In July 2011 I was fortunate enough to travel to Singapore to host approximately 500 Sportsnet guests for the World Netball Championships.

An avid netballer myself, this was a trip I was very much looking forward to – being able to watch the new look Australian Diamonds team take on their nemesis the Silver Ferns, all in a country I had never travelled to previously.

As soon as we landed at Changi Airport and left the air-conditioned building for our transfer, I knew that I had packed too heavily and that at best I would need the same 3x pairs of shorts, along with a few singlets and polos for the duration of my 1.5 week stay. Man, it was STICKY and HOT! At that point I prayed the air-con in the stadium was going to be adequate otherwise our clients would have been sitting in pools of sweat for hours at a time watching sport!

A cold beer was a welcome relief from the humidity during the trip

At the first opportunity for some free time, I grabbed my camera, slapped on a little sunscreen and started walking. I still maintain that the best way to see a city is to walk, walk, walk… then walk some more. Some of the best experiences I’ve had overseas have been when the plan for the day is simply ‘no plan, just walk’. I meandered and noticed that vast array of cultures in Singapore, from Indian to Chinese to Western and more.

Walking around Singapore I noticed this nail salon and snapped a photo I think that the name might have been lost in translation!

The MRT (railway) network is by far the best I have seen in the world (so far). Completely automated (no drivers) and underground, it runs like clockwork – a far cry from the timetables in Melbourne, especially during summer! Clean, easy to navigate, air-conditioned, all linked and very safe, the MRT nothing short of exceptional! Friends will tell you all I did when I returned back to Oz was drone on about how impressive I thought their underground ‘world’ was, however what do you expect from a Systems and Communications Manager?!
If I had to highlight one thing I took away from Singapore above all it would have to be the forethought in the planning of the city. I thought that the MRT underground ‘world’ was impressive enough, then I learned from a local that it was built that way deliberately – to sustain the city underground – in case of an act of war from a neighbouring country! The highway to and from the airport to the city doubles as an emergency landing strip for military aircraft! It takes 45 mins, from the initial signal, to down all hanging signs over the highway so aircraft can land… I mean, Wow. Such a small nation yet such Big Picture thinking.

The MRT underground network was a whole new world in itself

The pool atop the Marina Bay Sands, from a 'visitors' perspective! You have to stay to enter.

But back to the netball (which was the purpose for the trip), nothing could have ended the journey better than witnessing yet another over-time match between old foes the Diamonds and the Silver Ferns. At the end of normal time, the Diamonds had clawed back a 6-goal deficit to level the scores. A short break and the girls were back on court, everyone in the stadium sitting on the edge of their seats while the ball went back and forth down the court. As it were, the New Zealand fans were on the opposite side of the court to the Aussie fans which resulted in an electric atmosphere. Golden girl Caitlin Bassett got a quick inside pass from the centre court in the last second and, in keeping with her near-perfect tournament record, slotted home the winner.

The crowd went ballistic. The team went ballistic. I went ballistic. Turning to my Sportsnet colleague sitting next to me, I jumped into his arms and he hoisted me upward – a fair feat for both of us let me add – and I screamed in joy at the win.

It was the most exciting sporting experience of my life as a spectator by far and a moment I will cherish forever.

The reason we went the Aussie Diamonds as World Champions in 2011

Words simply cannot do justice to what the group from Sportsnet witnessed yesterday at the Singapore Indoor Stadium… but given this IS a blog, we’re going to have a try!

First up, we witnessed Trinidad and Tobago beat Northern Ireland.

Then South Africa rallied back from 7 goals down and won against Malawi (despite having Goal Attack Sindi Simtowe and her incredibly long legs!)

WE saw England beat Jamaica. Then it was time for the main attraction. The 7,512 crowd was already buzzing as the Ferns and Diamonds took the court. Strategically no doubt, Singapore Netball positioned the Silver Ferns fans on one side of the court and the Diamonds opposite to create a fantastic atmosphere.

Both teams played a highly skilled game of possession from the outset.New Zealand looked to have the ascendency in the match, taking a lead of 6 into half time, when Plummer decided to change her lineup and inject some height into the attacking end.

The move paid dividends as Australia closed the gap and each team held their centre pass going into the last… Towards the end of the last quarter the crowd were literally on their feet and out of their seats as Australia seemed to have control of the game. The atmosphere was electric, with every single fan in the stadium trying to watch the match and timer at the same time.

As is the way in netball, the last minute is not counted down so the fans were either praying for more time or less dependant on which team was up at the present time. Whilst fans have come to expect great matches between Australia and New Zealand, nobody could believe it when the siren sounded and the scores were level. The match then entered extra time (2x 7 min quarters), with both teams upping the ante and maintaining trading blow for blow, one goal apiece. Scores were still tied at the end of the first extra period, further charging the crowd…

With the stadium alight and the fans cheering literally deafening, Australia and New Zealand went into battle for the 6^th quarter in one match…

Both teams were neck to neck (57 – 57) with 10 seconds to go when New Zealand’s Maria Tu’taia squandered what could have been the winning shot of the game. The Diamonds got the rebound from Tutaia’s missed shot and raced up court for the wining goal of the Cham pionship in the last second of extra time!

The Australian fans screamed at the sound of the siren and the team launched themselves on each other in the middle of the court in euphoria. Natalie Medhurst, great all week, earned herself MVP honours as the best player of the Championship match.

Following the Stadium celebrations, a large portion of the Sportsnet group headed down to Clarke Quay to celebrate Australian’s success and had the opportunity of a lifetime presented to them when the Diamonds themselves strolled through the door of Pump House towards the latter stages of the night.

The Sportsnet fans got a chance to party and enjoy the success with their team of champions well into the early hours of the morning, Captain Natalie von Bertouch relishing the chance to celebrate with the fans.