The three R's was the theme for the day for the sixth day of our tour - Relax, Recover and Regroup.
Despite the quality and variety of selection in the breakfast buffet, food boredom is beginning to set in for a number of our group as it's the same selection every day.
Our routines continued today with a morning recovery session of foam rollers and Rachel also took the team for a pilates session. Some players were excused from this session if they chose to relax and rest their eyes in bed.
Koru continued to play his part in our journey. Before training Rosa decided to pass Koru on to one of our strongest performers against Hong Kong the previous day. Bateup receiving our plush friend as a much deserved reward for her tireless hard work for the team.
Today was also about giving the opportunity for some of our squad players to test out their developing skills. Unfortunately for Steve, a calf injury the previous day has hobbled him at the moment and he has been unable to participate in training. With our structure settling back into place, today's training was about scoring as well and tweaking those little challenging areas we had been struggling with.
It is not often we get the opportunity to play against such high quality opposition. This was a chance to test our skills and really learn from some of the best players in the world. It was also an opportunity for some palyers to be rewarded for their time, effort and commitment to the Korus during this experience. Today our starting line up was in attack Spencer, Brodie, Loralee and Alice. In defence Carl (c), Neville, Sarah and Bateup. It should be noted that Brodie, Alice and Sarah all had their first international experience of running on court and singing the anthem while Coach Garrett pulled a swifty, having Lucy run on court for this as well before returning to the bench before the game started. A much deserved honour for someone who has shown so much dedication to the team through her injury recovery. Furthermore, as our normal captain was being rested, Carl was given the honour of captaining his country in front of his family and friends from Hong Kong. He will be proud to have had such an experience!
The game started disastrously for the Korus as even before any goals were scored, Bateup took a fall and landed heavily, dislocating her right shoulder. Once Bateup's shoulder was back in, Rachel was substituted in and the game resumed with Bateup undergoing treatment on the bench. Chinese Taipei skill level and intensity soon showed through after a slower than expected start. After ten minutes the score was 7-0. After a further goal from the defending champions, Simon was brought into the game for Brodie. Chinese Taipei began to up the ante, scoring at will until half time. Spencer managed to get the Korus off the mark with a great long shot just before the break. Half time 18-1.
The early minutes of the second half were punctuated by six Chinese Taipei goals, two for New Zealand from Loralee and Kelsey, plus a raft of substitutions. The rate of scoring from the world number three never dipped, scoring at will from all over the court with their accurate passing mixed with swift and well-timed court movement. Young Alice opened her international account scoring at the three quarter mark and also managing to grab a few rebounds as well. Mikey scored and extra goal for New Zealand as Chinese Taipei almost managed to score at a goal a minute, running out 38-5 winners.
The team was positive after the match, really enjoying the chance to have a game against a group of players with such skill and control. It was definitely a great learning opportunity and a chance to experience the sort of intensity we will also get from China tomorrow.
The cross-over game against China tomorrow is for a place in the semi-finals and qualification for the 2015 World Champs. The Korus will certainly be underdogs but will be playing with the heart and passion of a team who has one last shot at our goal.
Our hearts and our thoughts are with Bateup who has been one of our most consistent performers on court, giving us great strength in the rebound and on defence. Somehow this tough West Coaster come Rangiora girl always manages to smile through the most challenging times and her continued positivity will provide further motivation and inspiration for our team. We will be with you all the way through your recovery and will be looking forward to having you back on court as our teammate and friend once again.
Kia Kaha Bateup :-)
Despite the quality and variety of selection in the breakfast buffet, food boredom is beginning to set in for a number of our group as it's the same selection every day.
Our routines continued today with a morning recovery session of foam rollers and Rachel also took the team for a pilates session. Some players were excused from this session if they chose to relax and rest their eyes in bed.
Koru continued to play his part in our journey. Before training Rosa decided to pass Koru on to one of our strongest performers against Hong Kong the previous day. Bateup receiving our plush friend as a much deserved reward for her tireless hard work for the team.
Today was also about giving the opportunity for some of our squad players to test out their developing skills. Unfortunately for Steve, a calf injury the previous day has hobbled him at the moment and he has been unable to participate in training. With our structure settling back into place, today's training was about scoring as well and tweaking those little challenging areas we had been struggling with.
It is not often we get the opportunity to play against such high quality opposition. This was a chance to test our skills and really learn from some of the best players in the world. It was also an opportunity for some palyers to be rewarded for their time, effort and commitment to the Korus during this experience. Today our starting line up was in attack Spencer, Brodie, Loralee and Alice. In defence Carl (c), Neville, Sarah and Bateup. It should be noted that Brodie, Alice and Sarah all had their first international experience of running on court and singing the anthem while Coach Garrett pulled a swifty, having Lucy run on court for this as well before returning to the bench before the game started. A much deserved honour for someone who has shown so much dedication to the team through her injury recovery. Furthermore, as our normal captain was being rested, Carl was given the honour of captaining his country in front of his family and friends from Hong Kong. He will be proud to have had such an experience!
The game started disastrously for the Korus as even before any goals were scored, Bateup took a fall and landed heavily, dislocating her right shoulder. Once Bateup's shoulder was back in, Rachel was substituted in and the game resumed with Bateup undergoing treatment on the bench. Chinese Taipei skill level and intensity soon showed through after a slower than expected start. After ten minutes the score was 7-0. After a further goal from the defending champions, Simon was brought into the game for Brodie. Chinese Taipei began to up the ante, scoring at will until half time. Spencer managed to get the Korus off the mark with a great long shot just before the break. Half time 18-1.
The early minutes of the second half were punctuated by six Chinese Taipei goals, two for New Zealand from Loralee and Kelsey, plus a raft of substitutions. The rate of scoring from the world number three never dipped, scoring at will from all over the court with their accurate passing mixed with swift and well-timed court movement. Young Alice opened her international account scoring at the three quarter mark and also managing to grab a few rebounds as well. Mikey scored and extra goal for New Zealand as Chinese Taipei almost managed to score at a goal a minute, running out 38-5 winners.
The team was positive after the match, really enjoying the chance to have a game against a group of players with such skill and control. It was definitely a great learning opportunity and a chance to experience the sort of intensity we will also get from China tomorrow.
The cross-over game against China tomorrow is for a place in the semi-finals and qualification for the 2015 World Champs. The Korus will certainly be underdogs but will be playing with the heart and passion of a team who has one last shot at our goal.
Our hearts and our thoughts are with Bateup who has been one of our most consistent performers on court, giving us great strength in the rebound and on defence. Somehow this tough West Coaster come Rangiora girl always manages to smile through the most challenging times and her continued positivity will provide further motivation and inspiration for our team. We will be with you all the way through your recovery and will be looking forward to having you back on court as our teammate and friend once again.
Kia Kaha Bateup :-)