Captain’s Report – Junior European Championships, Jesolo, Italy July 2007

For the first time since 2002, Wales entered a team in the Schools (under-20s) section of the European Junior Championships. The event was held in Jesolo - a seaside resort not far from Venice. We arrived at Marco Polo airport on Sunday evening 15^th July ready for the bridge which commenced on Monday evening and ran until Saturday 21^st July. 16 countries took part requiring each to play 15 matches of 20 boards. The first match was played on Monday evening, 3 more on each of the next 4 days and 2 matches on the Saturday so that the evening could be left free for the closing ceremony and evening get-together.

The team comprised Claire Evans 18, Jonathan Richards 14, Becky Watkins 16, James Harris 16, Benjamin Barratt 15 and Elin Barratt 12. They were accompanied by Keith Sharp, NPC, Elaine Sharp Junior Coordinator and Alan Jones, coach/assistant NPC.

The event began inauspiciously as the NPC when registering was informed that the entry fee of 700 euros had not been received and would need to be paid before Wales could take part. They did not take credit cards – cash only! It is not too easy to assemble that amount of cash in a foreign country as there is a limit on cash machines – however by dint of begging and borrowing we managed to scrape together the requisite sum. (Our Treasurer had sent it but there had been a communications breakdown in the EBL and their Treasurer was in Belgium so we weren’t in a position to query it – we understand it has now been returned!)

Having overcome this hurdle we were able to attend the Captains’ meeting and briefing. The team also had the opportunity to practise with screens and trays as used in International events.

At 60 boards a day from Tuesday to Friday it was a punishing schedule but the juniors took it in their stride – even playing bridge in the evening after dinner – gluttons for punishment! This was typical of the spirit with which they tackled the event. Wales was the youngest and least experienced team and duly finished in last place. However, morale remained high throughout the week and their heads never dropped. They conducted themselves impeccably and made many friends. The opposition were almost invariably friendly and courteous.

Wales have learned a huge amount and the experience will stand them in good stead for future events – particularly the forthcoming Peggy Bayer in Manchester in February. The measure of their popularity could be gauged from the loud cheer which went up in the Vugraph room when Becky and James bid an impregnable 6 Clubs contract – avoiding the beatable 6 hearts bid by several other teams.

Becky and James are a solid pair and played the bulk of the hands, occasionally switching partners with Claire and Jonathan (Becky and Claire, James and Jonathan). Benjamin and Elin played in 3 matches and performed well, being unfazed by the level of competition despite their youth and inexperience – they are a pair to watch for the future. Jonathan played well throughout both with Claire and James. He is an enthusiastic player with great flair. He works hard at the game and will be an ever-present in future Welsh junior teams. Claire played steadily throughout as the most experienced member but had been suffering from an illness which caused her to tire but which she typically downplayed.

A word of praise is due to Alan Jones who was a constant support throughout. He spent lots of time with the juniors – boosting their confidence and encouraging them to bid more aggressively. He also was a fine deputy for the ageing NPC who on occasion found the pace a tad gruelling! When he finally outgrows the juniors his future is secured!

We now have a team which has played at the very top level and knows what they have to aim for. They have years on their side to develop and the desire to learn and improve. It bodes well for the future and I was immensely proud of them.

Keith Sharp