Early Sunday morning we all began to arrive at Gatwick Airport, Master Hogan’s group were already assembled and were quickly join by the 41 Imperial Students. With a speedy check in we were all airside enjoying a relaxing coffee when the flight was called. Take off was delayed by 40 minutes but the pilot managed to make up some lost time on route.
Landing in Pula airport, I think we were the only plane there so baggage was collected without any hassle. As we made our way out to the coach it was apparent that our Gulliver travel rep had disappeared, never the less we found the coach and all boarded. The sun was beating down, we were thankful of the aircon. About an hour in we arrive at the hotel, what a hotel it was. Twenty meters from the sea and with it own pool the half board accommodation would set the tone for the whole championships.
Scotland arrived late Sunday night and the following day saw the weigh in with Master Harry’s group joining us from there lodgings. England were the first team to register with a few close calls on the scales and a couple of competitors opting to move up a category. Following the coaches meeting and the draws the umpires were briefed on the week’s events and the official ITF Electronic Scoring System designed by ourselves.
Day One
All Individual events up to the finals were scheduled. The weather was hot, and I mean hot. The sports hall was in excess of 100’F. But the teams persevered and a staggering amount of England, Scotland and Wales competitors made it through to the final. Unfortunately not all the special technique section was completed, this being run by Master Harry was completed the following day with the team events.
Day Two
Time for the teams, same as the previous day all events were completed up to the finals. Once again England and Scotland proved us proud and made it through. The build up for the final was immense, In the Senior Sparring would see England Vs Netherlands and the Senior Pattern England Vs Scotland. The female teams also made it through there various sections to compete on Friday.
Day Three
This was the cup competition, although only a couple of competitors from the UK the rest of the team showed there support by working all day to ensure the event ran smoothly. England alone provided 12 umpires for this event. The excess amount of help made the day short and the competition finished by 4pm.
Following a short interval Master Hogan, Mr Skyrme ENGLAND. Master Brown, Miss Divine SCOTLAND and Mr McCabe WALES attended the second European Working Committee meeting. Following discussion it has been confirm that Ireland will be hosting the next European Championships 2011.
Day Four – Finals Day
The finals started of exactly at 10am, and what a day. The atmosphere was electric throughout the whole day. The UK came home with many new champions and several retained titles. The England team were unlucky against a very experienced Netherlands but none the less conquered the patterns to win Gold. England won the overall Senior Male Team trophy and narrowly lost out to Italy for the overall country.
What a great event, very well attended by over 20 nations putting forward there best of the best. A great achievement by the UK contingent and we couldn’t have asked for more. Saturday was a day of rest and relaxation around the pool before we travelled home early Sunday morning. A full list of results will be published shortly…
