).
We’ll let you know how it all goes in the next issue.
The annual Club Sevens starts this weekend. There have been a few practice games on the odd Saturday, but this week it’s for keeps. Every Saturday in October. Dave is playing for the Irish Wolfhounds (given his obvious Irish heritage!).
We’ll let you know how it all goes in the next issue.
Attendees at a recent Beach Party
Calendar Shoot
The rugby girls are producing a calendar as a fund raising venture. Michelle has volunteered, along with most of them, to pose in various spots around the island. They’ve done some beach shots and the like and on Sunday they donned rugby gear and High heels for some pics. Then they got down and dirty and rolled in the mud for a few more pics. Should be an interesting calendar!
The rugby girls are producing a calendar as a fund raising venture. Michelle has volunteered, along with most of them, to pose in various spots around the island. They’ve done some beach shots and the like and on Sunday they donned rugby gear and High heels for some pics. Then they got down and dirty and rolled in the mud for a few more pics. Should be an interesting calendar!
Diving
Having some on site babysitters was wonderful and we took the opportunity to do some shore dives together. Gordon, Val and the kids would come out with us and snorkel above us while we waved to them from below! At times, Sam was pointing out marine life to us or chasing turtles!
Having some on site babysitters was wonderful and we took the opportunity to do some shore dives together. Gordon, Val and the kids would come out with us and snorkel above us while we waved to them from below! At times, Sam was pointing out marine life to us or chasing turtles!
See more diving pics:
Weather Report
Well, it has been pretty warm and dry… until about two weeks ago. Most days now there is a bit of rain accompanied by some fairly impressive Lightning and Thunder shows. It usually starts up just after lunchtime. Jake even had a birthday party cancelled because of the weather - torrential rain and heaps of fireworks resulted in the Pool Party being deemed unsafe. Luckily they decided to reschedule a week later where there was only a little bit of rain and thunder.
Next Month
More rugby?
Summer Touch Prizegiving Dinner
Well, it has been pretty warm and dry… until about two weeks ago. Most days now there is a bit of rain accompanied by some fairly impressive Lightning and Thunder shows. It usually starts up just after lunchtime. Jake even had a birthday party cancelled because of the weather - torrential rain and heaps of fireworks resulted in the Pool Party being deemed unsafe. Luckily they decided to reschedule a week later where there was only a little bit of rain and thunder.
Next Month
More rugby?
Summer Touch Prizegiving Dinner
The Knee Doctor
and much much more!!!
