17 February 2009. 1900 hours. The netball finals started with a blast of cheer from both halls. The Temasek netballers were defending the title that they won the previous IHG, which broke Eusoff’s near 20 year streak.

The first quarter comprised of Eliza, Amelia as shooters; Hanisah, Bridget,Weilin in the mid-court; Jiamein and Melissa (er yes,me) in defence. There was flow in the attack, with the balls passed well and both shooters putting in all their shots. The defence was effective, and the Eusoff netballers felt the pressure. The Eusoffians made switches to the attack during the several injury time that they called, but proved to be not very effective as the Temasek flow was not interrupted.

Changes to the main seven was minimal, with Sheryl put in mid-court. All the players did well, with Eliza doing amazing splits and accurate shooting; Bridget sprinting and dodging to get all the balls; Jiamein was constantly tipping and intercepting. Sheryl, Eliza and Amelia made good use of their basketball background in passing sudden passes and doing stunts that well, shocked the opponent. The score was kept to a draw at the end of the third quarter. The one thing that I find that had improved from the preliminaries was the defense in the goal circle, where the Eusoff GA had to keep making second passes to the WA/C to get closer to the pole to shoot, which it proved to be an opportunity created for Temasek.

The last quarter started with a draw. The first combination was used, and Eusoff scored the first goal. Temasek, as a team with IVP players from basketball, squash, badminton and netball, speed and stunts are not problems. However, with the intensity of the game, stepping, wild passes allowed Eusoff to pull the gap. Another point to note is that Eusoff had many experienced players- IVP netball players (both past and present). I would say that Temasek did not give up till the end; it was the drive to win that caused the anxiety to kick in, which allowed Eusoff to get the gold. Eusoff won 22-16.

Temasek netball did not get the title this year, but I do not think that we did not gain anything. It may be clichéd to say that we have gained experience and that we should train hard now and get back the title next year but yes, I do think we gained something. I think we have come a long way from a team which did not know what stepping is, to one that actually fought hard and almost won Eusoff (IVP PLAYERS!!!).

The seniors in the team, especially Shin and Bridget, have shown us what a netball team in IHG is about. They actually asked me one day, “What do you hope to achieve?” I have always thought that IHG is all fun and laughter, but it is not, it is so much more and I am proud to be in this team. I appreciate the effort that they put in to make me HIGH and PREPARED for the matches. Hanisah has also played an important role as the coach, captain and player for Temasek Netball, and I have also seen her grow since her days of being the AJC netball captain. One more honourable mention is Weilin, with her totally dao face and her never-say-die attitude. There are so many players to mention, like Jiamein, I can write two full pages on how zai she is, but I think all the members in the team have their strengths and a lot of potential (Like Eliza who can seriously consider switching to netball for good). It was a good fight, if you were there, you would have felt it.

That’s all, and it’s up to you now vice-captain BOON YU RU, to get back the title next year.

By Guest Writer

Melissa Fu