A second day of rest and preparation was in store for the team today. Team members were free to do as they chose, so as to prepare themselves physically or mentally for nearly 3 weeks of competition. For some it was as simple as doing nothing to allow thoughts of work to be left behind. Others felt the need to be more energetic and so suitable activities were organised. Most of us did something in between.
This diarist washed down his breakfast with a double appointment at the hands of the team’s two physioterrorists, Jackie and Zoë. An age-related, grumbling back issue had been somewhat exacerbated by the 27 hours of travelling and needed some expert input. Following an initial assessment, accompanied by noises more frequently heard from a builder or car mechanic eyeing up a complex job estimate, Jackie set to work. 5 hours later and all is good, even if some team mates waiting outside overheard whimpering through the doors during treatment! On a serious note, our two physios are key assets to the team. Shooting might, upon superficial assessment, seem like a sport of low physical exertion. However, the repetitive nature of the shots and their recoil, coupled with long days on the range and lugging heavy kit around takes a significant toll on the body. Staying fit and niggle free is one the key tenets to successful performance and our physios play a vital role in helping us perform to our best. Anyway…
Four of the team set out for a trip to visit the Zanchieta Wildlife Rescue Centre and Lodge (including the team photographer so expect vast quantities of cute animal pictures). Zanchieta is a licenced rehabilitation center for a wide range of species, as well as a sanctuary for animals ineligible for release to the wild, including those that had been raised as pets. The highlight of the trip appears to have been an opportunity to see the lions being fed, we believe all four team members did return from the trip!
Another small group, led by the vice-captain, set off for a local golf course to see who could lose their box of balls the fastest and with the most style (Seth). The Vice Captain and Seth Dowley took on Jack Alexander and Tom Drysdale, and in spite of Trem’s careful purchase of a leather golf glove before the match, Tom and Jack ended up winners by one hole. Top performances of the day goes to Seth Dowley for his 11 at the 14th (after being greenside for 3 shots) and to the sombreros that Tom and Jack clearly had on when Trem agreed to give them a shot a hole!
The day for the rest of the team was more varied. Time in the gym and stretching for some, reading, swimming or sunbathing for others, final kit preparation, frequenting an even greater variety of Bloemfontein’s finest restaurants for lunch all featured. It was a good day.
