Story by REDintern Lynn Chia. Photos by Clara Yuan/Red Sports
MGS players thanking their supporters after the game. (Photo 1 © Clara Yuan/Red Sports)
Bedok Sports Hall, Monday, April 21, 2014 — Methodist Girls’ School (MGS) edged out defending champions CHIJ Secondary (Toa Payoh) 31–27 to capture the National B Division Netball Championship.
MGS, who finished second in the West Zone behind River Valley High School, had beaten CHIJ 39–18 in the first round of nationals. This is the first time that MGS have won the National B Division Netball Championship and it is also their first ever appearance in a B Division final.
MGS took the lead within the first few minutes of the start but CHIJ narrowed the margin with successive turnovers to end the first quarter slightly behind MGS at 5–7.
The second quarter saw both teams with accurate passes and shots. CHIJ took a one-point lead at 13–12 with a minute to half time but the lead was short-lived as MGS bounced back to even the score. Both teams walked off tied at 14–14 at half time to leave the crowd in anticipation of the second half.
MGS managed to intercept the ball on a number of occasions which allowed them to pot in consecutive goals to stretch their lead. MGS outscored CHIJ 8–5 to trail by three (19-22) heading into the final quarter.
The last quarter saw the crowd on their feet, cheering for each goal and possession of the ball. MGS outscored CHIJ 9–7 in the final quarter to wrap up a slim 31–297 victory.
Captain of MGS, Yap Wne Sze, said, “We all feel very overwhelmed and happy. This was really a roller-coaster ride for us and the match was really close. We acknowledge the importance of being consistent and not complacent as we had defeated them in the preliminary round.”
MGS vice captain, Celine Lim, added: “I think our main strength was hard work and improved communication on court. Though we did panic, we did not give up. We are proud of our team and grateful to everyone who came down to support us.”
Score by Quarter
CHIJ (Toa Payoh) vs MGS
1st Q: 5–7
2nd Q: 9–7 (14–14)
3rd Q: 5–8 (22–19)
4th Q: 8–9
Final Score: 27–31
CHIJ (Toa Payoh) Roster
Low Rui Rong, Tay Hui Hoon, Tan Yin Yun, Rindy Low Yi Xin, Teng Hui Yi Sarry, Nur Dahlia Bte Asni, Leong Li Ting Edna, Josephine Lim Yue Ying, Kerryn Lee Xi An, Poon Si Ying Areil, Sarah Fok Jia Ying, Koh Zhi Min
MGS Roster
Claire Seah, Amanda Lim, Celine Lim, Yap Wen Sze, Olivia Tan, Vivien Lim, Grace Tay, Gloria Lee, Sydney, Chloe Ang, Klara Chew, Isabelle Wang.
More photos next page
The score shd be :
HIJ : MGS
1st Q – 5:7
2nd Q – 9:7
3rd Q – 5:8
4th Q – 8: 9
Final score – 27 : 31
Thank you.
Thanks for pointing out the error, Nancy. We’ll fix it.