Tired, but Happy

GB won their last game, and Betsy scored a run, she was so happy.

The closing ceremony was really wonderful. It took place as the sun was setting, and the light was beautiful. Betsy was chosen to lead the team in, holding the Team GB banner, I was so proud, and so was she.

Italia 2 won, with Moskovia second. One of the Moscovia girls was in floods of tears through the entire ceremony. I hope her disappointment turns to pride; it was a tough five days and they all should be proud.

The GB girls were known to be the loudest singers of the tournament, and by the end had taught all the teams their cheering songs. As they lined up to parade in for the ceremony, someone started to sing their song, 'Hey Baby'. Soon, every team - about a hundred girls - took it up and were singing, 'Haaaaaaay-aaaayyy baby! Oooh Ahhh!' at the tops of their voices, jumping about and doing the actions. It was moving, funny and sweet.

GB and the Cubs got a special mention for being the newcomers and the youngest teams in the field.

The Coaches took the girls out for dinner. The parents were invited but we thought it best to leave Betsy to celebrate with her team. They've come so far in just a few days, forming intense friendships, and really bonding as a team, not just a group who play together.

They've played their hearts out and have had the time of their lives. They played as hard as they could, no matter how tough it was, even when it was 38 degrees, they didn't flag. They cheered and sung softball chants and danced in the dug out to encourage each other when they went up to bat, and mucked around and drama-ed it up in the hotel every evening. They got locked out of their rooms, washed their socks in the sink and then lost them over the balcony. They watched Italian MTV, went swimming together, and talked about the games non stop. They ate every meal together, played and trained all day, living and breathing the game.

Who wants to sit with Mum and Dad after all that?

Chris and I took Al out for his fourth pizza in five days. The place was a real dive but the food and wine were spectacular.

It's been emotional, as they say, but also fantastic and great fun. But we will all be glad to head home tomorrow.