TKP NETBALL... 1 Team, 1 Soul: June 2008

Monday, June 30, 2008

National Quarter-Final Grouping (Seniors)

Group X aka Group of Death

St Margaret's Primary (South Zone Champs)
Evergreen Primary (North Zone Champs)
Tanjong Katong Primary (East Zone Champs)
Yumin Primary

Group Y

CHIJ Kellock
CHIJ OLN
St Hilda's Primary
Greenridge Primary

Fixtures:

1st July (Tue) TKP vs St Margaret's Pri 1500hrs Kallang Court 1
3rd July (Thu) TKP vs Evergreen Pri 1600hrs Kallang Court 1
8th July (Tue) TKP vs Yumin Pri 1500hrs Kallang Court 1

National Quarter Final Grouping (Juniors)

Group X

St Hilda's Primary
CHIJ OLN
St Margaret's Primary
Fengshan Primary

Group Y

Tanjong Katong Primary
CHIJ Kellock
Pasir Ris Primary
Marymount Convent

Fixtures:

1st July (Tue) TKP vs Marymount Convent 0930 hrs Kallang Court 3
3rd July (Thu) TKP vs Pasir Ris Pri 0930 hrs Kallang Court 3
8th July (Tue) TKP vs CHIJ Kellock 0930 hrs Kallang Court 3

Introducing More New Media Personnels in aid of TKP Netball Team during the Nationals:

Devid Sroun

Another videographer who is always called upon to record important matches. He is polite, courteous and helpful. Recently confirmed as the President of the Student Leader Council (equivalent to the HEAD PREFECT), he epitomises what a true leader should be, unassuming and ever-ready to lend a helping hand. If I'm not wrong, he is also very popular with girls!

Jet Goh (seen here with his sister, Xing Hui of the Junior team)

Our main blog designer. Jet has been supporting the TKP netball team since 2005. He has seen the ups and downs, all the pain and glory associated with TKP netball. Now, a sec 3 student at TKSS and an active member of the military band, he still finds time to come and support the TKP netballers.

Sunday, June 29, 2008

TK VS CHIJ(OLGC)

National 1st Round (Seniors) Game 3

TKP vs CHIJ OLGC

33-5

This is by far the most important match the Seniors had to play. This match will change the destiny of the Seniors. Not only must they win OLGC, but they must also score more goals than CHIJ(OLN), the team that they drew with on Wednesday (20-20). So, the Seniors' goal difference (for all three matches) must be more than OLN in order for TKP to be first in the group.

Pictures are all about TKP defending ---OUR STRENGTHS!

Vikki in a weird blocking position

Dayanara trying to block the pass

To make sure that the Seniors would play a good game, they went to Kallang Netball Center early for warm-ups and for the shooters to practise shooting. But Mr Njoo did not want the girls to be tired before the match as the hot weather (a typical afternoon) would. Finally, it was time for the match. Just by looking at the Seniors' faces, I could sense that they were determined on playing their best. The game started out smoothly for the Seniors as they jumped, passed, ran, caught and scored. They scored eight goals but let in two. They were doing well. Being energized by that, they played a better second quarter, the mid-fielders passing to the shooters; the shooters scoring goals; and the defenders defending well. During the third quarter, instead of being exhausted, the Seniors became stronger and thus faster. Within the ten minutes of the third quarter, they managed to score ten goals but in the meantime they still defended ferociously (any goal scored by OLGC would have cancelled out the goals TKP scored), which made it impossible for OLGC to score. It was the best quarter played by them! By the last quarter, I think that the netballers were tired already. However that did not affect the Seniors much. They just fought on till the end, trying to score as many goals as possible. In the end , the Seniors trashed OLGC 33-5. It was a good score as OLN's match with OLGC previously was 31-5. TKP scored two more points more than their rivals. But will that score enable them to win?

Ting Fang going for the intercept

Ting Fang in mid-air blocking

Olivia in mid-air getting the pass

Sadly, OLN had a better score against Unity Primary--- 54-10 (TKP only manged 39-8 previously as Mr Njoo fielded all his reserves). Thus, TKP was second in the group. The Seniors will still proceed to the quarter-finals but unfortunately, they were grouped into the 'group of death' --- TKP (East-zone Champion) , Evergreen Primary (North-zone Champion) and St. Margaret's (South-zone Champion). Three Zone champions in one group! But I believe that TKP will make it through and be National Top 4 or even better!

Sarah in mid-air intercepting the ball

Ting Fang seems to be everywhere

From the coach's table:

We tried our best but we knew deep in our hearts we actually lost the first position in the group for the1st round on Wednesday against OLN. Watching the video clip of the match time and again, I just could not accept how we could not finish the game off!

To our disadvantage, we are now placed in a difficult group in the Q-finals. With three zone champions in the group, all our mathces from now on will be tight! No disrespect to Evergreen and Yumin, these two schools are our best bet to win so as to qualify for the semi-finals. Our first game will be against St Margs. A tough game for us and my feel is that the team that makes the least errors will triumph! I'll be crossing my fingers!

TK VS HENRY PARK

National 1st Round (Juniors) Game 3

TKP vs Henry Park Primary

33-7

After beating St Margaret's on Wednesday morning, the juniors were euphoric but their journey in the nationals has only begun, they have many more tight matches to go so the juniors were reminded by Mr Njoo during the bus ride not to be complacent. They need to defeat their next opponent, Henry Park Pri to top their group.

Corrine looking like a 'statue'

Rukmini practising 'martial arts'

The Juniors went to Kallang Netball Center early as usual and were ever ready when the match started. However, just like all the other matches the Juniors played in the Nationals so far, their first quarter was not very good. They let in four goals but only scored eight. It was their Archilles heel, the juniors cannot get into their rythm early in the game. Still, Henry Park fell behind 4-8. The second quarter (as usual) turned out for the better and the Juniors managed to double their previous score quickly with their quick passing and speedy runs down the line. With much difficulty, Henry Park only shot one goal. Motivated by their strong lead 16-5, the Juniors played better in the third quarter. The defence did a great job by not letting in any goals attempted by Henry Park at all. It was this display that prompted Mr Njoo to field the reserves in the 4th quarter. He took out Seak Im (GA) and replaced with Pepe, took out Rukmini (C) and made Xing Hui (WA) play the Centre and Jamie (GD) was asked to play WA with Josephine replacing her at defence. During the final quarter, I personally think that the defence was not as tight as the last two quarters (maybe it was due to the many changes). They 'allowed' Henry Park to shoot two goals. But the GA and GS scored five more shots and then the match was over with the score of 33-7.

Jamie looking to pass the ball

After winning all three matches this week, TK Juniors are first in the group. So, we have the priviledge to draw for the quarter-final groupings. Mr Njoo wanted CHIJ (Kellock) to be in our next group because TKP has yet to play with Kellock, and it would be much better to pip our skills against them earlier rather than in the latter stages. So, with Mr Njoo's strategy and Miss Normala's Magic Hands (She was the one who drew the groupings), the Juniors got their dream group--- TK, CHIJ(Kellock), Marymount Primary and Pasir Ris Primary. All the best TKP Juniors in the quarter-finals.

Seak Im shooting for goal

From the coach's table:

Although the highlight of the 1st round matches was against St Margs and this match though important, was not critical to our advancement to the quarter-final stage. I still wanted the girls to play above themselves and show me that they are able to keep a high tempo and attack early in the game. However, the juniors showed their usual weakness and took a long time to settle down in the match, only leading Henry Park by 4 goals after the 1st quarter. After the usual 'hair-dryer treatment', the juniors started to find their feet in the 2nd quarter.

After the match, I reflected on why some of the players needed so long to settle down. Players like Seak Im and Rukmini were the main culprits, always making silly errors and sloppy passes which then affected the rest of the team. I guessed I 've to talk to them before the game and get them to do 'breathing exercises' to calm themselves down before the match. Hopefully, this will be the remedy toour problem.

Looking at the quarter-final draw, the only team that will pose the biggest problem to us will be CHIJ Kellock. It will be great to defeat them so that if we were to play with them again, the pychological advantage will be with TKP having beaten them earlier. The other two teams, Marymount and Pasir Ris, though weaker in strength, must still be taken seriously. At this stage of the competition, we must not underestimate anyone!

Friday, June 27, 2008

Introducing the media crew

Introducing the TKP Netball Journalists

Just thought it will be great to present you our TKP netball Journalists who have worked very hard to give us up-to-date reports on the latest National Netball Championship.

They are:

Juliette Chia (P5 Olympism)

She takes pictures of the players in action and writes match reports. A talented pupil with multiple talents (plays the violin, organ and is a dancer who has represented school at the recent SYF and achieved a Gold Award). Besides that, she is also the Deputy Head of the Student Leader Council. Most importantly, she claims she is not good in sports!

Maverick Lim (P5 Olympism)

He takes footage of matches and entertains the netballers with his (lame) jokes and wisecracks. He is a talented goalkeeper who has represented TKP soccer team at the recent East Zone Competition and is the Sports Head in the Student Leader Council. Claims that he can run the 400m under 1 minute. Yet to see that happening! Besides that, he also brags that many girls like him (not shy!).

Kelly Kuek (P5 Olympism)

She is our Blog designer and she also takes footage of the matches as well as an avid photographer. She is a quiet worker but can be a handful when she is online...blabbers non-stop! Also a talented dancer who has achieved the SYF Gold award recently and a member of the IT department in the student leader council.

Thursday, June 26, 2008

TK VS CHIJ (OLN)

National First Round (Seniors) 2nd Match
TKP vs CHIJ (OLN)

20-20

The Seniors had their biggest game in the first round today. It was against CHIJ (OLN), the team they lost to in the national 3rd/4th placing match last year. TKP needed to win to top the group so as to avoid giants like St Margs and Kellock in the quarter finals. Looking at their opponents who were much taller than our girls, I somehow felt nervous for TKP. Being there as a reporter, I began to witness a roller-coaster emotional match.

Sarah blocking a pass

Liz showing how it is done...Look at her wrist as she released the ball

It was a ' killer ' afternoon as the weather was scorching hot until some of the netballers had to pour water on to their heads to cool down. Anyway, the match soon started. For the first quarter, the score was 5-5, an even encounter with both sides tightening their defence. Our defence was not very good as they kept giving penalty shots to CHIJ(OLN). The game went smoothly until the second quarter when TK was down by three! Everyone was shocked. Mr Njoo then told them to play much better and try not to be affected by the hot weather.

Ting Fang initiating another attack

Olivia putting 100% effort to intercept the ball

Being encouraged by their coach, the Seniors fought back with all their might and made an amazing come-back in the third quarter leading by 1 goal. However, the last quarter was really upsetting. I think they were exhausted and the heat was almost killing them. TKP had more of the ball but wasted them with poor shooting and sloppy passes.

Dayanara splits to get a pass from Liz

They could have killed the game but during the last seconds, Liz (GA) had a chance to shoot. Usually, under normal circumstances, she would have put it in. However, she missed but luck shone on TKP and Dayanara (GS) got the rebound and tried to score, this time the distance between the shooter and the post was very near and my heart stopped because I knew if we shot it in, we would have won the match and a place in the semi-finals would have been assured with an easier quarter-final grouping. She missed too!!!Somehow, the post was like a magnet that sort of repel the ball away instead of attracting it. Guess what?!?! Lady luck shone on us for the third time, Liz got the rebound and attempted a shot again, you would have bet your last dollar that this time after a thrid attempt, the ball would have finally found its way into the hoop but... she missed! Then, " BEEP!!!" time was up and the match was over. What a way for the match to end. I could see the relief on the faces of the OLN players and coach. Grrr...I was speechless...Why did we shoot ourselves in the foot in a game we could definitely win.

Liz getting a good pass in another TKP attacking move

Then I realised that is the beauty of sports. Nothing is assured and unexpected things do happen. I bet a million dollars that if this was a training match, those three attempts would have found its way into the hoop but then it didn't. I definitely feel for the girls and Mr Njoo and Ms Noormala, they must have been gutted that they had let a victory slipped from their grasps. Anyway, all is not lost yet. To top the group, TKP needs to have a better goal difference than OLN.

Analysis:

First match

TKP vs Unity 39-8 so the goal difference is +31

OLN vs OLGC 31-5 so the goal difference is +26

We are in the lead by 5 goals. So in the final match of the first round, TKP vs OLGC and OLN vs Unity will be the decider. From what I have seen, OLN has the edge, Unity is definitely an easier opposition than OLGC which means TKP will find it harder to put in the goals. Furthermore, in the first game, Mr Njoo put in the reserves to play against Unity and our score was not that impressive and TKP will have to play the final match earlier which means when OLN plays Unity, they would know how many points they will need to score to top the group. So I feel the odds are against us. However, it is through adversity that brings out the best in TKP netballers. Therefore, I am keeping my fingers crossed and hope we will score a barrage of goals on Friday!

COME ON TKP!!! FIGHT, FIGHT, FIGHT!

Vikki looking for someone to pass

From the coach's table:

No point harping on this match. We will have to keep our focus for the next match. The math is simple on Friday. We just need to have a better scoreline than OLN even though our opponent is tougher than OLN's.

From the look of things, St Margs, Kellock and Evergreen will top their respective group. The last group, which is ours will be decided this Friday. These are the permutations. If we top the group, we will only face one of the three mentioned in the quarter finals. If we are runner-up, then we will have to face two of the three which will then make it very hard to reach the semi-finals and achieved our target of a top 4 placing.

So, I am keeping my fingers crossed and hope the seniors will let their performances do the talking and play the game of their lives and score. Hoping to score at least 40 or more goals and make it difficult for OLN. We'll see!

Wednesday, June 25, 2008

TKP JUNIOR VS ST. MARGARETS'

Nationals 1st Round Game 2 (Juniors)

TKP vs St Margarets'

23-17

A last huddle before the big game

It was the Juniors' big day. They were playing against St. Margarets', their greatest rival in TKP netball history to be top in the group. History does not favour TKP whenever they play with St Margs. TKP have lost most of their matches with St Margs in the last four years. The only exception was in 2007, when the juniors defeated them at the Cross Straits Tournament Final and the seniors defeating them in the Cedar Girls' Netball Carnival final. Other than that, TKP has never defeated them in the nationals ever!

The Juniors' game started at 0930 hrs. During the first quarter, the juniors were nervous because they were in awe of St. Margarets', thus did not play a good game. So, TKP was down by 4-8. Mr Njoo berated them for their sloppy display in the 1st quarter and told them in order to win the match, they will have to play the best game of their lives. And they did! From the moment the whistle was blown, TKP quickly racked up points after points. Even though they were down by 4 points which at that point seemed imposible to catch-up, the Juniors just went for it. In the end of the second quarter, TKP was leading by 1 point, with the score of 12-11. St. Margarets' was a good team but the Juniors had made a huge come-back and was actually leading! As the third quarter went by, the Juniors became stronger and stronger. They played aggressively, which (according to Mr Njoo) would be the key to winning the match. The score of the third quarter, (this time) made it difficult for St.Margs' to catch up, which was 19-15. It was finally the last quarter. The Juniors kept up with their good work, tried to grab all the opportunities to attack. So, the final score was 23 -17. The Juniors actually did it! They have finally defeated St. Margs'in the nationals!

TKP Juniors were given the hair-dryer treatment by Mr Njoo after the 1st quarter

Jeraldine (GK) trying to block the shot

Rukmini attacking the ball

Corrine getting the better of the St Margs GK

That's me! (TKP Netball reporter)

Seak Im (GA) was our player of the match

Our best player in action again! Look at her leaping ability

Our 'chili padi' WA

Fatin (WD) trying for an interception

From the coach's table:

The first quarter was a disaster for TKP. We knew our girls were slow starters and our worse fears came true in the match. Sloppy passes and poor tactical acumen made us fall behind by 4 points in the 1st quarter. Furthermore, St Margs main shooter was playing as a GA and Jamie our GD could not match her physical presence. In a bold move, I told Jeraldine , our GK to play GD so as to guard their most dangerous player. In matches like this, we cannot afford to lose by that many points per quarter as it would be mpossible to play catch up. So during the break, I berated them and told them to play the game of their lives in the second quarter and stick to our game plan.

It paid off! Point by point, we managed to claw our way back. We were also helped by St Margs poor passing as they were soon losing confidence and managed to intercept many of their plays. By then, the girls had settled down and managed to find their rythm. Seak Im (GA), one of the main culprit in the bad first quarter soon make amends and made several important shots that gave TKP the advantage. She was definitely our best player today. Corrine, who had a commanding game as a GS in the first game played well too. Both shooters were hard to contain and the St Margs defenders were having a torrid time. By the third quarter, we were up by 4 points. It was then that I realised that TKP could actually beat St Margs for the first time.

Though we were victors this morning, there were certain aspects of our game we have to improve. Our defenders, especially jamie must be more confident in rebounding and going for the high balls. We will definitely work on it! Jamie, our fastest player on court is more of a midfielder. My next target is to groom Josephine to be GK. She has the height, good footwork and the determination to succeed. That's all for today...I will cherish this win in my sleep tonight.

National 1st Round TKP Seniors vs Unity Pri Photos

Nationals 1st Round Photos

TKP Seniors vs Unity Primary

39-8

TKP Seniors going for the huddle before the match!

Vikki passing to the on rushing Liz

Olivia starting the centre pass

Sarah going for the lob

Liz in mid-air!

Monday, June 23, 2008

Nationals 1st Round TKP vs Hougang (Junior) Photos

National 1st Round Photos

TKP Juniors vs Hougang Primary

31-4

Juniors getting ready for their first match

against Hougang Primary

Corrine fighting for the ball

Rukmini trying the block her opponent

Seak Im looking for someone to pass to

Best Player for the match - Corrine Kwek (GS)

TKPS SENIORS VS UNITY PRIMARY

In the afternoon, it was the Seniors match against Unity Primary. Our coach Mr Njoo was confident of the Seniors winning the game because they had gone through rigourous training sessions during the holidays with the full squad. Learning their mistakes from the Cross Straits Tournament, their training was mainly on correcting their mistakes and changing their style of playing for the better.

We went to Co-curricular Activities Branch (where the matches were held) early so the netballers had more time to warm-up. Finally, the netballers took their places and looked intentively at the ball. "BEEP!" the match started. The game started out smoothly. The Seniors swiftly scored 10 goals while Unity Primary only scored 2 in the first quarter. The Seniors got more energized by their lead and played better and better. At the end of the second quarter, the score was 21-4 (with TKPS leading). Our netballers' defence were great in the third quarter, making it hard for Unity Primary to attack. So, while Unity Primary were 'held back', the GA and GS were busy shooting. The score for the third quarter was 31-4. During the last quarter, Unity Primary made a come-back and shot 4 more goals. However, it was too late as they were very far behind. In the end, the Seniors won the game 39-8 hands-down.

From the coach's table:

The seniors had three sessions of training after the Cross Straits Tournament where they lost to St Margs in the final by one point. We tried to rectify our attacking style consisting of more short passes and more leads. This style requires speed as well as stamina and the players have to be 'on the move' at all times. Previously, we gave away possession too easily, throwing aimless long passes that were easily intercepted by the opponents. With this new style, we were able to keep the ball on our side and create more scoring opportunities.This opening game was a good test for us to try out our new attacking style and I must say I'm impressed with the tactical awareness the girls showed me. Towards the end with the score in our favour, I made a few changes and let the subs play.

Our next match against OLN will be a tough one. OLN have very tall players and they tend to lob from one end to the other end. In order to stop them from scoring, my centre, goal defence and wing defence must stop the opponent from feeding the shooters with lobs as my goal keeper will not be able to intercept those high balls. I have confidence in my players and we seriously hope to avenge the defeat last year during the 3rd/4th placing match that we lost. We have waited for one year and the time is now for us to exorcise those demons!

TKPS JUNIORS VS HOUGANG PRIMARY

The National Tournament has just started today (Monday, 23rd of May). Being the first day of the school semester, some of the netballers were still in the holiday mood. Especially those who missed the 4 trainings conducted during the holidays. However, after practising a few drills , they soon woke up and began to get serious.

At 8:30 in the morning, the match started promptly. Our netballers were leading the first quarter with the score of 6-0. They were playing a fast game and it made it hard for Hougang Primary to score. Their strong lead also pressurized their opponent. For the second quarter, our netballers tripled their score of the first quarter but Hougang Primary did not score, thus 18-0. Finally, Hougang tried to come back at the third quarter and manage to score three goals. Still, our netballers did better and the score of the third quarter was 24-3. The final quarter ended with a happy ending with the score of 31-4.

From the coach's table:

The preparation for the junior team did not go well during the holidays. Many were not present during the scheduled training sessions. Key players like Seak Im and Jamie were absent throughout the sessions. A new attacking style was introduced and were drilled into the players who attended the training sessions. Although they managed to dominate the first game in the nationals. There were many aspects of the game the juniors can improve. Shooting accuracy has to be improved, we are wasting too many chances. When it comes to tight games, one missed opportunity could be the thin line that decide winners from losers. In addition to that, the juniors must work on their passing and footwork. Jamie Wong, our first choice goal defence is not very confident in executing passes and her footwork is not stable either. One bright spark is the improvement of Corrine's shooting ability. She has stepped up and has taken more responsibility in shooting and her movement is much better. Go Corrine! We have a very strong junior team and it is my responsibility to make sure the girls fulfil their destiny - TO BE NATIONAL CHAMPION!

Next game will be aginst St Margs, our strongest rivals but our dearest friends. We have beaten them in Malaysia but they are capable of creating an upset especially when playing against TKP. ST Margs tend to rise up to the occasion when they are playing us. Obviously we want to win and top the group and hopefully avoid tougher opposition in the quarter finals. I guess we will have to GRIND out a result against them. If you are looking for an exciting match to watch...This Wednesday morning 0930 hrs at Kallang Netball Court One will be the place to be...All the best, TKP!

Friday, June 6, 2008

Seniors National First Round Schedule

1st Round

TKPS vs Unity Primary (Mon 23rd June 1430hrs at CCAB court 4)
TKPS vs CHIJ OLN (Wed 25th June 1530hrs at Kallang court 5)
TKPS vs CHIJ OLGC (Fri 27th June 1430hrs at Kallang Court 5)

I wouldn't say the draw has been kind to us. At the senior level, there are 5 teams that I think will be vying for the top 4 positions. They are: CHIJ Kellock, St Margaret's, CHIJ OLN, Evergreen Primary and ourselves, TKP. So, to be drawn with CHIJ OLN in the first round and grouped with OLGC and Unity, both teams' strength relatively unknown to us, seems a little tricky. It presents us a chance to avenge our 3rd/4th placing match last year when it went into overtime and we lost by 2 points. Personally, I feel we have the team to win the nationals. We probably need to tweak some of our weaknesses. During the Cross Straits Final, we made so many errors with our goal line passes and presented St Margaret's Primary with easy goals that it has made practising our goal line passes as our top priority. Also, in terms of positioning, I'm still not convinced that GD is Sarah's best position. Playing WD would have suited her better. But...Who can play the coveted GD postition? Jannelle? Or put Jing Jing/Kah Mun in GK and slot Ting Fang in GD...there are many options but at this stage, I do not want to confuse the players. Sigh...the positive aspect is that I have players at my disposal that can play in different positions. I just got to be more assertive and stick to the game plan. Let's hope I can see the 'light' during our training sessions on the 18th, 19th and 20th of June.

Prediction: We should win all three games and top the group! The second match against OLN will be very tough and will be sooooooooo close that the spectators will get a heart attack!

Juniors National First Round Schedule

1st Round

TKPS vs Hougang Primary (Mon 23rd June 0830hrs at CCAB court1)
TKPS vs St Margaret's Primary (Wed 25th June 0930hrs at Kallang court 1)
TKPS vs Henry Park Primary (Fri 27th June 0830hrs at Kallang court 1)

The toughest game in the group will be against St Margaret's Primary, our strongest rival. Somehow when we are drawn with them , there's always this excitement that will slowly erupt as the day of the game draws nearer. You can imagine the number of times we have played against them over the years and it has always been very close (national junior finals 2006 lost by one point, national senior final 2007 lost by 2 points, last year's cross straits junior final win by 2 points and this year's cross straits senior final lost by one point). We did beat them in Kl but it was a close game 8-6. No doubt, this will be the game everyone will be talking about in the entire first round.

Prediction: We should win all 3 games and top the group! Toughest match will be against St Margs. If Seak Im and Corrine are shooting like marksmen that day, we will win!!!

Thursday, June 5, 2008

Squad for the Nationals 2008

After the Cross Straits Netball Tournament in Kuala Lumpur, the coaches reassessed the players' performances and did the final selection for the upcoming Nationals. It was not an easy decision to choose the final twelve for the both teams to represent the school especially for the Junior team where the coaches have to consider the players' potential for improvement that will take them to the next level and ultimately promotion to the senior team next year. Some of the criteria for selection include players' attitude, performance, teamwork, fitness, adaptibility and mental strength.

Seniors 2008