17th May 2021 – Varsity. I did it; I got to where I wanted to be in terms of on track with my injury.
It was a beautiful day. Breakfast in the morning with the girls was served with a side of nerves and a glass of excitement. Hub was next and with my shoulder still being sore I was worried the massage was going to hurt but the anticipation for the game kept my mind off this.
With the last minute change to an indoor court, the girls and I felt happier knowing we could push that little bit harder to go for interceptions without the fear of falling on concrete.
We started well however we went down by a few goals caused by unforced errors and turnovers from Gloucester. However, we were determined that this game was to be won. We knew we needed to get into their heads. With the support we knew we were getting from the crowd down in the fanzone, it made us work harder as we wanted to make them proud.
After being 9 down at 1/2 time and 7 down going into the last quarter, our aim was just to get the ball in the net, no matter how many passes it took – wise words of Louisa. We were just enjoying playing as a team for the first time in a long time.
With the final few minutes approaching, we had managed to pull it back to three goals. Incredible interceptions and beautifully flowing passages of play by us is what eventually led to the last 30 seconds.
Our centre pass. Keeping possession until the last 10 seconds was key. And then it happened… the ball went through the net with three seconds to go. We had won! I can honestly say I have never felt so euphoric. The next 10 minutes were a blur. The team huddle was something else. Emotions were high and I will forever cherish that moment. G, our captain, and Soph and Jen, our vice-captains were bursting with pride as it was their last game for UWNetball and I am so happy we won it for them.
The rest of the night was also a blur too… Going to the SU with people I’ve never met coming up to me and congratulating me and the rest of the team is a feeling that I will always remember.
Worcester University became the overall winners of Varsity 6-5, something that hasn’t been achieved in a few years. It was an honour to play and despite there being no crowds, it felt as though everyone was behind us every step of the way. I cannot wait for next year!
