Fortunately the rain stopped in time for our girls’ netball match as they donned their bibs and proudly strode on court. But there was simply no stopping Eusoff as they raced to the lead with shot after shot. Our girls looked quite dazed by the time the first quarter ended with 16-0 in Eusoff’s favour.

The second quarter saw a team reshuffle for KE as a few players were substituted, and our attacking duo of Eunice and Kim as GA and GS respectively, switched to defensive roles instead. The situation however did not improve as numerous mistakes were committed by our girls such as stepping (taking multiple illegal steps) which no doubt could be blamed on the wet court. Furthermore Eusoff was simply too strong and skillful as they intercepted our passes with grace, and threw theirs effortlessly. Who ever called sports “barbaric”? By half time, Eusoff had rampaged on to a 30-0 lead.

Much credit must be given to our girls for never giving up. Instead they experimented with different combinations with different tactics in mind. Faced with the gravity of the situation, determination was written across their faces as they positioned themselves for the start of the 3rd quarter. There were traces of fluidity in their movements as a ball thrown by Ras found its way through the hoop for the first time. KE had scored their first point! A spark of hope surfaced and cheers resonated throughout the KE camp as we wondered, “Was this the start of a miraculous comeback?”

The 4th quarter saw Guan Zhen, our netball captain taking to the court and leading her teammates in coordinated attack and defense against Eusoff. Her presence was strongly felt and KE looked threatening at times. Two skillful shots from Kim gave KE two more points. The match ended with the final score 3-48 to Eusoff.

The girls were understandably downhearted after the match but as they say, the first game usually provides exposure and a chance to find the perfect team combination. Therefore there is still hope for our next match. Our girls will be out for blood this time round. Look out KR!

- Hui Ann