Game Day

Bali brought two teams on the day (http://www.balinetball.com/), with all of the players looking ominously tall. Our first game was against the Bali Flames, and at half time we were all square, having played a tightly contested game. However, the Flames managed to analyse our play and came back with a vengeance to win 19-10. We took a rest while the two Bali teams played each other, this time the Flames beating the Dragons. Feeling inspired by watching them lose, and also changing into our lucky red bibs, we took to the Dragons and played an awesome match, winning by one goal.

The third game was an optional grand final, and once we’d bargained the umpire down to 8 minute halves (hey, we’re from Thailand, we can’t help haggling!) we set out to play the Flames again. It was a fantastic match with all the girls playing at their best. At half time we didn’t even want to know the score, preferring to focus on our game, and also having a great time. When the final whistle blew we had lost by 1 goal, but we were really happy with our performance, having recovered from the thrashing they gave us in the first match.

Game highlights included Lizzy in her first outing as GK impressing her opponents and spectators alike with a seamless blend of defense and Riverdance, the likes of which had not been seen since Kath & Kim (hey, I was told to keep my arms at my sides!) - and Marta herding the opposition away with her seagull-like squawks so that Liv could take a shot. We Tigers are nothing if not innovative! All the girls played really well and we were mega impressed by V-Ron’s stamina and Joey’s ability to be everywhere at once. Chelsey did brilliantly in a position she’s rarely played (WD) and Kath was pulling out all the moves (namely tapping the ball back into play while flying mid air). The umpiring was excellent (provided by a lady who used to play in Australia at the State level) and there were no injuries - a big thanks to Seksan and Bangkok Hospital (http://www.bangkokhospital.com/) for the first aid kit.

The Bali girls showed great form by providing a big esky filled with Bintangs for after the game, and also gave us a voucher each for a manicure. Three cheers for Bali!