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