January 6, 2015
Connor's December and New Year's web post
Hi Guys,
The last month of 2014 was one of the most enjoyable and busy of the year!
The first main event of December were the Exams, similar to last examination period I sat a few of the all Japanese tests which included Kokugo (Japan’s version of our english studies), Political Studies and Health. Unlike last time I was able to read and answer a lot more questions, which was encouraging!
Also, during the examination period the International students were able to use a day to go and explore the area of Nikko (which coincides with our next history study area). We got there quite early in the morning and the weather was really nice; although the temperature rarely went above 3 degrees, it was sunny and still. The excursion was really enjoyable, and Nikko and its environment was really beautiful. I was able to snap a few nice photos.
After the test period had concluded we had a slow week of school after that and then it was holidays. Like every year, the football club were off to Hasaki, on Christmas day, for a number of tournaments over the next 5 days. The ‘A Team’, which I was in, competed in the Ocean Cup and our group stage games were a success as we won all three and finished with a healthy 14+ goal difference.
Next came the knockout rounds of the competition and we faced Chuo Gakuin from Chiba, we came out 3-2 winners of a very entertaining match. The semi Final brought our team up against Maebashi Ikuei and the encounter was tense throughout with each team defending well. However, a counter attack from the opposition ending in a goal, which came in the last minute of the match, meant we had to settle for a third place play off.
The third place playoff saw us play Ryukei and it turned out to be a very interesting game, the heavens opened up prior to kick off and the field became a lake and with strong winds blowing it was one of the coldest games I’ve played in. The state of the ground meant the quality suffered and neither side could score as the crossbar seemed to be our greatest enemy, so it went to penalties.
The shootout was tense like any other and unfortunately our first taker missed. I took the fourth kick, and converted, but we eventually lost. This meant we placed fourth in 2014 Ocean cup out of over 25 teams across Japan which was quite successful. I enjoyed every minute of playing!
See ya Next time,
Connor