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The organizing only took a couple
of weeks and commitment from 7 players. Before we knew
it our bags were packed and we were on our way to Singapore.
The weekend kicked off with a few bottles of wine at
the international lounge of Suvarnabhumi airport, and
after a very jolly boarding we realized Air Asia does
not serve alcohol (note for next time!). We touched
down in Singapore (sober!) and where the flight let
us down, duty free stepped in offering us free glasses
of Bailey's mint cream (ice would have been nice but
we weren't to complain). The mood was lifted and after
a bite at BKs the rest of us were ready to sample a
bit of Singapore night life over a few more bottles
of wine (although Joey feeling withdrawls from no in-flight
alcohol had to call it an early night, with Liv to follow).
Saturday morning welcomed us with 30 plus temperatures
and a bright blue sky. It was the start to a perfect
day except when you then realize you are playing netball
on an outdoor court where there is no shade. We managed
to round up sunscreen and our energy levels for an hour
of netball in the blistering sun. The Southerners didn't
let the home ground advantage get them down (despite
the fact our regular season is played in an air conditioned
stadium - so spoilt!) or the fact we had no spare players
(compared to Bedok's 4 or 5 subs). In true Southerners
spirit we were pumped and ready to go down fighting.
For the first 5 minutes of the game, Bedok dominated.
There was a brief moment when a few of us thought "we're
in all sorts of trouble" but after we had warmed to
the heat by the 8 minute mark, Nic Hodge and Kristina
had scored some fine goals and the defence team, consisting
of Joey and Rania, had managed some superb intercepts
and rebounds to help give Southerners a chance.
By the second quarter we had settled into more of a
rhythm! The Southerners hit the lead and by half time
we were up by 20 goals. Dana's 'bullet' passes out of
the middle helped set the pace, while Joy and Liv worked
hard on the wings.
Despite a few injuries (a sprained ankle, cramps and
a jarred finger to name a few!) and sporting very red
faces (with Hodgy and Liv leading the line up) nothing
was going to stop the Southerners team as we all strived
for a victory. Bedok were struggling to get a goal in
the second half due to our tight defence. Joey's consistent
game, combined with Rania's constant interceptions made
for a cracking combination.
Despite Bedok cheekily snatching a few of our center
passes in the final quarter and their late strategy
move - with the GD dropping back to block our GS at
the center pass - it was too little too late. When the
final siren sounded, the score proved a convincing win
for the Southerners 50 - 22.
Bedok shouted us burgers and margaritas at a local favorite,
BB's at Clarke Quay. Later that evening the party moved
back to Clarke Quay where the ladies really found out
what the local term 'sausage fest' was all about…
The success of this trip for both teams has resulted
in Bedok and the Southerners planning a trip to Hanoi
in July '07. Stay Tuned.
Southerner's A-team
GS Kristina Zanic
GA Nicole Hodgson
WA Joy Manalansan
C Dana Piggott
WD Liv Thwaites
GD Joey Kukielka
GK Rania Burns
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