Caribbean adventure
Friday, 30 May 2008.
Thefa.com
http://www.thefa.com/England/NationalGameXI/NewsAndFeatures/Postings/englandc_grenada.htmThe England C squad arrived in Grenada on Tuesday night in preparation for the first fixture on their Caribbean tour, against Grenada on Saturday afternoon.
After successfully defending the Four Nations tournament in Wales last week, manager Paul Fairclough gave his squad the chance to spend a little time relaxing around the hotel pool and on the beach.
On Wednesday afternoon the team staff travelled to the north of the island to carry out a coaching clinic for local youngsters. The session was attended by 20 teenagers who all enjoyed the experience. So too did a host of small children who arrived during the session.
Following the session, the group handed out replica England kits to the children, much to their delight.
On Thursday, following a session carried out in association with the Jason Roberts Foundation, the squad trained in preparation for the Grenada fixture at La Sagesse cricket ground. The session was a strenuous affair with the players keen to shake off their rustiness.
Fairclough is pleased with the trip so far, and said he was particularly pleased with the attitude of the squad.
“This is a big learning curve for the players, both in terms of their mental approach to the conditions and the environment” he said.
“The match tomorrow afternoon is a big unknown for everyone. We are expecting a tough 90 minutes, especially with regard to the heat. The players have been well prepared by the medical staff and we are hopeful of continuing our excellent run.”
The players will be relaxing this morning on a boat trip before their final training session this afternoon in the National Stadium in St George’s.
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