They went back to the nation's second city battered, bruised, tired and exhausted, but they also went back with what they travelled to the Nassau for - the 2014 Anglican Schools Festival overall trophy.

The defending champions Bishop Michael Eldon Warriors' 227-member team arrived in Grand Bahama off the Fiesta Mailboat to the cheers of parents and friends after successfully defending their title this year, in New Providence. The four days of competition are now over, and the Warriors emerged as the top team.

"We must thank all our coaches who assisted all of our teams, they worked so well and hard for this one," said Athletic Director of Bishop Michael Eldon Wayne Smith.

"This was one of the most comfortable festivals for me... when the principal says, 'Why am I worrying? We are okay... everything is going to be all right'.

I had a massive headache and she soothed that right out." The final numbers were: Bishop Michael Eldon - 850 points, St. Anne's - 775 points, St. John's - 625 points, and St. Andrew's - 75 points. The Warriors won five of the 10 events.

"There were quite a few special moments, the first was the spelling bee, what went some 50-plus rounds to determine a winner. We placed first and second but it was a wonderful testament of the wonderful work our kids are doing, especially in literacy... that was a thriller, "said Bishop Michael Eldon Principal Anita Doherty, who recalled those defining moments.

"We were really pleased with our kids, and how they conducted themselves - the camaraderie and the friendship that have been forged, it was an excellent avenue for our kids to get to know each other."

St. Anne's won elocution, senior girls and junior boys softball, and St. John's won the cheerleader's and basketball competition.

"You never realized how much this festival means until the Grand Bahama community, even those who are not Anglicans, send out congratulations and says, 'job well done'," said Smith.

"When you win, you win graciously and you want to say you have worked to win. The results should be that you come out on top and if you don't, you say to your squad that the teams must have been better than we were." According to Coach Smith, winning never gets old.

"Next festival, we will set a target to win seven events and then raise the bar to win all 10 events," said Smith. "You never get tired of winning because we are preparing them for that." The Warriors have now won 10 of the past 20 championships.

Click here to read more at The Nassau Guardian