The sun continues to shine in Åland and I was fortunate enough yesterday to spend some time with the golf team as they played their second day of four.
The golf courses in Åland are in a stunning location by the edge of a castle, with a lake nearby and the greens look spectacular. But more importantly how did the team perform today?
Andy Macdonald and golf team manager, Norrie 'Tomsh' Macdonald
Team member, Andy MacDonald explained: "On Tuesday we played the King's Course which is by far the more difficult of the two courses. Yesterday (Wednesday) we played the Castle Course and I am pleased to say that we showed a slight improvement overall. Kevin MacRae and I scored both 76 with Norrie close behind with 77. David Black scored an 83 but he played a lot better than the score suggests. Today we are playing the King's Course and I hope we can continue to improve as the week progresses."
It was another big day yesterday for our island athletes who gave some great performances.
Chirsty Macleod in the 5000 metres
Chirsty MacLeod competed in the 5000m track event and finished in 7th position with a time of 19.46 which is a very respectable time indeed.
Moving onto another athlete by the name of MacLeod, Donnie MacLeod. It was a delight to watch him perform yesterday. He effortlessly secured a place in the semi-final of the 400m with a time of 49.54. His performance was excellent and his display of sheer power, particularly on the final straight, proved how much talent he has. He will compete in the semi-final today at 12.50.
Donnie was also part of the 4 X 400m event. Joining him in the team were Stewart Chalmers, Cameron Ross and Rory McClure.
They sailed through their heat and are currently in second place going into the finals with a time of 3.36.28 behind Guernsey who have a time of 3.23.31. That final will take place on Friday lunch time.
Stewart Johnston performed in the long jump and although he did not get placed in the event he did well to compete at all considering he sustained a hamstring injury. Stewart commented: "I am quite disappointed with my performance but without the fantastic treatment and expert advice given by our physiotherapy Careen MacKay team I certainly would not have been able to compete. I am having a fantastic time and the experience I have gained from competing has been invaluable."
The boy's football team had a much deserved day off today and some even decided to go fishing at a nearby lake – well they say you can take a boy out of Lochs! Or boys as the case may be! They will play Menorca for a 5th or 7th place finish tomorrow at 12.45pm.
No rest for the ladies team today as they faced the Norwegian island of Hitra. It was a great night for the girls securing three points with a defeat of 4-1. Sinead MacLeod had a hat trick and Jenna Stewart also scored a penalty. They face Guernsey this evening in the final group game. We hope that they will secure a further three points then.
Although our swimmers failed to qualify for any finals they continued to achieve personal bests in their competitions which is fantastic given that one of the team Kathryn Offer only had five minutes between races. Ceitlin Russell Smith is now finished with competitions but Grant Macleod and Kathryn Offer will again compete today in freestyle and backstroke events.
Our Rhodes bronze medal winner Eve Carrington will today compete in the triple jump competition.
