Wellington Bersatu Games 2008- Netball
(a very very long post ... something that I want to remember for the rest of my life!)
Woke up to a very windy and wet morning. All of us were told it was gonna be indoor. On the day itself, I was like.... sweet! indoor, no need to wear thermals. It's cold out there but thank goodness it's gna be indoor. When we got to the venue, all we saw were outdoor netball courts. We were all shocked. We weren't told it was changed to outdoor. If they want to change it, at least tell us the night before so that we can prepare ourselves for the weather. Not happy, not happy at all. But hey! The game must go on.
seeking for shelter when we first arrived
yes, we auckland girls need our morning massage
At least there was shelter to stay under when we weren't playing games. Got the girls to warm up by passing balls, jumping on the spot before every game. Space was limited so we couldn't run around. It was too cold and wet and windy outside for warming up. Felt kinda silly as we were the only contingent warming up indoors. But since we come from the warmer part of NZ, so got excuse la... Before our very first game, we went outdoor and played a bit under the rain. Went through the strategies and got a feel of shooting.
being afraid of the cold, we did our warm up indoor :p
First game ... against WMSO. I saw the WMSO players and the team consisted of a lot of familiar faces, i.e. experienced players. I was scared, I was nervous. We couldn't afford to lose our first match since we will be up against the defending champions from last year, CMSA, later on. I really wanted to get at least a 3rd place for netball. Since our team only consisted of mostly new players, with swan and i being the only "oldies" (we're not old ok... lolx! got ppl older than us still in the team :P), I aimed for a 3rd placing, didn't want to put too much pressure on the girls. Before the game, I told the girls that we can do this. Our opponents are experienced players but I believe that we can do it. We haven't lost a single game during the friendly games, even when we played against the guys, we haven't lost. The weather won't stop us. We've been training outdoors. We even trained under the rain, we played under the rain. This is no difference. Apart from the wind. Plan was to try leading all the way. Don't slack. Use the strategies, watch our passes. Take it slow. Not too sure what the score was against WMSO but we were leading all the way. Weren't leading much. Throughout the whole game, we probably only scored 7 goals in total. It was so hard to shoot. The wind blows the ball away. So annoying.
notice anything in this picture? just look at the netball net and u'll roughly know how strong the wind was and why it was so annoying.
Don't get to witness Illina's long range shots. She had to do near shots to prevent the wind from blowing the ball out of the court. The win against WMSO gave us a boost of confidence. We can do it! Plus, the ref was an outsider, hence no bias. Which was an advantage for us since we lost last yr due to bad ref and bad calls. Besides the annoying wind, the rain wasn't too bad. Sure the ground was wet but it wasn't slippery like the windmill courts. Hence, I wasn't afraid to jump or sprint and do fakes. I'm sure the girls felt the same way too.
Next game, Petsoc. Depsite thrashing them 8-0, we did not play as well as the previous game. It was kinda messy. A lot of bad passes. I got called for quite a lot of stepping too. The play was everywhere. We slacked. Kinda worried as the next game is gonna be against CMSA. I guess too much confidence isn't too good. It happened before. That's what I felt what happened last year. When we become friendly, we slack, we lose. When on court, we have to be serious. Forget the friendliness. After game only be friendly. This is a competition. Not a social game. We all had to be reminded that if we were to play like how we did with Petsoc against CMSA, we'd lose. We have to play like how we played against WMSO or even better. We can't afford to slack. After winning two games, if we beat CMSA, we'd be first in our pool. Seeing how the girls played and being so strong, my target changed to getting a silver now. It'd be great if we could break the curse of a the bronze placing.
The game against CMSA was pretty close. It was scary and nerve-wrecking. Their shots were going in. Their defence was strong and it was hard to breakout of it. Point difference was close throughout the game. Sometimes we lead, sometimes they lead. But in the end, we won, hence placing us at the top of our pool and through to semis.
look at Illina doing a jumping shot!! bwahahahaha! unstoppable!
Played
UMNO for the semis. If we won the game, we'd break the Bronze Curse. The hope of breaking was high. Very high. I really want it. I told the girls I want it a lot and then we can do it. We are so close. So very very close. I'd be super duper happy if we win the game. Swan wants it as much as me. A silver. A nice looking silver instead of a bronze. And if we got a gold, I'd jump off the harbour (depending on weather condition la...). I said that because getting a gold would just be so unbelievable. As we played UMNO once back in auckland and we won it, we had a higher chance of winning. But what scared me was knowing that Adiba can shoot.. from far and very accurate. Plus, we did not lead much during the friendly game back in auckland. They might have improved a lot after that. Who knows? We had a shaky start to the game. They scored the first point. No doubt I was nervous and choked a few times. At one point, I had to actually stop, take a deep breath before passing the ball to slow myself down. We made a lead during the 2nd half. Winning the semis with a score of 8-3. I was overjoyed. Finally the curse is broken! Swan had tears in her eyes apparently but couldnt really tell coz it was raining. Our faces were all wet anyway. It felt great. I also wanted to cry. A confirmed silver in our hands and perhaps maybe a gold. Getting into the finals for the first time. So proud, so proud of the girls. Each and everyone of them.
Two auckland teams met in the finals. UMSA vs Petunia. I couldn't really ask for more after knowing we got the silver. I was already damn freaking happy. But hey! We are so damn close to the gold. Just one more win and a double bonus in our hands, the champions for netball. We've gone this far and have come this close. Before the finals, we all reminded each other about all the early morning trainings during the weekends. How we sacrificed our sleep-ins during the weekends for netball. How we played under the rain, under the cold, sliding, slipping and falling. All the torture training outdoor instead of indoor just to get longer training times and not having to book courts. All the crap and criticism we've been giving each other. All the torture Mama-san Audrey have been giving us to make us tougher. We've beat Petunia is one friendly match as well, our chances are high. It all comes down to how much we really want it. And I guess being reminded with all the trainings we've gone through, we really want it.. A LOT!!! Being soaked in our jerseys, wet socks and shoes, it did not help with having the wind getting stronger just before our finals and rain getting heavier. It got so cold. We huddled in a circle outside, jumping and trying to keep ourselves warm. And to make us focus for winning the gold, our chant was ... "No more windmill.. no more windmill" ... yes, weird chant...
The game started off with us having the sucky end, i.e. the end where u can't really shoot any balls in coz the wind is too strong. The good end is the end where the goal post is sorta sheltered by the building hence not affected much by the wind. During the first half, none of my balls were going in. I was so frustrated and panicked and choked. Thank goodness Illina managed to score 3 goals. After the first half, it was a tie. 3-3. I was so damn scared. I really wanted the gold then and there. Thank goodness for everyone else in the team who calmed me down after the first half. Just play the game and have fun. 
the girls standing strong during the break after the first half with petunia... all determined!
During the second half, we got the good end. Had to make full use of the good end and make every ball go in. Thank goodness I was on form then. My shots went in. I didn't have time to look at the scoreboard and was just playing. The supporters were at the side shouting and asking us to slow down. I always have a problem with slowing down. Guess the monkey in me just wants to play it fast. But towards the end, my thigh started to cramp. I couldn't really run. Marilee had cramp in both her legs. And hence, the game indeed slowed down. And ............. *whistle blows* ... Game over. I didn't know who won. Had to ask rayvin and ... We Won!! 7-3!!! I couldn't believe it at first till I saw the rest of the girls jumping for joy. Can't believe it man. We did it. We actually did it! Far out!!! Awesome. Simply awesome. Went over to congratulate the Petunia players as well. They were good and was so happy for them as well. From not getting into semis last year for them, to getting into the finals. Well done!! Top 2 teams both from Auckland. Beat that!!! It was simply wonderful. Ahhh!! Even blogging about it right now just makes me feel all nostalgic. Despite the choking and frustration, I really enjoyed the finals. Just knowing that both auckland teams are playing against each other was just great because there wasn't much rivalry and more towards friendliness in the end. It was a game where you would actually apologize to the players during the game. A game where one gets worried when their main player, Afiqah, was down and out, instead of feeling relieved. A game which ended with both teams hugging and congratulating each other.
Unity. That's how it should be. 
After the finals. Congratulating and hugging the opponents.. look at me! so happy! hahaha!
UMNO played CMSA for the 3rd/4th placing. We were all cheering for UMNO. If they win, it would be having all the auckland teams dominating 1,2 and 3. But I guess it was too good to be true. CMSA won in the end. But hey, history was still created. With all three Auckland teams making it to the finals and 3rd/4th placing. You don't see that for Christchurch, Wellington or Otago. Auckland as a whole, rocks!!!
To UMSA netball girls:
Well done to all of you. You girls did me proud. I really couldn't ask for more. I would have apologized for torturing all of you with the outdoor windmill courts training as they would seem pointless if we were to play indoor. But I'm not going to now. Hehehehe.... those trainings indeed paid off under this type of condition. I guess everything happens for a reason eh? Sorry for all the early morning trainings though but it was done to suit the majority. I hope you girls enjoyed netball and will continue playing this sport and perhaps get a gold next year as well?
Illina- a great shooter. Far shots, medium shots, close shots ... all beautiful. She joined the team wanting to play defence but became a wonderful shooter in the end. Her far shots always leave me in awe. If only it was indoor, then everyone get to witness all her amazing, jaw-dropping long shots. Nevermind, next year, next year! I do hope she comes back and play for UMSA. Best promising female athlete wei!!!
Naomi- started off not knowing how to throw or catch the ball. Not knowing where to run and breaking out slow. Why I chose her? Because she's fit. She's a tough fighter. Willing to learn and willing to accept all sorts of criticism. A hard-worker who would practice ball passing with christine during the weekdays. Once she got the hang of it, it was beautiful. Her lobes were great and she knew when to use them. Everytime when she throws me a beautiful lobe ball, I will be so damn proud of her. Girl, you rock!! Very potential player to be the next GA too :)
Marilee- What can I say? A blessing to have. High speed, high stamina. Good things comes in small packages huh? She's really a machine. Height and size does not matter for this girl. Good ball skills and she finds space really well. Always there when I needed her. Still can remember one of the games where we were attacking and she was facing the wrong direction. Rachel shouted and she turned the other way round and got called for stepping resulting into a turnover. Lolx! So blur but so funny... so cute!!!!! I think she's a better monkey than me man!!!
Pui Li- The girl who went there with only a very thin jacket on but still stood strong. Always consistent with her footwork. She's got the best balance in the team and never ever get called for stepping. Really admire that in her. She's always on form and ready to go whenever, whereever. One who would stand under the rain and watch us play when not playing and cheering for us and keep us going too. Girl, I love your spirit. Thank you so so so much.
Christine- The girl who probably received the most crap from the team and mama-san during trainings. Doesn't know how to find space, can be very lost, can't really throw or catch balls. No ball skills. A rather slow learner. Why did I take her into the team in the very first place? Coz she's fit, she can run. She's tough and can accept all sort of craps. Still remembered during the trainings where Audrey was always targetting her, making her repeat the drills over and over again until she makes no mistake. She hung in there, never ever show whether she was unhappy or not. She took it all. There were people questioning why I took her into the team, even she asked me as well. My immediate answer was because she can run and I just believe in her that she can do it. But it took ages to see any results, any improvement. At one point, I also questioned myself as to why I did that. I was hitting myself on the head for being silly as I just judge a person by their fitness and not their skills for I always thought skills can be picked up. Just needed to have some patience. There were times where I really wanted to lose all hope but there's this thing in me that still believes in her. I have no idea why. Call me silly and ignorant. It was only towards the very end of all the trainings where you could see some improvements in this girl. Yes she can still be blur at times and sometimes can't catch the ball but what I like about her is that she marks her opponent well and shuts them down. During the attacking part, she can find space too. She played well during the Games and I'm also so proud of her. She's got this burning fire in her that just makes her tough. Christine, I hope you will continue playing netball and pick up more skills. You can do it!!
Rachel- one who would always give advice during the trainings and throughout the games. She will be at the other end screaming when we are attacking. "Use your butt! Use your butt!" ... "Hands up!! Catch the rebound!!" ... Hahahaha!! An experienced netball player in school that I'm grateful to have. A good defender that really puts a lot of pressure on the attackers when they are shooting. Ohhh...I just love our defence. Solid. Strong! Even the ref was calling out "Good D, Good D!" during the game. Hehehehehe...
Ying Swan- my other half. My co-captain. She's always there to lend an ear when I just needed someone to talk to when I'm unhappy. Again, she's the one that just keeps me going and not giving up. She's always there to help me make my decisions, to assure me that I'm doing the right thing. Truly my other half, can't live without her. Perfect defence as well. Beautiful, oh so beautiful!!! Everytime when the opponent are attacking, I will just stare and just admire our defence. Alalalalala!! Steady man!!! And during the attack, she's always the one to rush out and get the ball from Marilee. Too fast for the opponents. Just too fast. Nyehehehehhee...
To the supporters on the day itself:
Rayvin, Angie, Kauthar ... three UMSA supporters throughout the whole thing. But the number doesn't matter. It's the cheering and their spirit that makes it all good. Thank you guys for willing to hold our jackets, water bottles, standing under the heavy rain and cold weather just to support us. I really couldn't thank you guys enough. Thanks for slowing down the play as well when we were going too fast and cheering us on. There were also other supporters from other contingents towards the finals which I would like to thank. Could hear them cheering when we scored a point which helped a lot in keeping us going. Thanks!!
And then to Darren and Mag, who turned up after our finals. My bad for not checking my phone and replying earlier on. But really, thanks so much for turning up despite the sucky weather. It was just so great to see you guys there after our win. It was the thought that counts. So touched. Thank you!!!
To those who helped out with our trainings:
Dallas, Matt, Celest, Jeremy, Boon, Adrian, Roger, Alex, Wei En, Henry, Sheng, Kai Ann (I hope I didn't miss out anyone) - these were the people who made up the other team so that we have someone to play against. It was really great fun playing with you guys and I hope we can play more social netball this coming semester!!
Shaun, Rayvin, Ivan- thanks for playing for us during the KAC-UMSA netball game so that we didn't lose hence maintaining our clean record of not losing a single netball game and boosting the team's confidence. Hehehehe... To shaun, thank you for showing all the girls that even a guy can play netball and being so good. To ivan, thanks for teaching us that triangle drill and how to defend which really helped A LOT! To rayvin, you played a really important role during the bersatu games itself telling us what to do and don't slack.
Lastly, the woman behind all of these - Audrey aka Mama-San. Who drilled the team and make us tough. Who was willing to sacrifice her weekend mornings and train us. Without you, I would be so lost and have no idea how to train up the team. Pity you couldn't go down for the Games but you were always in my heart. I hope we girls did you proud. Thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart.
My mission ... way beyond accomplished for netball. What's next? Indoor netball!!! And perhaps still social outdoor netball. Bersatu Games netball next year? I will just leave it to the girls. Most probably won't be playing Bersatu anymore. 3 years is enough. I've already achieved way beyond what I wanted. Time to give others the opportunity to play. I will still play netball but yea... enough trainings and enough worrying. But hey! It was all worth it :D
