The winning entry in last weekend’s sand castle competition, Danang, complete with Swannies’ hat. And, alas, MJ’s unlucky entry of a sandy Sherrin!

Michael “MJ” Johnston was in Danang last weekend for the annual Sand Castle competition. He was also flying the flag for the Swannies – and discovered a Swannies hat on one of the winning exhibit!

MJ reports below.

No matter from which angle you approached the Vietnam Swans’ inaugural entry into Da Nang’s Sand Castle competition, it was a work of art.

Perhaps the judge, former JASPA’s manager and Swans player in Ha Noi, Jamie Hills, was busy reflecting on his relocation to the seaside resort of Danang instead of assessing the Swans’ entry on its merits.

No amount of pleading, or beer in plastic mugs, from MJ would dissuade Mr Hills or persuade the DRS (Danangian Review of SandCastles) to move the Swans’ entry further up the list than 34th out of 33 entries.

Mr Hills did award MJ the “Nice First Attempt by a Loser, now go away and practice, and come back next year with more beer but not in plastic cups” Award.

For the record, the winning entry was shovelled and carved by a team from Lotte supermarket.

Congratulations to Phil Bossley and the crew at Silver Sun Events for organising a great event.

For more information on the event, click here.