Day 8: The football match and the Big Market

We started the day with a delicious breakfast and then got ready to go to JTR. At JTR we had a lovely welcome from all the children: they were all coming up to us and clinging onto our arms and legs, beaming up at us. We then went on to have a football match against the JTR team - the boys played incredibly well and managed to end the match with a whopping 5-5, leaving everyone feeling satisfied. We generously got served a tasty, but rather spice filled lunch and then went on to say our final goodbyes to the adorable children. Next, we headed back to the resort for a bit of rest and rejuvenation before preparing to get ready for the market. At the market, we were greeted with lots of smiling faces and eager sellers. Feeling rather hot and conflicted about which sellers to buy from when they were all selling the exact same thing, many of us bought Sierra Leone football shirts in various colours. Some of us also bought bracelets, hand carved wooden ornaments and instruments. Milo made an epic purchase of a rather large but beautifully hand-carved walking stick that doesn’t fit in anyone’s suitcase except Harry’s. After our mooching around the market, we hopped back on the nice air-conditioned mini busses and headed back to base for a scrummy dinner. We’re now off to rest up for another busy day of music and fun. Written by Lydia

Today was the highly anticipated annual JTR Vs Wells Cathedral School football match. And boy did it not disappoint. The uneven concrete playground pitch was the venue and the whole school lined the pitch with boisterous support for both sides. Wells took some time to get used to the occasion and JTR took a deserved 2-0 lead within minutes of the kick off. Wells woke up and a Reuben penalty and an Alvin wall-bounce got us back in the game. It was all to play for in the second half at 2-2. The game was competitive and tight but the JTR nifty striker gave the home side a two goal advantage once again. However, they hadn’t bargained for the WCS X factor, Orlando Edwards, who ‘turned the game on its head in 5 minutes” (Orlando in his post match interview) with a well taken penalty and shortly afterwards, a goal scored by charging down an attempted clearance from the goalkeeper. With 5 minutes to go we were looking to park the bus for a well fought point. But there were twists in the tale to delight the excited crowd . First, the JTR striker once again was too quick for our defence to score what looked likely to be the winning goal. Yet with two minutes on the clock Reuben fired an unstoppable volley past the goalkeeper to make the honour’s even by the final whistle. The game was played in 30 degree heat and both teams took well deserved applause for their efforts. Reuben was awarded man of the match and respect was earned all round. We were all treated to a lovely, sit-down lunch at JTR and this gave us an opportunity to thank the staff for their hospitality and warm welcome all week. The JTR pupils gave us a wonderful send off, lining our route to the exit as we walked to our vehicles. The afternoon took us to the Freetown market. Our haggling skills were severely tested and we returned to the hotel armed with colourful clothes, jewellery, gifts for family members and beautifully carved animals amongst other things. Another thoroughly enjoyable day In Freetown! written by Reuben