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GKR South Australian Tournament Team National Championships 2007 Day 2 |
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Robin and Sara had been out to check out the venue on Friday and also to visit Zett's Martial Arts store when Jo Marks (MamaJo) works. (Fantastic bargains to be had - more later). Robin had suggested that we take the freeways to Liverpool, a bit further to travel but with eight cars in the convoy, a bit easier. It would be about an hour trip so it was a 05:30 start to the day with a 6:40 leave time. We all gathered outside the park and off we went. Freeways are good but there are the Tolls to pay. We had a really good run, well except for the last bit off the Freeway into Liverpool. Robin seems to twist and turn but he did have the GPS and knew where he was going. Well we thought so until he did the U Turn at the lights and headed back the way we came - only a minor glitch but we did stop outside a bakery and it was so tempting. Into the Stadium car park and we all parked together. It was just past 0730 so it was a good trip. Usual activity both inside and out as we all waited to get in. Crowds built up as we waited and waited, although some were on good spirits. Activity in the ticket office but Paul was advised that tickets wouldn't be sold until 0830. Paul's suggestion that it would be a good idea to start selling now was agreed as a good idea so after 10 or so minutes, sales began. Normal story, I was in the line and ended up buying tickets for about half of the SA people. Went back and there was the always smiling face of Tash Hammersley, feeling a traitor in a Victorian Team Jacket. Still not much activity inside the gates except the merchandising people setting up but the check in tables remained empty. 0830 came and they decided to start letting people in and Sydney's reputation for organisation maintained its usual standard. No one on the check in tables. In we went and claimed a bit space in the stand for the SA people. Time marched on and nothing was happening, competitors and officials were called to the outside marshalling area for the march in. Still nothing happened as competitors were still being processed through check in. Finally at 1030, the march in began, led by the New Zealand contingent. The Australian competitors marched in State by State, behind the Australian flag being held by WC4 kata and kumite Champion Lachlan Carr. Daniel Tregenza, holding the Piping Shrike SA State Flag, rightly was given the honour of leading our competitors. The Opening Ceremony was brief with Shihan and Kancho addressing the gathering and then it was time for competition. A full report and photos will appear in "Tournament Revue" later in the week, along with photos. SA competitors did very well and with a Team of 42, had a great day. Traditionally we have done well in Kata, but this year, SA Competitors won six National Kumite Titles, a great credit to the training program instigated this year by Robin and Jeremy. South Australian winners were: Daniel
Tregenza - 1st Veteran Kata and 3rd Veteran Kumite Congratulations to all. As usual it was very late when the event finished with most people already home. The finals and presentation of the Trophies to the winners of the elite events were presented in front of very few people. Disappointing but that is the way in which NSW seem to think the Australian Championships should be presented. A 0930 start was too late and the check in scenario was appalling. Lots of wasted time as well, plus the usual officiating standard. Roll on next year when a proper training and accreditation system comes in, as long as current referees do not get instant status for their current nominal level. However all of this did not stop some very noisy celebrations, although a few people settled down early. On to tomorrow with a Team BBQ planned. Total - 6 First, 3 Second,
5 Third and 4 Fourth |
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Home, Day 1, Day 2, Day 3, Day 4, Day 5, Day 6, Day 7, Day 8, Day 9, Day 10, Day 11, Breakup BBQ |
