Netball Worlds: Singapore lose second match to South Africa despite good start

Story by Koh Yizhe/Red Sports. Photos by Lai Jun Wei/Red Sports

Singapore Indoor Stadium, Tuesday, July 5, 2011 — Singapore suffered their second defeat in as many games as they lost 70-33 to world number six South Africa in the Mission Foods World Netball Championship.

The host had lost 36-43 to Botswana in the opening match on Sunday and were hoping for a better performance against South Africa. Despite taking the lead and holding it after the first quarter, Singapore were simply no match for their highly ranked opponents.

Just like in the first match, a poor goal shooting percentage, this time in the second (50%) and fourth quarter (33%), was once again the reason for their defeat as they could not convert their chances or get their rebounds.

With the defeat, Singapore are now last in Group C and will have to defeat table toppers and world number four Jamaica or at least lose by a small margin to have any hope of finishing third in their group.

“We wanted an improve performance from our previous match,” said Singapore head coach Kate Carpenter. “In the end, the result was similar, but it was a nice opening quarter from Singapore when led 15-13. We need to repeat the flow and gameplay of the first quarter more in our other games.”

“Today, there were elements of good stuff but also areas to improve.”

Singapore played really well in the first quarter as they attempt to upset their illustrious opponents, who finished 6th in the last World Championship. They got off to a flying start as they took the lead and even held a three-goal advantage for a couple of possessions at 11-8 nine minutes into the match.

Although South Africa briefly took the lead at 13-12 with two minutes remaining in the first quarter, Singapore rallied to take a 15-13 lead into the second quarter. The visitors made a couple of changes at the break which clearly turned the tide of the match. Nokuthula Qegu, Tsakane Mbewe and Zuklwa Cwaba were all taken off and were replaced by Amanda Mynhardt, Zanele Mdodana and Claudia Basson for South Africa as they went on the attack.

They snatched the lead from Singapore, going on a 8-1 run to start the second period. The South African defense managed to limit Singapore to just 12 attempts and allowed them to make just six of them throughout the quarter.

Singapore were simply making too many turnovers and were not good enough in front of goal. This allowed South Africa scored to 19 in the second quarter to lead 32-21.

Kate Carpenter attempted to shake things up as she brought on tall GS Li Ling and captain Jean Ng in the third quarter. However, it did not do much to change the direction of the match.

South Africa, who kept the same line-up, continued to extend their lead, forcing Singapore into turnover after turnover. In contrast to the Singapore team, they were clinical in front of goal, maintaining a high conversion rate throughout the match.

The world number six basically had the game wrapped up by the third quarter as they led 49-30, but they did not take their feet off the gas as they looked for more goals. South Africa were rewarded as they scored 21 goals while limiting Singapore to just three goals.

Singapore shot a mere 33% in the final quarter as they went down meekly to their far superior opponents.

“Singapore is a very fantastic skillful and agile team,” commented South Africa head coach Elizabeth Kotze.

“They were unpredictable at the start and it was only after the first 15 minutes that we came out with a plan against them. It is a real honour to play against Singapore. We just could not get the rhythm going in the first quarter as I did put in some youngsters at the start. When the first liners came on, we played we more confidence.”

“I knew that if we had the right combination we would pull through.”

Singapore will next play Jamaica, but they are already looking ahead to the playoffs.

“Jamaica is third in the world so we’ll just do what we do well against this better opponent and if we managed to do so, it will put us in good stead for the next game,” said captain Jean Ng.

“But I think our focus will really be on the following game because that’s what will decide where we end up in the playoffs. Everyone is focused and ready for the next match couple of matches. The target of a top-12 finish is still within reach, but we really need to win the first playoff game.

“The players are all aware of that and we’ll not be happy with anything less than a win.”

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