Day 7

Tired but unhappy… it is hard to motivate a team playing for nothing but pride.

We might have achieved Scotland’s highest ever finish – but we shall not. The Denmark match is quite dull, but we snatch a small defeat from the jaws of victory with a late collapse. I try to rouse their spirits against Germany – we might hoist Norway into bronze position with a good win – another late collapse. And so to Slovakia, where I forget to get them to the table in time and we are fined for late arrival.

I start penning apologetic resignation speech.

But it seems the fine has galvanised the team into one last effort, and we register our 9th win, climbing back to 16th place. A cheerful finish to an event where once again we have failed to fulfil our potential.

Wonder what we can do – we have the talent, but somehow not the staying power.

8 teams qualify for the World championships and we could surely have come closer…

Closing Ceremony at 8pm goes rather well: there are 4 events, with winners from 4 different countries, and medallists from 4 more. Netherlands win most medals, but England have 2 Bronzes in the Under 21s and Under 16s. Olivia Bailey is one of the English Under 26 Women’s team, but they fail to star. (Note the new nomenclature, ‘Girls’ is deemed p-non-c.)

Jan Kamras, new President of the EBL, ensures that speeches are short and to the point. It is good to get a chance to thank the EBL staff, and the Norwegian volunteers who have worked so hard to make the event a success

No food till nearly 9pm… and we have a 7.30 am shuttle tomorrow.

End of Blog!