NETBALL

5 Nations Netball Cup
Trinidad & Tobago vs Sri Lanka
Monday, 3 September 2007 at the Toa Payoh Sports Hall

Story and pictures by Leslie Tan. © Red Sports/soulbreath pictures

Trinidad & Tobago put on a display of power and pace to thrash Sri Lanka 70-28 on Monday night in their opening game of the 5 Nations Netball Cup. Trinidad & Tobago, ranked 10th in the world, play netball with a jaw-dropping physicality that at times literally left their opponents in pain, such was the aggressive nature of their play.

Kemba Duncan (in red) beats out Tharjini Sivalingam to the ball. © Leslie Tan/Red Sports

It became obvious after just one quarter that the Sri Lankans were no match for Trinidad & Tobago and the attention shifted to the more interesting battle for the night – the personal battle between Sri Lanka’s 2.06m goal shooter, Tharjini Sivalingam and Trinidad & Tobago’s goalkeeper, Kemba Duncan. Duncan, standing a whole head shorter than Sivalingam, put on an awesome display of jumping ability. Timing her jumps to perfection, Duncan would jump so high off the ground that she could tip the ball away from the fingers of Sivalingam, leaving the latter looking forlornly at her bench for inspiration.

Tharjini Sivalingam pulls down a pass from her teammates while the rest can only look on. © Leslie Tan/Red Sports

If you get the chance, go on down to Toa Payoh Sports Hall to watch Trinidad & Tobago take on Singapore on Thursday, 7 September at 8.00pm. You won’t regret it.

Duncan spent the whole night timing her jumps to ensure that she could match Sivalingam. While Duncan is stretched to her physical limit, Sivalingam can still afford to keep her feet on the ground, such is her height advantage. © Leslie Tan/Red Sports

Sivalingam manages to get a pass successfully from her teammate despite Duncan’s defense. © Leslie Tan/Red Sports

Goalshooter, Janelle Barker of Trinidad & Tobago, receives a pass from her teammate and spearheads another attack. © Leslie Tan/Red Sports

6th September
6.00pm - Northern Ireland vs Sri Lanka
8.00pm - Trinidad & Tobago vs Singapore

7th September
6.00pm - Canada vs Northern Ireland
8.00pm - Singapore vs Sri Lanka

8th September
1.00pm - 3rd & 4th placing
3.00pm - 1st & 2nd placing
4.15pm - Closing Ceremony