Day Ten - 12th of January 2010 (boys)

Well hello hello,

So as the day started, we were treated to a sleep in. Being able to sleep in til 8, was a most welcomed change, except for the unexpected visit to some of our rooms by our fearless leader Greg, looking for his laptop.

9 o’clock quickly comes around and we meet in the lobby to head off to our first game. We headed off to Barra elementary school to play the year 5 squad. After a hard fought battle we managed to come away with a much needed win. Ha ha ha, just joking. We spent about a ½ hour or so with the kiddies, breaking them into smaller groups and running them through some drills and stretches. The other team turned up and we were ready to commence play.

By half time, we seem to have a comfortable lead. So we brought out the big guns. Enter big Jai Beacham. He was welcomed to huge cheers from the crowd and making an immediate impact. We get the ball down the court and into the safe hands of Big Jai hands. Jai takes a dribble and a few steps, pulls up for the jumper and the hits it. The crowd goes wild and we go on to win the game. Jai finds instant stardom straight away with the crowd flocking to him after the final whistle to have the first opportunity for an autograph.

We say our sad goodbyes to the kiddies and head off for some lunch at the local Chinese restaurant. Much to everyone’s delight, the meal was awesome. Then comes some more news that received some mixed emotions. Pastor Gary informs us that our next game has been cancelled. As much as that sadden us all, we realised that it would be a much needed rest. So we head back to the hotel and do some relaxing until our next game.

4:45 rolls around quickly and we all meet in the lobby to listen to pastor Gary’s devotion. About 5:20, we hop in the jeepney and go to our next game. We rock up to our next game and to the surprise of many, there was really no one around, which was quite a different scene than we have experienced this trip. The people slowly started to fill the arena as we prepared for our next contest. The other team arrives and the game gets under way. The team we are playing against are pretty good. But thanks to some consistent strong defence from players such as Mark “The Spark” Beacham and Hedley “The Thickness” Taylor, we were able to keep them contained and have a nice lead by half time.

At half time, Mark “The Spark” Beacham shared his testimony. Although the crowd wasn’t that big, they were very responsive to us and we had an excellent response.

The second half gets under way. About 2 minutes before the end of the game something happens that you’ll see as often as Hayley’s comet. The Australian Sports Ambassadors team court team consists of only Beachams. Yes, you heard me right. Enter Greg, Mark, Bek, Cassie and Jai. This combination takes to the court with high expectations. And after some very nice plays, both offensively and defensively, by all, we hold on for another hard fought victory.

We pack up and head off to get some dinner. Then make our way back to the hotel. All are ready for a shower and bed.

Thanks to all for your prayers. The guy’s team has been quite protected so far on the trip, with no one suffering any real injuries or sickness. Unfortunately the same doesn’t seem to be the case for the girl’s team, with most fallen to sickness or injury. Girls, our prayers are with you all.

Time to get some shut eye
God Bless
Micko