Teams from England, Scotland, Ireland, Wales and the Channel Islands assembled at the Jim Baker Stadium in Country Antrim and marched on to the green to begin this inaugural playing of the Under 18 Mixed Championships. England played Scotland first, followed by Wales, Ireland and the Channel Islands.

The England team consisted of players from all parts of the Country. Most made their way to their nearest Airport to travel to Ireland, but one dedicated member of the team came by sea. All arrived at the Holiday Inn Express in Antrim eager and ready for the challenge.

A new strip has been introduced for the International players this year and the Under 18’s were the first team to show this off and as they marched on to the green were outstanding in their red and white shirts and tracksuit tops. To look good gives confidence and our team looked great.

The stadium echoed to the sound of the supporters cheering their respective teams on, as scores were eagerly followed to find out which Country was pulling ahead. The England squad playing 4 wood singles over 9 ends, 2 wood pairs over 9 ends and 2 wood triples over 7 ends, were winning more games than they were losing giving our squad the boost they needed, particularly over the Scots who are usually our biggest challenge.

At the end of the day on Saturday, after having played all the Countries, it was England v Scotland, Wales v Ireland, and Wales v Channel Islands.

Tension mounted as we all watched eagerly as first the Scots were ahead in some of the games and then England fought back. However at the end of the session when the scores were checked the final was between the two England teams and the Scotland teams were also playing each other for 3rd and 4th places.

What an end to a wonderful occasion. The idea of Brian Davies, the British BIIBC Secretary to hold an Under 18 Mixed Championship had come true – the event was a great success, particularly for England whose squad had won the Silver BIIBC Trophy as well as being the Runners up and taking the Runners-up Trophy also.

The England Squad were a credit to their Country as well as to their Sport and these Under 18’s will go forward to be Under 25 players and then be a part of the Senior Team. Our game is in good hands.

Anita Haw - 12th October 2009.