Thursday 21 December

We continued as we have done after every match with a recovery session. It is without a doubt that the post-match training routines we have stuck to through the tournament have assisted us greatly in the recovery process. Today we focused on stretching.

After this session we enjoyed some free time before a team meeting and training at 4pm.

The social committee organised a Christmas party in Pavilion 3 from 7.30 – 8.30pm. It was attended by everyone including Santa Claus who arrived on a mountain bike, laden with gifts for the players and management. As it wasn't dark enough to have carols by candlelight we positioned the tree in the centre of the room and lit some smaller candles about the place to create some ambience.

We had Christmas CD's, flashing lights, candy canes, fruit mince pies, Chrissy cake – all the trimmings. We had a bit of a sing and then played a few classic games such as "Pass the parcel" to the tune of "Silent Night" and the chocolate game where you have to roll a "6" before you can attack the cake of chocolate with a knife and fork. It was damned funny because when you rolled a "6" you had to put on a batting helmet and a pair of gloves and by the time you had done this and were about to cut yourself a slither of chocolate – someone else would roll a six.

A very funny and entertaining night!

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