Venue: SRC Netball Court 1

Time: 7p.m. - 8.30p.m.

Muhammad Ali once said, “It isn’t the mountains ahead to climb that wear you out; it’s the pebble in your shoe.” How true that statement was in tonight’s epic face-off between Eusoff and Temasek Hall. With TH defending last year’s netball championship, they were our mountain to climb and we could not afford to have any pebbles in our running shoes.

In what proved to be the toughest match of the season, this clash of the titans saw our girls playing their hearts out, maintaining the lead at the end of every single quarter and triumphantly emerging as the

IHG 08/09 Netball Champions!

1^st Quarter: EH 5 - TH 4

With all the hype surrounding this final battle of Amazonian proportions, it was not surprising that nerves would get in the way of the players. Both sides were keenly aware of the stakes and each other and this served as a hindrance to the game. Uncharacteristic mistakes and fouls were committed.

The tension was palpable.

With almost point-for-point scoring, it was clearly anybody’s game. TH took the lead at 2-0 and held on to 4-3 until two final shots from our towering Pingping nudged them just a hair breadth’s length behind.

An extremely tense quarter ended with EH slightly ahead at 5-4. While it seemed like TH could still catch up very easily, little did we know that this lead was never to be forfeited again.

2^nd Quarter: EH 11 - TH 8

A previous ankle injury sustained meant that one of our key players, Long Xin, was not defending at her maximum tenacious capability. A change was in order and she stepped up as GA, bringing in Jasmine as GD. Despite the injury, Long Xin performed like a pro, running into space, executing brilliant passes and controlling the game with finesse. Her presence on court helped to calm our players down and make better runs.

Credit goes to TH for their ability to fight back and fight strong, although technically weaker, they made up for it with flawless ball handling and passing accuracy. Their experience in IHG gave them mental strength and enabled them to make several good shots of their own.

However, both teams were still committing basic errors like stepping and obstruction, this made possession of the ball erratic and resulted in choppy play.

The stakes of this game were high, evidenced by the solid wall of supporters in yellow and white. Roy Toh remarked that he had never seen a crowd like this before (for a netball game I assume) and this is a senior in his final year. Go supporters!

The Eusoff netballers widened their lead and closed the quarter 11-8 in our favour.

3^rd Quarter: EH 13 - TH 12

Our starting seven stepped on court again, Long Xin sitting out to rest her ankle and the tense play resumed.

In this quarter, TH showed their tenacity and sporting excellence, pulling their act together and making more shots on goal. Despite the very reliable Aileen defending with all her lanky limbs, TH managed to execute some awesome runs and passes, converting their passes to goals.

It was a keen reminder that these girls in white were truly the best challengers we had all season. TH equalized 11-11 and a timeout was called, bringing Long Xin back into the game.

Our girls came back on with new determination and new positions. It was a risk, playing positions that we did not train for (Dora-WA, Amanda-C) but it worked out beautifully.

Unfortunately, this change came a little too late and the quarter ended with EH barely leading at 13-12.

4^th Quarter: EH 22 - TH 16

This last quarter has to be dedicated to Aileen-Amazing-GK-Tan. With the new combination kicking ass on attack, Aileen proved that the non-attacking side could perform magic as well. With an eagle eye and monkey agility, Aileen ripped the TH attack apart, never giving them a moment’s respite. Stretching for every defence and sprinting for every loose ball, Aileen made sure that our girls never lost an opportunity to get the ball back.

Jasmine was also on absolute fire! Translating basketball prowess into netball excellence, Jasmine made impossible interceptions and stunning snatches, destroying the TH morale and drive. Our two defenders were critically important in this last quarter, we owe it to them for ensuring that our lead widened and never narrowed.

With all round fantastic play, this quarter was dominated by the Eusoff netballers. Temasek, true to form, put up a really incredible fight. They are worthy opponents indeed.

In a moment of confusion when the final whistle blew, deafening cheers and celebrations were momentarily stunted. But what a celebration it was when the result was clear!

In no uncertain terms, the girls in black were netball champions! Clinching gold back and doing the hall proud!

Netballers, you girls are so awesome. It has been such a pleasure and privilege training, laughing, eating, playing, gossiping and yes, CRYING with you all! (Don’t mock me!!)

WE-EEE ARE THE CHAMPIONS MY FRIENDS!!

*Btw, I’m so sorry I couldn’t mention every individual who played, due to space and time constraint, but you know for yourselves that it was a team effort. So well done everyone!