Exiled in Kiama

Day 1 (20 June)

Last week was busy; hardly made it in front of the PC ... for purposes other than work, that is.

This week, I'm in Kiama (mid south coast NSW) with my daughter as she attends the state primary school soccer championships. (Can't bring my self to call it 'football!') She has a hectic schedule over three days, but I did see it as a chance to catch up with some blogging. I hired quite a nice apartment, one that has everything except a phone connection! Bugger!

So, to post this or any other articles, I'll have to try to do it through the local internet cafe. If that's not possible, then the sty will be more or less silent for another week. Perhaps the foreign correspondent will fill the breech.

As I don't have the luxury of using the net to link to articles, any 'comment' posts will be more recollection than substantiated fact. On reflection; situation normal.

Day 2

Checked options to get on line. It's not good unless I want to retype everything I've written. Bollocks to that! So I'll just write short bits and post them when I get back home on the weekend.

The daughter's soccer team's is progressing nicely. Two wins and a draw. At the top of the ladder in her group after the first day of competition. Three more games tomorrow, then the playoffs.

Day 3:

Two draws and a win. Good enough to top the pool in her half of the competition.

I've thouroughly enjoyed the tournament so far. Nice group of parents, very little bitchy barracking from the sidelines and a standard of the competition sufficiently high enough to bring this parent back to reality.

The only downside is that the games are played at 'Arctic Park.' The freezing westerly wind goes right through the spectators.

Day 4:

Finals day. The rest of the family drove in last night. Porkers en masse.

Hard to believe, but the weather is worse. Lower temperatures brought freezing rain to the grounds, and snow in the nearby mountains.

As the winner of our group, the team played the second highest team in the other group. It was nil all at full time, and nil all after ten minutes of extra time. Our team was declared the winner on a countback of corner kicks.

The bane of soccer; picking winners from draws.

Unfortunately, our team lost the grand final 2 - nil. Such is life. We certainly can't complain. My daughter was privileged to be selected and compete at that level. She has a pennant to prove she was there. She knows what's required and can try out for the team again next year. As a parent, I now have a much better idea of where she sits in the level of competition. I met some nice people who I hope to meet again at another venue.

All round, an enjoyable event.