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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Tags: award, bangkok, championship, Netball, singapore, tour, winners