We hear an announcement at the park letting us know that there will be a power outage at 11am, right at the time I was planning to have lunch which consisted of all the leftovers and toasted sandwiches. All requiring electricity. So when the coaches let me know they are taking the girls for a walk I freak out slightly as that will mean they will only be back just around 11am. I had hoped they would clear out the food so then I could start the departure plans. I had already decided to skip cooking tonight because the girls were keen to watch both the boys and girls Gold Medal matches, so an early dinner (and treat) of pizza was going to happen.
But we need to get through our game today, as we play off for either 7th or 8th, putting our team in the top half of the country. That's a bit spesh. But today we were playing for pride and the hope that we can end on a high. We play WA Metro which will be a nice way to end our campaign, as we have been sharing the holiday park with this team, and they have bonded well with the girls when we have been away from the court. Today wasn't necessarily about winning, but about finishing on an effort that the girls were proud of.
We squeezed in lunch, some managed to get their toasted sandwiches and reheated pastas done before the power had been disconnected. There were so many options in salad wraps and sandwiches too, so they were spoilt for choice.
They look determined today as we are heading onto the bus to our game. We are greeted by the families for the last time, in fact less than normal as some had taken off home due to the drive ahead. I guess if we were playing off for a medal they'd have hung around to cheer.
Fortunately the game was a hit and we managed to take out the win as our final time on the court together. WA Metro were gracious in defeat and were all hugs and high fives at the end. It was a tight game the whole way through so it was great to have a successful final match. We were ranked 7th.
I finally was able to handover the towels and drink bottles I had so meticulously counted, folded, washed and filled over the last 7 days of competition. I am convinced I can only count to 10.
10 towels,
10 drink bottles
10 singlets
10 shorts
10 polos
10 warm up tops
10 back packs
It was cleansing to hand these items over and not have to do anything more with them.
During the game I was handed the team photos which I pack away quickly. There is nothing more distracting to a teenage girl than the thought of seeing her own photo and how she looks or doesn't look. I save those for later, so we say lots of goodbyes to families at this point as the craziness of the final matches and closing ceremony is often avoided by those without a child featuring in it. Also the trek home was commencing for many families as they all have a number of hours of travel ahead.
We come back to the accommodation and the party atmosphere begins. Soon chocolate and cheeseburgers arrive courtesy of our coaches and we sit down to be able to present the girls with the team photos and certificates for their participation in the tournament. The coach takes the time to say something about each player and member of staff. It's a nice way to end a long 10 days.
Before long the pizza arrives and the girls scoff it down to be able to get going for the final games for the tournament.
While the team enjoy the girl's grand final I pop to the club upstairs to enjoy a quiet dinner with the coaches parents. It was nice to get away from all the noise but also to spend some time with them, they are an awesome couple.
Finally its time for the men's match up and as an all NSW final it was a touching moment to see the game start with lots of hugs and hand shaking by players and staff. The moment the game ended in the NSW Country boys favour the reaction from the crowd and the players gives me goosebumps and nearly had me in tears. The outpouring of emotions is a rare thing for men (and indeed young men) and the happy tears were too much for me. I can be quite a sook at the best of times.
Following the end of game celebrations comes the closing ceremony. The formalities of medal presentations and council men speeches filled up the night. Although something really stuck with me tonight.
There was a speaker who talked about 'our' sport. I loved that as he collectively asked the young players to continue to be involved, not only to play but to give back. He spoke to the crowd made up of parents, administrators and volunteers and urged them to continue to support the sport at all levels. Men and women, young and old, let's make OUR sport the best it can be in Australia. If I had the opportunity I would have gone up there and hugged him. Particularly as my support of the sport is so strong, and my promotion of the women's game in particular is quite vocal. It was nice to hear that someone far more important than me shared my views. There are many people in this sport that could take a leaf out of his book to make sure this sport continues to have longevity for both men and women.
Once again the incredible camaraderie in the NSW camp continued for both players and staff. It was special to be a part of that. It was a privileged to stand alongside you all in the same uniform.
After the ceremony there was a flurry of activity with photos, shirt signings, cutting of the net etc, and eventually we head home.
The team are really wanting to party with the boys, but as it was already late (and I was tired) I declined the request for me to drive them over to where the boys team were staying. I was also considering that in the morning I had to be able to drive and hour and half back to the airport with a bus load of girls. I just didn't want to risk being over tired and also had a big clean up to do with all the food and left overs in the cabin. The girls were disappointed, and tried a couple of times to convince me. Without success with me they then tried the coach of the boys team who also happened to be the father of one of the girls. He caved and packed up the boys and brought them to us.
Before they all arrived I laid some ground rules and then turned off my lights and went to bed.
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