Cracker Shimane Soccer Weekend

It was a weekend to rival all weekends - so we didn't win but we had an amazing time. The boys put up a spirited defence and us girls bonded over strategy and the gokiburi goal. Steph showed up hours after flying back into the country and saved our asses. Dabs crossed over to become an honorary 'guchie. It all came together.

Shimane put us up in cabins in a gorgeous forest park - usually cabin implies a wooden shelter to keep you from the elements - we had wallpaper, beds, hot showers and air-con. The Japanese like to camp in comfort.

We played on a grass pitch at Hamayama Stadium, a rare treat. Bloody knees kept to a minimum. We gambatted til we had no more gambatte to give.

After a well-earned onsen, we got back to the cabins for a tabe houdai/nomi houdai extravaganza including endless steak, mac n cheese, thai green curry and banana bread. It was absolutely first rate. The rum was strong and the beer did flow. (A little too much for some, Dan!) Shimane really knows how to throw a party - the variety of bands was excellent and kept the room jumping long into the night.

Sunday saw a long and slow convoy home - plenty of stops for the essential day-after-the-night-before MosB, a visit to Izumotaisho shrine and some swimming and sumo action on Hamada beach.

A huge thank you to Crystal and Neal for organising us. Go the 'guch!!!