Bianca Russells’s Last Blog from Rotterdam A disappointing end to our tournament saw us lose to Korea on shoot outs. So we don’t gain automatic qualification to World Cup next year and will have to wait and see what happens at other competitions before we find out if our world ranking points will be enough to get us there. I didn’t do the shoot outs this time around and I must say, this being the first time I’ve been watching from the half way line that I’d much rather be the person in goal, where at least you can do something about the outcome. In happier news our illustrious leader Kayla Sharland was awarded the Player of the Tournament. Well deserved, what a hero. Now most of the team are staying on and travelling around Europe. I’m returning with the minority back home to my cats, my lovely horse Nino who I miss very much and to work at Secom Guardall (for all your electronic security needs) to replenish the bank account which tends to drain while I’m away on tours. When we return the NZ trainings will cease and we will all join our NHL teams for the build-up to our major national competition. I’ll be there for Harbour as usual. I think it’s my 16th NHL but the first for a while that I’ve been involved in the build-up, so that will be nice. A few thank you words before I sign off. To the wonderful supporters who take the time to facebook, twitter (@Ninofied) and email me with messages of support – every like, every message is appreciated and keeps us on track when things get tough. To ‘Aunty Lizzie’ at North Shore Riding Club who looks after my horse while I’m out of town and does so without hesitation every trip – you are amazing. To my work Secom Guardall for the time away from work not just for tours but trainings and physio appointments when I’m in Auckland. I couldn’t do what I do without the accommodating, can-do attitude – a reflection of the company values I think. And of course my sponsors Mizuno shoes and apparel, OBO goalkeeping gear – the best, Columbus Coffee William Pickering – if you need a function venue, catering service or are just around the Albany area pop in to their café and tell Danny I sent you. My summary of this trip, it wasn’t one of the memorable ones. I took my camera and haven’t taken one photo because we’ve seen nothing while here. I guess most of all because our nature is competitive and our self-expectations are high, the result is unacceptable even if it’s a true reflection of where we are as a group just now. But then, we wouldn’t be here, in the Black Sticks, playing the very best hockey the world has to offer if we weren’t of that nature in the first place. We as individuals are wired for excellence and will continue to strive for it. Until the next tour… Over and out from Rotterdam.
Posted on: Sun, 23 Jun 2013 23:32:32 +0000
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