Welcome to Mumbles Rangers


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	Diary from Genoa 5^th September 2007 An early start as 17 players together with 17 parents, coaches, managers and parents converged on Oystermouth Square at 12.30am to catch the coach to Stansted Airport and our flight to Genoa Italy where we were taking part in the 15^th Torneo Internazionale Giovanile Del Centenario James Spensley 2007. No one overslept so by 1.30 we were on our way and the long drive to the airport was only broken by a 30 minute stop at Leigh Delamare Services (M4). Suitably refreshed we continued our journey and arriving at Stansted at 6.30am where we checked in. The flight departed at approx 10.15 am and with a strong tailwind we were landing in a windy Genoa at 1pm. At the airport we were met by the tournament organising committee who had provided a coach for our Journey to the Hotel Astoria which would be our home for the next 5 days. A check in and a shower refreshed everyone and we soon departed for some food and a short exploration of the nearby shops. At 7.00pm transport had been arranged for the journey to a local leisure centre where Carlo Prete (ex Mumbles Rangers from Genoa) had kindly laid on a fabulous spread of food and drink which we ate with enthusiasm, in front of us hung a gigantic sign ‘Mumbles Rangers Galles’ which is displayed every time Genoa have a home game (look out for it on TV). A great meal and wine (not for the boys though – they drunk water). A starter of pasta (better than any you get back home), followed by thinly sliced pork and chips (superb) and finally a dessert of fresh fruit salad and ice cream made the day complete. Our thanks to Carlo for organising (and paying) was thanked by all the team shaking his hand and offering our gratitude. By 9.00pm with everybody having difficulty walking (due to the lack of sleep) ensured we were back in the hotel in time for a good nights sleep before our first two matches the following day.............................................. 6^th September 2007 A 6.30am alarm call from reception failed to materialise, but by luck I was awake by 6.45 and just in time to have a quick shower before breakfast arranged for 7am. A continental breakfast was enough to set everyone up for the day and by 7.45 all the players, coaches and other interested parties were in reception awaiting our transport to the ground. The payers and coaches were lucky and had transport arranged by the organising committee, me.......well I had to travel with the other parents in a couple of taxis.... U.S.D. Ge. Amicizia Lagaccio (Italy) 5 Mumbles Rangers 1 We arrived at the ground (Ceravolo Lagaccio) in plenty of time for our first game on Astroturf against local Genoa Club U.S.D. GE. Amicizia Lagaccio. There was a strong headwind and unfortunately we lost the toss and the advantage that we would/should have had with the wind. It wasn’t long before we were a goal down, despite having some early possession. We were finding it difficult to get the ball from our half and despite some valiant effort to penetrate the opposition defence we soon found ourselves 2-0 down, a third gaol on the stoke of half time was to make our task even harder...... The second half saw some promising attacks from the Rangers and this was eventually rewarded by a superb Mumbles goal....................There seemed some hope!!!!! This was to be short lived as despite a great deal of possession we were unable to score again and it was no surprise as 2 more goals from Genoa found there way into the net. A 5-1 defeat but spirits were still high. We sat out the next game as the French beat another Genoan side (G.S.D. Nuava San Fruttuoso). Lunch was laid on by the organising committee (or so we thought) as a bowl of pasta (superb) and a main course of Parmesan, bread and Parma Ham was washed down with a few glasses (plastic mugs) of red wine (but not for the boys - they only had water!.................. The afternoon saw the first match between our conquerors U.S.D.GE. Amicizia Lagaccio and French team (from Paris) end in a victory for the French. G.S.D. Nuova San Fruttuoso (Italy) 1 Mumbles Rangers 0 At 3.15pm we were back on the pitch as our last match that day was between ourselves and G.S.D. Nuova San Fruttuoso, both already defeated. Both sides were of an equal standard and Mumbles Rangers were playing some good passing football which could have resulted in a couple of goals. GSD were competing well for the ball and somewhat against the run of play went a goal up. A yellow card for Jack Anderson spoilt a well contested first half. Despite the one goal deficit a half time team talk from Mark and Rob seemed to spur the boys on. Oh ...how different it could have been. A second half goal that was disallowed and a penalty that was struck against the upright summed up Mumbles bad luck...... A valiant effort that brought no reward but lots of commitment should ensure that tomorrows scheduled match against the unbeaten French is no forgone conclusion. A Mumbles victory should enable we to progress to the knockout stage, a defeat......................well all is not lost ...we can’t go home until Monday..................so we will just enjoy ourselves in this beautiful city. We are all having a good time! 7^th September 2007 Mumbles Rangers 0 C.S.M. Livry Gargan 1943 (France) 1 (only conceding the goal in the last minute of the game) Mumbles were playing there last game in the group stages and this time against C.S.M. Livry Gargan 1943 (France) where only a win and a good goal difference would be enough to see the Ranger through to the knockout stages. A hot morning with no with wind was energy sapping but this did not stop the first half being played at a fast and furious pace which saw the French team in control but Mumbles defended magnificently and despite some close effort by France it was heroic defending and good first half goalkeeping by Rhodri Davis that kept the scores level. The second half saw Mumbles come more into the game and although the French continued to press for a goal that would ensure their progression into the knockout stages Mumbles were caching them on the break and could have taken the lead on a number of occasions. It looked as though the game was heading for a well deserved draw, again through good defending and good second half goalkeeping from William Thomas, when a couple of minutes before time Mumbles were caught out by a superb header from a French corner. Unlucky in defeat Mumbles were not downhearted as every single player had given everything and played their part which undoubtedly contributed to the best match of their group stage. The attitude of both teams was a credit to their respective countries as the game was played with a good spirit and attitude; language was no barrier as some great friendships were made as the boys exchanged email addresses and congratulations. This meant that Mumbles did not progress to the final stages. Mumbles defend as C.S.M. Livry Gargan 1943 attack Mumbles Ragers Under 14's and C.S.M. Livry Gargan 1943 together on the final day of the tournament Saturday 8^th September All the players had a lay in as the other results from the group matches meant that we could progress no further. After a leisurely breakfast all agreed a trip to the swimming pool would be a good idea so by 10.30 am they set out for the bus station for the journey to the lido. In the afternoon a friendly match had been arranged against A.S.D. Athletic Club Genoa (San Moreno) who had also been eliminated at the group stage. This time Mumbles secured their first victory of the tour as they game back from a goal down at half time to win with goals from Jay Aspinwall and Matthew Hughes. It was then back to the hotel for a quick change before an evening visit to the world famous aquarium in Genoa. Sunday 9^th September. An early breakfast as we needed to be at the Stadium for the final of the Tournament - Cronaca Genoa CFC v Saturn Moscow The quality of football in the final was of a high standard and Saturn went into a 2-0 lead from two perfectly flighted free kicks in the space of 15 minutes. Genoa were playing the more fluent football and started to look dangerous in the second half and it was no surprise when they pulled a goal back and then levelled the scores to take the game into a penalty shoot out. Saturn Moscow were the winners 4-3. All the teams that entered the tournament were given Genoa Football Shirts together with a commemorative medallion and the club was given a glass vase. The final was rounded of as every team was introduced and then paraded around the ground under their countries flag. The Welsh flag flew proudly with a smiling Mumbles Rangers team waving to the crowd and supporters. We had made many friends. Back to the hotel for a quick change before the team went in search of a local café (bar) to watch the Wales v Canada rugby match. A win for Wales! The evening saw a return visit to the Port fro a meal at the players and parents favourite Pizza restaurant. The team received a lot of comments with regard to their sportsmanship and the boys made a lot of new friends, everyone enjoyed themselves and Mumbles Rangers are looking forward to the possibility of receiving an invitation to compete again next year. Mumbles Rangers Under 14's - Final Tournament day parade. Monday 10^th September. Homeward bound! A late breakfast and we were on our way to the airport for the flight back to Stansted and our onward coach journey to Mumbles. Arrived Oystermouth Square at 9pm! Full details of the tournament can be found on the tournament website http://www.genoadomani.it
Copyright Mumbles Rangers 2007