faith

Dear all,

This is a message to share on the expectations of myself and how it will impact a game play.

Last year, at Turf City, we played against this college. Initially, we were leading by 2-0. Eventually, the score hit 3-3 and out of the 3 tries they scored, 2 of them was because the same person broke through me 2 times. It was like a 2v1 on the outside, I was the winger and I was completely outnumbered and the ball carrier faked me, with the link's unintentional blocking out of the call for drift.

Girls, I believe each and everyone of you got broken through at least once in your life. Or either you had witnessed a breakthrough past your support defence, right in your face. You know how terrible it feels right? What the hell! 2 tries, same girl, same situation and worst still I believe it was within 5 minutes. I believe you know how shitty and painful it feels ah.

From THAT day on, I promised myself to not let any attackers run past me. Don't even talk about chasing the breaker successfully, I wouldnt even want her to be anywhere behind me such that I have to turn my back and chase her. Of course, it's not surprising that Ido fail at times. But so far during competitions... Not yet. Because I'm seriously determined (anal) about this and I will do all I can to shut the man down. 

Everytime when I go on defence, its the pain I saw in the 2 tries match that keeps me going even when I'm really tired. Even when I'm on the verge of subbing out, I do not back five with my back and I am always on my toes. Because the promise I made to myself just keeps (more like haunt actually) going. 'Shut my man down' just echoes through my head. Nothing but that.

Girls, I was very lucky that my mistake was made mid of last year, such that I will not commit my mistake again for the next one year. But for now, there is really no more time. We cannot make the 2 same mistakes like what we made today and try to correct it the next round. There is, unfortunately, really, no time.

Please keep talking. Especially on defence, we are still lacking communication on man marking and man counting. When dummy breaks through, defence shout I'm going for dummy so the rest will automatically mirror up. Sometimes, we all know what is mirror defence and you know you are supposed to do it. It's not that you forget when the dummy breaks through, its just that its hidden at the back of your head and you just refuse to mirror up for some reasons. If the dummy can call out, the rest will be reminded that chasing the dummy is not their task.

Talking saves us from a lot of trouble. Keep talking, okay?

Stay strong girls. We'll do good the next round :)

Syl