by Phin Lee Yi TianWith no clue of what to expect about Kazakhstan, the entire squad prepared for the worst after hearing all stories from seniors who had braved the 30 hour trip to Taraz in 2008. Acting like ‘doomsday preppers’, the team lugged a huge stash of canned Tuna, cereals and muesli bars. What’s more, individuals packed in their own comfort food to go along. Just to name a few outstanding ones: pork floss, ‘Ikan bilis’, fresh chilli padi, canned curry chicken, etc. Life as it is, is packed with warm surprises.
To our astonishment and pure joy, we were welcomed warmly by the Almaty Resort, which would be our home in Kazakhstan for the next seven days. I should inform you that the resort overlooks the hilly mountains, sea of green trees, the air is fresh and crisp and when night falls you have a blanket of stars. Adding on, the facilities include an indoor and outdoor swimming pool, playground with trampoline, gym, free Wi-Fi at the lobby and Internet access in the rooms with Lan-cables. Every meal comes with dishes of appetizers, usually salads with cucumber, tomato, beetroot, peppers, and an extensive amount of the herb, dill (no complaints really, cause it promotes healing of skin and prevent infections). Need I say more about how awesome Kazakhstan has been treating us?
Then came 4th of September, on a Wednesday evening at around 6pm, the sun was setting as both Singapore and Kazakhstan team lined up alongside to sing each of our nation anthem with pride. Moments like these are unforgettable, when we sung our anthem with gusto while having our arms locked around each other and carrying the lion sewn on our chest. We were ready for battle. However, as the match went on, the score gap widened, from 24-0 to 41-0 at halftime. Regardless of the score and differences in physique, it did not matter to us, we just kept going. It felt as though there was this undying fighting spirit to prove a point, looking to gain respect. The final whistle was blown, sealing the score at Kazakhstan 91 to Singapore 7. A realization dawned upon us, that that was the best performance from our squad thus far. What a lifting moment indeed!
Singapore would be up against Hong Kong for the 3rd placing on Saturday, 7th of September at 230pm, before the Finals in the evening which Japan will be taking on Kazakhstan to fight for a spot in the Rugby World Cup. The next few days leading up to our big day were filled with lots of buzzing and excitement, plenty of strategic planning and action to sharpen our game play. We knew we had it in us - the ability to beat Hong Kong, and it would be our game execution that will determine it all. Our hunger to win grew with that unspoken positive pressure knowing that we could potentially be the 3rd best team in Asia and attain the finest result our national 15s team has ever achieved.
After so much anticipating and waiting, at long last it was game day. On the bus ride to the stadium, there was little chatter, as though we had enough of talking, every single one of us has our ‘game face’ on. The scorching sun was hanging high, the air was dry with constant gust of wind. The whistle marked the start and the clock was ticking down. It was not going to be easy, no one said it would be.
Hong Kong took the lead with 3 points up on the scoreboard through a free kick shortly after. We fought back with a try, through a great team effort that involved our backs and forwards linking up beautifully and eventually having Angela Zheng finishing it off. There were moments after which we went haywire, we had to calm our nerves, and we needed to. The score at halftime was Hong Kong 8 to Singapore 5.
During the 2nd half, both teams had their fair share of camping in the other’s 22metres. Every whistle blown for penalty offence was heart dropping. The turnover rate of ball between both sides was happening so quickly, from scrum at 5metres to try line defence, quick tap to back 10metres,etc. Our numerous attempts of ‘pick & go’ by the forwards paid off, bringing the score to Hong Kong 15, Singapore 10. Furthermore, our defense line held Hong Kong up so strongly including two ‘held-ups’, and not forgetting an alarming 10minutes with one player down yet we let no man run pass us.
Even though our adrenaline level was exceedingly high, our minds were so focused on the tasks we needed to accomplish. We knew that if we snoozed we lose, so one step at a time, just do the right thing. Into the last 10mins of the game, Hong Kong was still up by 5 points. By being patient, we had gotten this far, all we need is one more try, we knew we could do this.
As the series of ‘pick & go’s rolled out again, we crept towards the try line patiently, slowly but steadily, metre by metre. After every tackle on us we got up almost immediately, we were after the rugby ball like nothing else mattered more at that point of time. Let’s put this on repeat for a good few minutes: forwards taking turns to ‘pick & go’, our scrumhalf, Chiew Hong, dishing out commands, forwards scrambling out of the ruck to join back in line. Our hearts were roaring with aggression and urgency, none of us has ‘giving up’ in our dictionary.
I personally have a vivid recollection of this entire episode in which my prop, Annabel Woo, and I threw ourselves again and again towards the try line. Ultimately, it was this very time when she wrapped her hands on the ball and I ledged tightly behind her, it was as though our inner Hulk was unleashed as we took a final launch. TRY! What an exhilarating moment. With the score tied at 15, the pressure was now all on Christabelle Lim, our leading kicker. To be honest, most of us were tearing as we looked upon, through the tension-filled air. The final whistle blew off immediately after the ball flew between the poles. Christabelle bought us to victory! Singapore 17 to Hong Kong 15. We won!
Revisiting all these flashbacks while writing this article brought back tears to my eyes, goose bumps on my skin and inevitably raised my heart rate. As cliché as it may sound, this 2013 Kazakhstan trip will never be forgotten as these memories are now etched very close to my heart. Mates, always remember the lion in your heart, don’t let anyone else steal this.
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