HISTORY OF TKP NETBALL

How It All Began...The History of TKP Netball (PT 1)

It has been awhile since this blog was updated. I was just thinking since it is off-season, it is a good time for us to reminisce about TKP netball's past. Check out our ugly jerseys ...gosh..where did we get those light blue ones and the green and yellow ones as well...See some familiar faces too...
SO HERE WE GO...

2004 Achievements

East Zone Netball Champions (Seniors)

East Zone Netball 4th (Juniors)

2005 Achievements

East Zone Netball Champions (Seniors)

East Zone Netball Champions (Juniors)

National Netball Runner-Up (Seniors)

National Netball 3rd (Juniors)

National Finals

National Netball Final (Juniors)

TKP vs CHIJ Kellock

30-25

What a day! An exhausting event has happened today. Supporters, have you lost your voice? Players, are your arms and legs sore? The netballers were excited. In the bus, they were moving around (when the bus stopped) painting the word TK in each other’s faces and hands. None of them looked very nervous or anxious, but who knows how they will react on court? TKP Juniors is by far the best team in TKP, but also the most unpredictable. They have beaten CHIJ Kellock before, so why can’t they do it again? WE MUST WE CAN WE WILL- these are the words which were repeating in the netballer’s minds. The seniors played well but will the juniors play a good game too?

Before the game started they did their quick warm-ups and started the first quarter. Mr Njoo also told the girls to finish the job. First to score-TK! Unfortunately, we still made a few errors. Jamie (GD) had to look before she passed, Rukmini,(C) did not make the right decision in her center pass and was asked to get the ball back when our opponent’s took the ball. GD made good interceptions but we lost the lead. Seak Im missed a attempt but caught the rebound and successfully the ball went in in the next attempt. When the first quarter ended, Mr Njoo was furious with the score. 5-9! The reason was because the aggression was not there and Jeraldine (GK) had to stick to the GS as if they were glued together.

Time for the second quarter… No! CHIJ shot in before TK could. And when our players managed to get the ball to the goal post, Corrine (GS) was not going out of the semi-circle when she was supposed to so her teammates could pass it to her. It seemed like Kellock was stronger than ever. Surprisingly, Kellock’s coach was not as fierce as before at the Kallang Netball Center! With the clock ticking down every second, TK finally managed a shot. WHOOSH! Nothing but net.. During this quarter, we missed a few chances to score ‘’Make it count girls, make it count!’’ the reserves, seniors and Mr Njoo would often shout when we were attempting to shoot. Also, our opponent’s GA was not being guarded by anyone so we let in a shot by them. We got the rhythm quick, but lost it. Our defence was slacking a little though luckily for us, one of Kellock’s player threw a lob which no one caught and went out. Yes! Our ball! Though it was not much use because when we got the opportunity to shoot, Corrine (GS)’s head was not in the game. At one stage of the quarter, we were 6-15, down by 9 points!

Third Quarter- After a good reprimanding, the netballers played with lots of determination. Xing Hui was standing right outside the semi-circle and when the ball bounced pass her, she did not catch it! TK Seniors were franticly shouting at their voice, yelling out good advices but did it really make a difference? Maybe. Soon enough, we started to play a bit better. GK made a good tip on the ball. A good catch was from our GA, Seak Im too. ‘’Good play, girls!’’ Mr Njoo shouted. We made it a good fight against Kellock during this quarter. It was like watching a horror movie, you were scared, but you had to watch it even so. Juniors were not complacent and had played their game, which paid off- 22-22! We caught up with them! It seemed impossible to claw back from a 9 point deficit. But they did it! The last quarter would tell them whether or not they were going to be the national champs. Let’s just hope they played with their will.

BEEP! The final and last quarter had started! I must say, the Juniors really played with their will and heart. It seemed like the longest quarter ever, but the best! The supporters were cheering loudly. Jamie(GD) made a good interception at the start, Corrine’s accuracy for shooting was good- from a far distance! We were first to score. A very risky position, only leading by 1 point, but they did not give up. Come on TK! Our defence was much better than the 1st, 2nd and 3rd quarter. Rukmini(C) was playing how she was supposed to be playing and when we were shooting, we caught the rebound when the ball went off the rim and shot in the next attempt. The ball went to the next team because our GA contact but our opponent did not get a chance to try an attempt because of our best GK! We got the rhythm and did not lose it. We slowed down the game a little and everyone gave their 110%. There was 1minute left and we were up by 5. And for the first time, Kellock’s GS missed an attempt! Score 30-25! The quarter was over and we won! We are the National CHAMPIONS! Everyone was hugging each other and our GA was near to tears. Even I was laughing! For the first time in TKP history, our juniors had won the nationals. Job well done, job accomplished! None of us could have won this game if there was not team spirit. TK Juniors certainly had that- WE MUST WE CAN WE WILL and WE WON!

National 3rd and 4th Placings Playoff (Seniors)

National 3rd and 4th Placings Playoff(Seniors)

TKP vs CHIJ OLN

30-25

This is the last game TKP Seniors are ever going to play. Though heartbroken by the Semi-Finals Match (and the Umpire), they will definitely not let them ruin their very last game in TKP.

So, forgetting the past; ignoring the future; caring about the present, the Seniors only thought of the match. However, it was not a good way to end their Netball Journey in Tanjong Katong Primary. They had to play against CHIJ OLN which they drew in the earlier rounds. Still, they wiped out that fear and made sure that history won't repeat itself.

The National 3rd and 4th Placings Playoff (Seniors)is starting. The GS of TKP is Dayanara, the GA is Liz, the WA is Vikki, the C is Olivia, the WD is Janelle, the GD is Sarah and the GK is Ting Fang. The reserves are Jing Jing, Tian Yu, Kah Mun, Yi Ying and Marin." And 'PHEET!!!' the match started. Uh-oh! CHIJ OLN had the ball first. If they scored first, they would gain confidence and keep on leading all the way. No, after losing to them once, the TKP Seniors were not going to let OLN off again. It was time to get back. It was time to kill OLN.

Last year, TKP Seniors lost to them. During the previous match with them, TKP Seniors thought that that was the time to beat OLN. However, fate did not think so and unfortunately they lost. That match cost them a rough and rocky path in the quarter-finals, having to face the giants -- St. Margaret's, Evergreen Primary. Still, they made it through the rough and rocky path, finally getting to the semi-finals which seemed impoosible after the defeat of the match against OLN. The National Finals was right at their doorstep. All they had to do was to win against ChIJ Kellock. By the 2nd or 3rd quarter of that match, they could already smell victory but somehow fate was not on their side again.

Well, that was the past and this was the present. Anyway, just by looking at TKP Seniors could make a six feet tall person feel like the tiniest person in the whole world. Not because they were angry but because they had that aggressive looks on their faces. OLN could sense that the TKP Seniors were going to give the fight of their lives. Back to the game, OLN had the ball and got it to OLN's 'D' successfully, the whole crowd went silent. One of the sharpest shooters of OLN missed the shot! The GD or GK caught the rebound easily and within a second, Liz was ready to shoot. She put her hands up, with the ball in her hands; her eyes looking attentively at the net and 'whoosh!' down went the ball through the net.

All the TKP supporters screamed and cheered with joy. The TKP Seniors got their rhythm even before the match started! When it was TKP's centre pass, they really made sure the ball would always be TKP's possession. OLN woke up and knew the team they were playing against now was not the same team that lost to them. However, a tragedy happened during the first quarter. Sarah, the most aggressive GD, hurt her ankle which was already injured. The pain was excruciating as she was clutching onto her ankle with all her might and moaning. Oh no! TKP Seniors had lost a good player! However, Mr Njoo found the right replacement -- Kah Mun. She may not be as aggressive but she was alert and fit into the game perfectly.

But, by half-time, the score was 17-12 in favour of TKP. There was a 70% chance of winning. All they had to do is to keep on fighting till the end and they would be National 3rd. Sadly, they lost the 3rd quarter. TKP only scored 4 while OLN scored 9 goals! Still, that made the score 21-21. Things started to look a little bleak as the wall of defence had holes that OLN could pass through. Luckily, Sarah felt better and insisted on finishing the game well. OLN were gasping, 'Oh No! The GD is back!' Despite the pain in her ankle, she gritted her teeth as she jumped, intercepted, ran around the court. The attack was great! When TKP was at their attacking 'D', the GK and GD would 'sandwich' Liz (because she was the one who always scored), leavibg Dayanara free. So, when Olivia or Vikki wnted to pass into the 'D', Dayanara could catch it without being afraid that the OLN's defenders would intercept. And finally 'PHEET!' the whole match ended!

VICTORY was ours this time!The Seniors were hugging everyone they saw and tears of joy were welling up in their eyes. What a happy ending to the TKP Seniors! They not only won the match, but they also did their very BEST! In my eyes, they were my national Champions!

SENIORS ALL STAR TEAM 2008

2008 Seniors All-Star Team

-This selection is based on the perspective of the TKP Media Crew and by no means represent the views of everyone.

GK from CHIJ OLN

We felt her height and her size would cause problems to many shooters. Despite her large frame, she has the agility of a dancer and is able to get many rebounds. Other notable GK worth mentioning include (St Margs GK and TKP GK Ting Fang)

Rachella GD from St Margs

Definitely one of the best performers in the nationals. She never fails to deliver and her good reading of the game gives her many interceptions. Her speed, her leaping ability as well as her never-say-die attitude are one of the many reasons why there is no contest in this position. Other notable GD include (Sharmaine CHIJ OLN and CHIJ Kellock GD)

Olivia C for TKP

WD or C for All-Star Team

A prominent centre for TKP seniors, Olivia passes well and is an all-rounder. Able to defend as well as attack, she can play in any positions in mid-court. Be it WD, C or WA, she will fit in seamlessly into this all-star team as a WD or C.

Esther C for St Margs

WA or C for All-Star Team

The fastest player on court. Though shorter than most of her counterparts, she is able to compensate her lack of height with her leaping ability. She can play in both Centre or Wing Attack. She has a knack for the tightest of openings to seek out a pass to the shooters.

Shannon WA for St Margs

Her understanding with Esther is the main reason why she should play the WA in this All-Star Team. A good passer and another speedster, she is able to get away quickly from her marker to receive passes and cause damage to oponents by supplying passes to the shooters. Other notable WA include (Kellock's WA)

Liz GA for TKP

She single-handedly win games for TKP. She is the main reason why TKP has progressed so far in this competition. A thorn to many GDs during the nationals even with her lack of height. Her speed and her quickness to get into space will give even the quickest of defender problems. She has great shooting range as well. Also, a great passer of the ball, acts as a second WA at times to ease the workload of the mid-court players. Definitely one of the best performers in her position so far! Other notable GAs include (Daisy of St Margs, GA from Evergreen Pri, GA from Yumin)

GS from CHIJ Kellock

Though not known for her mobility, the GS from Kellock has deadly shooting accuracy. It was her deadly accuracy in her shooting that killed TKP's hope in reaching the national finals. Her height and her sense of positioning are added bonus to her game. Other notable GS include (Andrea from St Margs, GS from CHIJ OLN)

That's it...this All-Star Team will definitely give the C div teams in sec schs a tough fight!

2008 All-Star Team (Seniors)

GK- OLN GK

GD-Rachella (SMPS)

WD-Olivia (TKP)

C-Esther (SMPS)

WA-Shannon (SMPS)

GA- Liz (TKP)

GS- Kellock GS

Subs:

Ting Fang (TKP)

Sharmaine (OLN)

Kellock's WA

Evergreen's GA

Andrea (SMPS)

Calling all Supporters!

Calling all Supporters this Wednesday!!!

National Netball Finals

TKP vs CHIJ Kellock (Juniors) 1415 hrs Toa Payoh Indoor Sports Hall

National Netball 3rd/4th Placing

TKP vs CHIJ OLN (Seniors) 1300 hrs Toa Payoh Indoor Sports Hall

If you support the beautiful game of netball, then make your way to Toa Payoh Indoor Sports Hall this Wednesday, 16th July. TKP Seniors and Juniors will be challenging for honours in the Nationals. The Juniors are poised to become the first team in TKP history to win the National Championship. TKP netballers have come close in 2005, 2006 and 2007 - only to fall short in the finals and achieved second place. This could be the year TKP broke their duck and win their first ever National Championship! So calling all ex-TKP netballers, teachers, parents and friends of TKP, we need your support to become the first school in the east to win the nationals!!!

See you there...Be there or be SQUARE!

National Semi-Final (Seniors)

National Semi-Final (Seniors)
TKP vs CHIJ Kellock
23-26

My hands were trembling as I wrote this match report. It was as if I was penning an orbituary. Tears trickled down as words became sentences and sentences became paragraphs. The whole tragedy of how the match went began to unfold before my very eyes.

As I interviewed Mr Njoo on how the match went, I was given an account on how this team reached its greatness. FLASH BACK...This team was coached by Ms Mary Lee, a reputable coach when they were in Pri 4. Already boasting great basics, they managed to defeat the mighty St Margs at the Cross Straits Tournament in KL when they were in P5 and won the Cup competition. A feat so far no other TKP team has managed. They won the East Zone comfortably but disaster struck when they were pitted against St Margs in the National Semi-finals. They lost! Worse still, during the 3rd/4th placing play-offs, they arrived late and did not do their warm-up and subsequently lost to CHIJ OLN during extra time. What happened to the 'greatness' that Mr Njoo had predicted for this team?

The whole senior team was disbanded and a whole new array of fresh faces started training with the regulars. It was BAD! The Seniors started the year losing to Evergreen Pri in a friendly. Lost to St Margs in the SSS carnival. Lost to St Margs in the Cross Straits Final as well. Though they won the East Zone competition, not many had high hopes for this team. They lacked height and only Liz was a seasoned shooter, the rest were actually new to their positions. But like all wonderful fairy tale, there was a remarkable turnaround. Just like the song in this blog 'When You Believe' , the girls never lost their belief and faith and they fought on!

The seniors had a tough route to the semi-final. They had to face St Margs, Evergreen and Yumin. They had lost to St Margs and Evergreen before but still they believed... Miracles do happen and they defeated St Margs
(argubly the best team in the nationals) in their first match and Evergreen was next in line...VICTORY...They defeated Evergreen and finished the job by defeating Yumin to top the group! What a turnaround! The seniors were getting the respect they finally deserved.

FLASHBACK to the present...against CHIJ Kellock (last year's National Champs), they faced an uphill task but they know they have the ability to do it and make it to the National Finals for the first time. Disaster struck! Sarah (GD) got injured during training and had to limped out of training. Until the last minute before the game started, Mr Njoo was still unsure if she should start...

Sarah mentioned she wanted to play through the pain barrier and assured Mr Njoo that she would give her best even if it meant aggravating her injury further. IT gave the whole team a boost and the seniors started the match in a spellbinding manner...up by 4 points without any reply from Kellock...It was destiny for the seniors!

The first quarter ended 8-7 in favour of TKP. Good start but not nearly good enough yet...The second quarter exploded in another topsy-turvy manner. KEllock found their rythm and their shooter (GS) was in devastating form never once missing a shot! On our part, the attacking quartet consisting of GS, GA, WA and C fought back scoring every time they had the possession.

At the end of the 2nd quarter, TKP seniors were up by 4 points. We were nearly there!

To their credit, Kellock never gave up and came back strongly in the third quarter. Perhaps the seniors were complacent, they did not perform as well as the first two quarters. Both Liz and Dayanara missed important shots. Still, they did just enough...Third quarter, TKP seniors were still up by 2 points.

What can I say about the 4th quarter? It seemed pretty hazy to me now...All I can say that it was an emotional and tragic end for the seniors. The seniors again were rocked early by the well-drilled machines of KEllock who caught up and were in the lead this time by 2 points. The seniors didn't give up. All seven of them with the supporters behind them encouraging every move, tried to intercept the rampaging Kellock players. Finally, We got the interception we needed and the magic quartet advanced forward into the shooting zone. PHEEET! The female umpire blew the whistle claiming Liz was hopping. Our hearts sanK! that was an important call...Did she get it right...many of us wondered. Nevermind, the seniors fought on...PhEEET! She blew the whistle again just as Dayanara was about to shoot...she was adjudged to have some footwork problem...My mouth was wide-opened..though I was not an expert in netball but it did seem pretty normal and the call was very close...I could see Mr Njoo's wide mouthed expression in shock...usually he would be in his element by now with his motormouth giving out instructions and encouragements...he collasped back in his seat...resigned to the fate that the match was not in anyone's hands but the UMPIRE! Phheeeeeeet! Olivia was called for stepping....PHEEEET! Vikki was called for something I could not even make out what it was...HOw can the seniors fight back when they are no playing with 7 players but were outnumbered fighting their battle with 8 players including the umpire...In the end, TKP seniors lost by 3 points - 23-26...

Tears erupted from the players immediately from the players and some of the supporters. MAny were still shell-shocked by what happened. I remembered what Mr Njoo always teach us and that is the most important thing in sports is not about winning but about giving our best so that at the end of the game, we could look into each other's eyes and not felt any guilt...we were a TEAM! We have suffered defeat before and walked away without guilt but this time was different...somehow I felt we were robbed...robbed of an equal chance for a fightback...robbed of a chance to be in the final...We were not sore losers...we just wanted a fair chance to compete...BUT...were we given that chance today? Somehow I left the match with sadness and many unanswered questions in my head...SIGH!

One thing I was pretty sure...The seniors are already CHAMPIONS in my heart! TKP Seniors is the best, is the best, is the best!

Liz with the ball about to attack in the 4th Quarter...Can the umpire really see from that distance?

Our years of hard work being decided by one person...These are real tears!

We're not sore losers..but we want the truth!

The faces of anguish!

National Semi-Finals

National Semi-Final (Juniors)

TKP vs St Hilda's

17-11

TKP Juniors vs. St.Hilda's. We were nervous, but Mr Njoo believed we could do it and told the juniors to wipe off all their nervousness and to be calm and confident. The juniors have beaten St. Hilda's before, CHIJ Kellock and St.Margaret's so technically, they should be the national champs! However, there are no such thing as a confirmed 'Win'. The Juniors were reminded time and time again not to be complacent but to 'get the job done'.

When the first quarter started, Corrine (GS) was first to score. Good Start for TKP. St Hilda's were no pushover and they played aggressively, fighting for every loose ball and it definitely disrupted our game plan. Kudos to their coach for getting the St Hilda's players all fired up. TKP juniors retaliated and soon the game was filled with nitty fouls and stoppages. It was frustrating for us to watch the game as the juniors abandoned their game plan and it was a messy affair. First quarter...7-3.

St.Hilda's made it a tight fight for us. Mr Njoo reprimanded the Juniors for playing fast;once they caught the ball, without glancing around for any free player, they just threw the ball. It was time for the second quarter, Jeraldine(GK) made good interceptions but threw bad passes... Seak Im(GA), the best player TK has developed but was not showing her ability on court with careless passing and poor shooting. Rukmini(C) was hit by St.Hilda's Center but was told to bear with the pain.If they wanted to win so badly, would they mind so much about their own pain? It was a waste when we had opportunity but let our opponent take it away. ''Play slow!'' Mr Njoo and the Seniors would encourage the junior team. They have been making many mistakes from playing too fast! The score ended with us leading by 5 points.

''BEEEEP'' the umpire whistled. The start of the third quarter had begun! Oh no... St.Hilda's scored before TK could! Our shooters did not do very well and missed many attempts. The seniors started to shout some advice and encouraged them. Mr Chua, our VP came to the match to support the Juniors too! Back to the point, our defence was a no problem but the PROBLEM was our attacking skills! We were slacking... What had happened? The score at the end of the third quarter was 13-10. St Hilda's had caught up! their spirited fight back angered Mr Njoo as he lambasted the juniors at the break. Tessa (GA) of St Hilda's had led a great fight back!

Before the fourth quarter started, the Seniors and Juniors did a quick huddle and went out to the court. We were first to score again but only after 2 attempts by Seak Im(GA), Corrine(GS) managed a shot from a far distance. Both teams were exhausted. Jamie(GD) was in a blur and when she gave a tip, the ball was passed back to her opponent. 'Wake up!' Mr Njoo shouted to Jamie who time and time again gave the ball away to the opponents much to the chagrin of the TKP supporters. After a while, Seak Im got her rhythm back. Unfortunately, a tragedy happened. TK Juniors 's captain was sent off for aggressive contact. To make matters worse, no replacement was allowed. After that, the girls did not play so well. Without their captain on court, the juniors were like lost sheeps not knowing what to do.

When the match ended, the juniors did not celebrate that they had made it to the National Final. They knew they did not play well and were disappointed with how they played. The score was 17-11! Mr Njoo gave them a quick debrief. He went through with them on why they are such a good team but could not play to their potential. Oh, and, Jeraldine our GK received a congratulatory letter from St.Margs! Now, all they had to do is to win CHIJ Kellock again on Wednesday. I believe they can and will win for us! Do us proud Juniors! We will be supporting you!! -Nothing But The Best.

National Semi-Finals 2008

ARE YOU READY TO SUPPORT TKP NETBALLERS?

National Semi-Finals

Juniors

1) St Margs vs CHIJ Kellock 0830hrs Kallang Court 1

2) TKP vs St Hilda's 0930hrs Kallang Court 1

Seniors

1) TKP vs CHIJ Kellock 1500hrs Kallang Court 1

2) St Margs vs CHIJ OLN 1600hrs Kallang Court 1

Calling all Ex-TKP Netballers, supporters, teachers, parents etc...Come down in full force this Friday and support TKP in their quest for the nationals!!!See you there...

National Quarter Final (Seniors) Game 3

National Quarter-Final (Seniors) Game 3

TKP vs Yumin Pri

39-20

Dayanara played one her best matches...%shot accuracy very high

The magnificent seniors had to accomplish their one final task - defeat Yumin to top their group and hopefully avoid the tougher team in the semi-finals. With two energy-sapping matches last week, Mr Njoo was not sure the girls had it in them to carve out another vctory. The last time we played Yumin was in the east zone semi-finals and the seniors only managed to win by two points...SCARY!

That's her again

Jannelle advancing to attack

The match though was not as exciting as the previous two encounters. Yumin had nothing to play for after losing their last two matches. TKP seniors started well and soon they were able to lead in all the quarters resulting in a 39-20 total score. Most notable player was Dayanara, who had a blistering game with her high percentage shooting accuracy...and mind you...many of ther shots were from quite a distance away.

Ting Fang defending...

We had to wear red bibs...all thanks to Olivia who forgot to bring...Grrrr

With that, the seniors waited intently for the results of the other group top of the table clash. Their opponents could either be CHIJ OLN or CHIJ Kellock. The match there was indeed a see-saw battle with both teams boasting very tall players. In the end, OLN won by a point condemning Kellock to a runner-up position...Shock! The TKP seniors will now have to play CHIJ KEllock, last year's National Champs while St Margs will play OLN. Even though TKP Seniors have topped the group, their semi-final opponents looked pretty difficult...I hoped the TKP Seniors will use their fighting spirit that they used against St Margs for this epic semi-final this Friday! I will be waiting with bated breath until Friday comes around...Till then, I will be having restless nights!

National Quarter-Finals (Juniors) Game 3

National Quarter-Final (Juniors) Game 3

TKP vs CHIJ Kellock

28-19

This match report is dedicated to Jeraldine, TKP Juniors best defender!

1630 hrs...Last Friday...juniors had a training to counter CHIJ Kellock's centre pass. The seniors were told to simulate how the kellock players would attack their centre pass. Four key players, Jeraldine (GK), Jamie (GD), Fatin (WD) and Rukmini (C) were taught how to defend the centre pass. Jeraldine would stand at the edge of the 'D' and would try to intercept the long lobs that would find the Kellock's WA and GA.

This is one of her many interceptions that day

0740 hrs...Today...PE room...aircon at full-blast...The juniors were told to gather inside the room for a short briefing. Mr Njoo showed them a short video clip from the movie 'Facing the Giants'. In the short clip, images of how a small sized-football team was able to overcome the odds and truimph over another football team twice their size in terms of numbers and physique. The scene of a football player doing the 'death crawl' nearly moved them to tears. Here was a man down on all fours carrying a 160 pound team mate across the field. The juniors were motivated!

Another one

...0930 hrs...Kallang Netball Court 3...match vs CHIJ Kellock...It was a tough match, but the netballers were confident and calm, not nervous, not scared. In the first centre pass, Jeraldine intercepted the lobs by the opponent's centre. Bingo! That was what the TKP juniors had expected from the Kellock players. We were able to counter their devastating well-used centre passes. Then, Our accurate GS and GA, Corrine and Seak Im, shot in the goals almost every single chance they got; defenders and attackers were running around with sweat dripping down their foreheads. They made very few mistakes, picking themselves up when they fell. First Quarter 8-3...

And another one...

Second Quarter, the netballers were getting the rhythm. I could hear the roar of the tigress coach from CHIJ Kellock across the court, but the juniors did not get distracted. They were so engrossed in the game, so serious in winning . ''Whoosh!''the ball went in the net. Time after time, we scored. Every time the opponent's GS missed a shot, either our GK or GD or both would fight for the rebound as if it was gold. Second Quarter 16-8...

One more...

They played with their hearts, not bothering about how tired they were chasing after all the loose balls. Their movements started to get sharper, quicker and better. They were very clear with their patterns and when they had to switch, they reacted fast. Third quarter was the best quarter. Jeraldine(GK)was tipping and catching the ball.She played beautifully! Fatin was giving her best, you could tell by her facial expression. Aggressive! Our defence was no problem, attack was good, we should be able to win this!Everyone has put 110% into the game. Great! When a lob was thrown, they leaped, trying to take the ball before their attacker could take it. They were all so confident. WE WILL WIN! Third Quarter 25-12...

erm...lost count

Finally, the last quarter. Will Kellock catch up? The juniors were starting to slack a little, maybe because they thought they were going to win, so they thought there was no need to work as hard. Looking at their opponent's not being as active, Kellock players took their chances. They did not dare miss a goal and waste the opportunity. We ended up with the score 3-7 for the last quarter.But in the total? 28-19! We WON! The first team in TKP to ever beat CHIJ Kellock and St.Margaret's in the Nationals.

As I have probably said before, it was a tough fight, which is why it did not matter that much that we let Kellock score many points, since we scored more! Looking at the top 4 teams left in the nationals...St Margs, CHIJ Kellock, ST Hilda's and TKP, I could not help but think this could be the year the juniors won the coveted National Title. They have actually defeated all three teams in the competition. We could not have done it without team spirit, ONE TEAM ONE SOUL-JUNIORS ALL THE BEST!

NOMINATE THE BEST SEVEN PLAYERS IN THE NATIONALS!

Hi Netizens,

First of all, I want to thank all of you who have visited our blog and have left wonderful suggestions on how to make this blog more interesting...To show that the media crew listens to your suggestions, we will create a platform for all of you to nominate the ALL-STAR TEAM from the nationals. It need not be from TKP, it can be from other schools too. We need to nominate the best player for each position for both the seniors and juniors. Time to crack your heads and start your nomination! Post your nomination on the tagboard...we will compile it from time to time...

What we need:

SENIORS ALL-STAR TEAM

GK - ?

GD - ?

WD - ?

C - ?

WA - ?

GA - ?

GS - ?

JUNIORS ALL-STAR TEAM

GK - ?
GD - ?
WD - ?
C - ?
WA - ?
GA - ?
GS - ?

Hopefully, this will create a buzz among all of you readers and we will definitely feature them on the blog once the nomination is complete! Deadline for nomination will be on the 16th of July...The day of the NATIONAL FINALS!

National Quarter-Finals (Seniors) Game 2

National Quarter-Final (Seniors) Game Two

TKP vs Evergreen Pri

28-24

Our pre-match pep talk by Mr Njoo

Our pre-match ritual...Marin singing to calm the players

Marin got emotional while singing

TKP Seniors had put up a tough fight against St. Margaret last Tuesday and actually won! After the euphoria that has surrounded the last gasp victory, Mr Njoo was quite worried that the seniors would not be able to reproduce another herculean effort after such an energy-sapping victory. Evergreen Pri, the north zone champion, had defeated our seniors earlier this year in a friendly and has also won their first match in the quarter-final. Just like us, all they needed was another victory to qualify for the semis. Their GA and GS have terrific telepahic understanding and both could drop bombs after bombs to destroy us. The seniors were cautious, knowing one more victory would send them to the semi-finals and a place in the national top 4.

Defending right up to our GS, Dayanara

Liz showing she is no slouch in defence

Jannelle jostling for the ball

The fighting spirit was already present in TKP and Evergreen members in the 1st quarter, so I could sense that it was going to be a close match. It had the same tense atmosphere during the match just like the one with St. Margaret's. However, TKP Seniors started a bit more slowly than Evergreen, falling behind Evergreen by one. It was like whenever Evergreen scored one, then TKP would then score another.That made the score 5-6, TK was losing by one! During the break, Mr Njoo explained clearly to them since they have lost the first quarter, they must win the second one and go on stronger quarter by quarter.

The many weird poses of Vikki (WA)

1st pose

2nd pose

3rd pose

Looking intentively at the ball, mind focussed on the game, not thinking about lunch, not thinking about computer games, not even thinking about themselves! All they could think was to win the quarter and bring glory to TKP! Surprisingly (for this kind of match), TKP got up from their fall and 'walk on' (just like the song by U2). The bond between Liz(GA), Vikki(WA), Olivia(C) was greater and stronger so the attack looked good. Dayanara(GS) was more involved in the game than the first quarter and was sharper in shooting, giving Liz more breathing space as the Evergreen defenders were giving her a hard time. Their strong get-back affected their score and they were up by five! Evergreen was losing but their coach remained positive and and leaped with joy every time her team scored. I feel that we should be like her, no matter how tough the going gets or if there is obstacles in front of us, we must always be positive, and tell yourself that you can do it!

Others who tried to challenge Vikki - Olivia

Even Liz got into the act as well

The last quarter was the most thrilling one, and also the most important one to continue playing well. Evergreen finally played with more intensity at the beginning of the last quarter. With sweat pouring down from their faces, adrenalin pumping fast, TKP Seniors tightened their defence, passed accurately as they attacked, and sharpened ther shooting. It was an even encounter but the strong 2nd quarter finish by the seniors ensured that there was no turning back for the fightback by Evergreen Pri. I could tell that the seniors were dead beat but using every ounce of energy in their body, they completed the match maintaining a 4-point lead. They were going to the National Semi-Finals and has achieved the National Top 4! Well done seniors.

Without her, TKP would not have got so far - Ms Noormala (Netball Tr-in-charge and coach)

Guess who showed up - Our No. 1 supporter, Mr Seelan