ASEAN Schools Netball: Singapore succumb to Malaysia’s fourth quarter surge to lose 31-34

By Lai Jun Wei/Red Sports

Republic Polytechnic, Monday, July 4, 2011 — Singapore succumbed to a fourth quarter surge by Malaysia to lose their final preliminary round match 31-34 at the 3rd ASEAN Schools Games netball tournament. With both teams having already qualified for the final, this match served as a warm up match between the two countries as they battled for top spot in their group.

Singapore had beaten Brunei 74-12 and Thailand 66-21 in their previous matches while Malaysia beat Thailand (56-26) and Brunei (53-17).

Malaysia started off the match well as they scored two goals. However, Singapore quickly answered and went on to lead 4-2 through excellent shooting from Singapore’s Goal Shooter Goh Qin Yu. The first quarter saw Malaysia dominate in possession as they played most of the match in their attacking half.

Thankfully, Singapore were able to force several turnovers and through pin-point shooting by Qin Yu (Singapore GS), managed to lead 9-6 with one minute left on the clock. Neither teams were able to score in the remaining minute and Singapore entered the second quarter with a three-goal advantage.

The second quarter saw Malaysia score just 20 seconds into the game. Despite being able to answer with a goal soon after, Singapore failed to convert any of their chances for the next three minutes and the match remained a stalemate.

In the 6th minute, Malaysia narrowed the gap to just one point as they trailed 11-12. On many occasions, Malaysia came close to equalising only to see Singapore extend their lead once again. Though Qin Yu (Singapore GS) was the one who was scoring the goals for Singapore, the team’s Goal Attack Ng Si Ying also contributed her share when she converted several long shots from the boundary of the shooting circle. Singapore ended the second quarter leading 19-15.

The third quarter saw Singapore further their lead as they scored a goal two minutes in. Singapore’s Goal Defence Chin Yu Xuan made several intercepts to force turnovers for the team. With Singapore comfortably in the lead, it seemed like Malaysia would have to settle for second place. However, the Malaysians put up a comeback. With just over two minutes left on the clock, they narrowed the score once again to trail 24-25.

Qin Yu (Singapore GS) managed to prevent the Malaysians from equalising when she scored another goal with just one minute left. However, Singapore were denied the chance to further their lead in the last 60 seconds when they failed to connect their long passes or convert their chances in the shooting circle.

Two minutes into the fourth quarter, Malaysia finally levelled the score at 26-26. Despite Si Ying (Singapore GA) taking the lead for Singapore again via a long distance shot, Malaysia quickly equalised once again.

This time round, the Malaysians were successful in stopping the flow of balls to Singapore’s Goal Shooter, limiting the Singaporeans’ scoring chances.

Five minutes on, Malaysia turned the tables on Singapore as they took the lead, 29-27. From then on, it was no looking back as Malaysia surged ahead. Despite Singapore’s valiant attempts, they were unable to catch up with their opponents and had to contend with watching the Malaysians run away with the lead.

Careless passing by Singapore in the last two minutes allowed Malaysia to capitalise and pull ahead to lead 34-30. With just one minute left of the clock, Qin Yu (Singapore GS) managed to score a goal but it was not enough as Malaysia ended the match with a 34-31 victory.

Despite the loss, Singapore will have a second chance to make amends as they face Malaysia once again on Thursday, July 5th, in the final of the tournament. They will play at 2.30pm at Republic Polytechnic’s Sports Hall. Thailand and Brunei will play at 1pm in the bronze medal playoff.

Singapore team roster
Goh Qin Yu (GS), Ng Si Ying (GA, Vice-Captain), Tan Shi Ni (WA), Cheryl Lee (C, Captain), Wendi Lai (WD), Chin Yu Xuan (GD), Grace Seow (GK)
Reserves: Neo Hoon Suan, Estee Chin, Jane Tan, Diandra Chua, Jaime Hong

Malaysia team roster
Yang Farha Farhani Fadzarahman (GS), Tuan Nor Farhah Tuan Pa (GA), Alia Najwa Mohd Sazali (WA), Norjunainah Abdul Malik (C), Khairul Najwa Sholahuddin (WD, Vice Captain), Pow Mei Foong (GD, Captain), Shandralelka Shamugam (GK)
Reserves: Ain Atikah Roslan, Norhafizah Fauzi, Norfarahana Nawi, Siti Aishah Abdul Rahim, Anis Suhaila Abdullah

For more photos, go to the next page.