Wheel Blacks Paralympic Qualifier Tournament - Day Twelve

Day 12: Finishing Strong 🏉
Day twelve marked the culmination of our journey in the tournament, as we set our sights on securing 5th place with unwavering determination and resolve.
With our game scheduled for 4pm, the morning unfolded at a leisurely pace, allowing us to maintain a sense of routine amidst the anticipation and excitement. Breakfast at 9am and lunch at 1pm provided moments of calm before the storm, while a quick video session served as a reminder of our game plan and objectives.
As we prepared for the match, the atmosphere was tinged with bittersweet emotions as we witnessed the conclusion of the bronze medal game between Germany and their opponents. Congratulations to Germany for securing the last ticket in a fiercely contested battle, though it was difficult to watch knowing that we should have been contenders.
However, the desire for redemption and the determination to make our supporters proud fueled our spirits as we geared up to face the Netherlands for the 5th place game.
Our last Haka of the tournament was a poignant moment, made even more special by the presence of spectators who joined us in solidarity.
The game itself was a tense affair, with both teams trading blows throughout. Despite maintaining a narrow lead for much of the match, the Netherlands fought back fiercely, leaving the outcome uncertain until the final moments.
In the end, it was our collective resilience and composure under pressure that secured the victory, eliciting jubilant cheers from the crowd and fostering a sense of unity and pride among our supporters.
As the final whistle blew and the dust settled, I couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude for the journey we had embarked upon together.
While there will undoubtedly be time for reflection and contemplation in the days ahead, for now, I am content to bask in the glow of our hard-earned success.