National Quarter-Final (Seniors) Game 1
TKP vs St Margaret's Pri
22-20

Game One. St Margaret's Primary. QUARTER-FINALS. What a way to start our first game! TKP Seniors trooped into Kallang Netball Centre without much fanfare preparing for the battle. Adrenalin pumping. Mind focused and ready for the biggest game of their lives. The day before, the seniors had a short training session where they were shown a short video clip of a movie 'Friday Night Lights'. The short clip showed how an underdog high school football team got over their initial nervous start in the State Championship final and played the game of their lives, giving nothing but their best. Though they lost the match at the last minute, they were able to look into their team mates' eyes without guilt as they have given their very all in the game - Perfection! That was exactly what Mr Njoo, TKP's coach wanted from the netballers in today's encounter. What happened today in the match for those who have witnessed it will definitely leave an indelible mark as it was one of the most topsy-turvy match ever played.

Vikki in action

Olivia contesting for the ball

Olivia leaping in the air

During the break, Mr Njoo gave them the fiercest hair-dryer treatment I have ever witnessed. His eyes bulging, veins from his forehead seemed like they were going to explode and his snarling expression coupled with his thundering roar certainly woke the seniors up. They played much better in the 2nd quarter but still trailed by 3 points after the break. Tired, body aching and crestfallen, the seniors gathered in front of Mr Njoo. Though they played much better, the seniors could not find a solution to outwit the well-drilled machines of St Margs.

Olivia again!?!

Ting Fang with her superman pose

The plan then in the 3rd quarter was to make sure Liz (GA) was given enough space in the 'D' to move in for the kill. To do that, Dayanara (GS) had to move quickly out of the shooting zone and to move back in to support Liz for the return if needed. It worked to a certain extent. The seniors managed to end the quarter trailing by two points. That means that they have actually won that third quarter encounter. It seemed to work! But is it too late? Two points with ten minutes to go against St Margs is not something you would want to take into the last quarter.

With the strong support from the juniors, Ms Noormala, Mdm Nancy Pey and Mr Chua (VP), the seniors huddled and looked each other in the eye just like in the movie clip and aimed for the most important thing that will take them through...PERFECTION! Mr Chua (VP) gave a stirring war cry urging the seniors to use what they have experienced at the recent expedition (Kayaking 74 km at Paka River) to win the last quarter.

Liz carried the team and was the best player!

The final huddle before the 4th quarter...Look at Mei Ying's expression

TK!TK! Fight! Fight! Fight!

It seemed to work! St Margs were rattled by TKP seniors who came out of the 4th quarter looking like possessed demons. Ting Fang (GK) was everywhere. Her long, slender hands seemed elongated as they intercepted and tipped the ball away from the St Margs attackers. Sarah and Jannelle (WD) were playing like they had wings attached to their backs, flying for interceptions and causing the fast-tiring St Margs players into making mistakes. The attacking triangle of Olivia (C), Vikki (WA) and Liz (GA) meanwhile were magical as they swooped down the St Margs 'D' like Eagles catching their prey with their telepathic understanding and quick movements. Dayanara (GS) caused more confusion to the St Margs defence by running out of the 'D' giving Liz the space to move in for the kill and shoot. TKP plundered St Margs non-stop with quick goals to level the score. With time running out, Ting Fang caught another wayward St Margs attack and passed it to Sarah who in turn pass it to Vikki. With a short pause, Vikki changed the direction of the attack by passing a long pass to Olivia. At that point in time, Dayanara sprinted away from the Goal leaving the St Margs 'D' empty. With a quick pass in by Olivia, Liz took the ball while still in her stride and leaped forward to gain that much needed distance to be within her shooting range. She landed and aimed. Time stood still! Hearts pumping all around the court as she took aim. Whoosh! The ball went through the hoop in an instant taking away the fighting spirit of our greatest rivals. For the first time in the match TKP was in the lead. 21-20!

There was still time! The TKP seniors started their centre pass and did exactly the same thing. Whoosh! The ball went in like it was a metal that was attracted by the magnetic hoop. 22-20! Alas, few seconds later, the umpire blew for time. The TKP Seniors rejoiced and danced their way around the court like mad monkeys just released from their cages. Tears streamed down their eyes and they hugged each other like they have won the lottery. From the corner of my eye, I could see the trembling hands of both Mr Njoo and Mr Chua as they shook hands. Mr Njoo is 'human' after all. I'm sure beneath that cool oakley sunglasses he wore, tears must have been streaming down. the supporters too were ecstatic, many of the juniors were overjoyed with tears! What a day! From a non-netballer's perspective, I began to see the beauty of this game! The roller-coaster emotions that I felt throughout this match has certainly took its toll on me as I cried out in joy.

The victory! Look at Mr Chua's (VP) expression...Was he in tears?

Mr Chua was overjoyed

From a team who was down and out after the first round games, TKP Seniors were suddenly the favourites now to top this group and make it to the National Finals. I hoped I won't have to witness such games again as I might have a cardiac arrest and might have to write the next report in the hospital! For now, while the adrenalin is still pumping fast, I'll say, "TK, TK, fight, fight, fight!"

The victory huddle after the match