On Sunday evening, they had a relaxed practice session at the courts followed by the traditional Thai meal, Cold Rock ice cream and some hotel shenanigans. A huge storm hit Sydney that night and we were worried we might not get on court at all the next day!
But the morning was brighter, and the kids were full of nervous energy, anticipation and excitement. The all-you-can-eat hotel breakfast buffet was a huge hit and a great bonding time for the team pre competition.
The opening ceremony took place, and then we were on court at 10am ready for our group pool matches. There were 23 teams in the finals spread out across 4 pools. The winning team of each pool were then to play off in the semi finals. We played St Josephs Primary School winning 8 sets to 0, Hunter Valley Grammar School winning 8 sets to 0, Bangalow Public School winning 8 sets to 0, Terrigal Public School winning 8 sets to 0 and Broughton Anglican College winning 5 sets to 3. These match results saw KVPS not only on top of our pool but also with the highest match win percentage over all of the schools there.
In the semi finals, we were up against St Cecilia’s Catholic Primary School and the kids won this match convincingly 8 sets to 0 sending us into the championship final. We were to face Holy Trinity Primary School who had narrowly beat The Illawarra Grammar School in their semi final on a point countback.
In the beginning, the match was super tight with points going back and forth between the 2 teams. Some of our KV kids looked a bit overwhelmed and intimidated by their opponents and the occasion. After the first 4 sets of doubles, we were locked at 2 sets each. To win the championship, we needed to win 3 of the next 4 mixed doubles matches. Everyone’s heart rates were high, and the intensity of the moment was huge. The kids were fired up and hungry for the win and they completely rose to the challenge growing in focus, determination and hunger with every point. The momentum slightly shifted in our favour, and they hit the accelerator, and we took home 3 of those 4 remaining sets! KVPS were state champions winning the final by 5 sets to 3.
The disbelief and joy on their little faces will be imprinted on my heart forever. It was an unforgettable moment of sheer elation. There were many hugs, huddles, chants, tears and laughter! This was a very well earnt and well fought victory especially after the challenges faced at last years finals. The kids showed fabulous sportsmanship as always and went to their opponents afterwards to console them and congratulate them on making the finals.
Over 8,600 kids statewide participated in the TWC this year, so this is a massive accomplishment for our little school. Todd Woodbridge was at the event and presented the TWC perpetual trophy which will live at our lovely school until next year (when maybe we might just win it again)! The kids were all presented with a medal, hat and bouncy ball to keep and an experience that they will never forget!
A massive thank you to the wonderful Jan for all her efforts on court and off and for the love and belief that she has poured into these children. Thank you to Lyn Robinson who rode the waves with us every moment and was there doing all the logistics behind the scenes. And thank you so much to this community for all the encouragement and support that has been put behind these kids. Thank you KV Social Club, Fig Gardens and other anonymous donations for your generous support which accommodated the kids in Sydney and helped them to make lasting memories!
