Friday 12th March - Last day's coaching

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Friday 12th March - Last day of coaching
As our time in Uganda drew to a close, we headed back to the Nyakasura School to host a tournament for the primary school children who had been with us during the previous two days. Four zones - each with four teams were set up to play a round robin format. Fortunately, the teachers had listened to instructions given to them the day before and we had about 140 children only. The winners of each group were to be decided according to the number of catches they took whilst fielding in the continuous cricket games. The standard of catching in my group was outstanding, and in one game the score was 12-11. However, during the drinks break, there must have been some serious team talk on tactics because the batters then played very defensively, swatting the ball straight onto the ground to avoid losing wickets. Four group winners were given a signed mini cricket bat to take back to their schools.
After lunch, we returned to Nyakasura for the final time for the secondary school children. Richard sorted us out in groups to coach and play games with the 80 or so children that turned up, but as usual, the best laid plans were thrown into confusion when a coach arrived thirty minutes late and disgorged a seeming endless stream of girls. At one stage, a desperate Parry had 80 girls to contend with on his own until Veronika took pity on him and helped out with 8 balls and 24 cones. At the end of the session, it was time to give away the remnants of the kit. We had started out with 100 tennis balls and numerous windballs plus the Kwik cricket sets, but were left with a total of 25 balls to distribute along with sets of stumps and bats.
Following the visit to the Enfuzi orphanage by Mike, Veronika and Jo, we had a collection in the team and bought 11 mattresses which we loaded onto the coach to take with us. Tom ended up buried under a lot of foam for the half hour journey whilst Parry balanced three on his head. On the way, we were waved down by Pastor Bosco whose car had broken down so he was grateful for the lift. The mattresses were very well received and following some herbal tea and a banana, we walked to the camp site where the children sang and danced for us. Mark and Parry missed the entertainment because they were helping one of the orphans prepare beans for dinner.
In the evening, we went to the Garden restaurant for the last supper. We had pre-ordered at lunch time, so we only had to wait 35 minutes for our food. The white wine took a little longer - it was warm and had to be put into the freezer. The red wine came quickly (probably after a blast in the microwave), and took its toll on Djadja (granddad in Luganda language) William. Parry and Tom were treated to translations of numerous Ugandan love songs.
An early night was had by all due to the early leave from Fort Portal the next morning, and fortunately Veronika’s knickers and shirts were returned from the laundry having been spotted drying on the roof earlier.
Mike Reeves

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Photos

Giant Aussie
Scott setting the timer on his camera....