QBT this year was held at Palmerston North, 3-4 June 2001. About 40 club members went to Palmy, they consisted of players, supporters and mere socialisers Both a mens and womens team participated at tournament and both teams went down with a view of doing the best that they can.

I went along in the minivan that the club hired out for us. We got to the meeting place (Suresh Naran’s) just after 8.30am, as soon as we got there he got a phone call from one of the passengers; it was Steve phoning to say he had to cancel at the last minute due to unforeseen circumstances. This left the mens team in a bit of strife, such questions started arising such as "Who will take us for the games?" ."Who will name the starting lineup?". "Who will put players names forward for MVP/tournament team?" The guys needed someone independent taking them, who could they possibly get at such short notice?? This is when Mahesh Patel came into play. He who thought he was only going to be a bystander and was probably going to sleep most of the weekend was having to play a key role in the tournament. Under the circumstances the club had no choice and they just had to go with what they’ve got (no offence Mo!).

The drive down would’ve been one of my personal highlights, ie good weather, good scenery and good company and also with the hint of excitement in the air not knowing what will await us (eg will I get to score??….goals that is!!). The only moment of concern was probably when Sanjai Bhana took the wheel. Such driving was reminiscent of the drivers of India. He went to overtake a two carriage truck while going 40k/hr while another truck was fast approaching us on the other side. I’m sure everyones lives flashed passed their eyes in those few seconds except for Sanjai who was quite proud of his feat. But everyone cheered as soon as they knew they were safe and also for the fact that the van overcame such an obstacle.

We reached Palmerston at about 5.30pm Saturday evening, we settled into our motels and relaxed with a cup of cha. The place that we stayed at would have to be the nicest motel that the club has ever stayed at during a Queens Birthday Tournament. For once the place accommodated for those that enjoyed a comfortable bed, a warm place and their own bathroom. Credit will have to go to Anita Kanji who got a good deal for us.

Sunday arrived and we set off to play our games. The mens played their first game against Central Districts, the final score was 3-nil to CD’s. The guys did not know what happened there, such a result against CD’s nearly drove one of our players to quit North Harbour forever, especially considering that that person is a key member of our club. The girls on the other hand was a different story. Don’t get me wrong, we also lost our first game 3 – nil against Auckland. But the way we played was an issue all in itself. The directive given by our coach (who incidentally played for Waikato during QBT) was to play a strictly defensive game. The girls held their game well and this tactic seemed to work. We walked of the turf feeling we have accomplished something. One thing that can be said is that we kept the consistency within the club with the scores.

The rest of the scores for the weekend were as follows:

Womens v Wellington lost 5-0

Mens v Auckland C drew 2-2

Womens v Pukekohe lost 3-0

Mens v Pukekohe won 3-0

Who knows, maybe the outcome for the mens game was due to the fact that the coach got injured – pulled a hamstring I think.

Sunday night the club gathered into one motel room and had pizzas and a few drinks before the social. I think it would’ve been more entertaining to stay there than to go out, plus at least you knew you got a decent feed as well. Taking advantage of the people there the Exec committee attempted to hold an AGM and put forward a proposal of dissolving the club or at the very least election of new officers. Having no luck we then had a round of speeches from nearly everyone in the room. Committee members, old members, new members, complete strangers, and that defector from Waikato all had something to say. I guess it was one of those club bonding moments(sigh).

Monday arrived and both teams played their last game. We left after prizegiving, prizewinners were as follows: MVP for the mens team was Suresh Naran and for the womens was Nalisha Morar. Players that made the tournament team were Sanjai Bhana, Nalisha Morar and Rina Lallu. (I guess I should also mention that Sures Lala got MVP for Waikato). Good on ya guys!

Injuries, goals and games, these were just a few of the events that happened on juniors day on the 1^st July organised by the North Harbour Indian Sports Club.

It was held at Rangitoto College and began at 10am with children aged from 6 to 46.

When we got there we went into the gymnasiums and split ourselves into two groups with the youngest in one group and the older ones in the other.

Anita took the older ones into the second gymnasium and we did a few netball drills then we played netball against the parents who were a bit too rough.

After netball we then played mini ball with the kids against the adults who won because of their cheating tactics.

A while after miniball we then played another game which was soccer. The teams were mixed so that no one could cheat this time. It was a very fun game.

Since a majority of us were all tired, the adults decided to start lunch. For lunch we had pizzas, chips, cake etc.

Later on after lunch the younger kids and a few adults played a game of hockey which all the kids enjoyed.

All in all it was an absolutely fun day. I hope this becomes a regular activity since practically everyone loved it, not to mention the cheating adults.

Rashmi Patel

Form 2