Wheel Blacks Paralympic Qualifier Tournament - Day Eleven

Day 11: Rising to the Challenge 🏉
Day eleven dawned with renewed determination and a clear goal in mind: securing the coveted 5th place in the tournament. Despite the early start for our playoff match against Colombia at 10am, the team rallied together with a shared sense of purpose and commitment.
Breakfast at 8am was followed by a focused strap up at 9am, as we prepared to enter the playoffs with our sights set on finishing strong.
The importance of this match extended beyond just the result—it was about reclaiming our momentum and ending the tournament on a high note.
From the outset, the game against Colombia proved to be fiercely contested, with both teams trading scores in the early stages. However, our ability to execute our processes effectively began to shine through in the second quarter, allowing us to establish a four-point lead at halftime.
Staying true to our game plan, we maintained our defensive intensity and capitalized on opportunities to extend our lead in the third quarter. The speed and precision of our high pointers proved decisive, while our key defence strategy continued to frustrate Colombia's offensive efforts.
As the match progressed, we were able to rotate players and maintain our advantage, securing a decisive victory that reignited our confidence and belief in our abilities. It was more than just a win—it was a reaffirmation of our identity as a powerhouse team capable of executing our game plan with precision and aggression.
The afternoon was filled with well-deserved family time, as we celebrated the win and reflected on the journey that had led us to this moment.
However, our focus quickly shifted to the upcoming rematch against the Netherlands—a chance for redemption.
A dedicated video session allowed us to analyze our previous loss to the Netherlands and identify areas for improvement, while a team dinner provided an opportunity for camaraderie and relaxation ahead of the challenge that awaited us.
As we settled in to watch The Blues vs. Crusaders game, a sense of quiet determination filled the air. Tomorrow would bring another opportunity to showcase our resilience and determination as we sought to finish the tournament on a high note.
Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to rise to the challenge and push towards our goal of securing 5th place.