Story By Zachary Foo/Red Sports. Photos by Matthew Lau and Rebekah Abbott/Red Sports
A RI player hits away the pass. (Photo 1 © Matthew Lau/Red Sports)
Toa Payoh Sports Hall, Saturday, May 24, 2014 — Raffles Institution (RI) ended defending champions Anglo-Chinese Junior College’s (ACJC) five-year hold on the A Division Netball Championships with a 65–55 win in the final. RI previously finished third in the 2013 edition of the championship.
The first quarter saw RI race out to an early 7–3 lead. Their Centre made a couple of interceptions early on, taking advantage of sloppy passing from ACJC. However, ACJC slowly crawled back in the period. They consistently worked the ball in to their Goal Shooter, who did well to catch and score each time.
ACJC’s comeback continued in the second quarter, as they fought to trim the deficit. Both teams seemed to settle down into the game, as there were not many turnovers in the quarter. Both Goal Shooters were on form, not missing any shots at all.
The third quarter saw ACJC take their first lead of the game at 33–32. This did not seem to rattle RI in any way, as they continued their intensity. Again, RI’s Centre was instrumental in giving her team the lead. Her timely intercepts helped RI build a 5-point lead heading into the final period.
RI continued to press on the attack in the final period. Their Goal Attack was able to keep the offence flowing, as she was able to make her long shots within the attacking third. ACJC’s Goal Shooter started to falter, as she made a couple of uncharacteristic misses. This allowed RI to extend the lead to 11, which was the biggest deficit ACJC had faced this season. RI took the 65–55 win for their first title since 2008.
RI captain, Merissa Boh, said, “It was a very tight game all the way and I am very proud of this team. Everyone gave their 110% throughout the game. I was part of the team that finished third last year and we made it a goal to clinch the title this year. We wouldn’t have done it without everyone’s help. When ACJC took the lead in the third quarter, our players were focused. We told ourselves that we would fight all the way, no matter what happens.”
Scoring by Quarter
Raffles Institution vs Anglo-Chinese Junior College
1st Quarter: 16–13
2nd Quarter: 15–17 (31–30)
3rd Quarter: 15–11 (46–41)
4th Quarter: 21–14 (65–55)
RI Roster
Richelle Er, Tessa Wong, Merissa Boh, Tang Jei Min, Ng Shi Ying, Rukmini Roy, Yvonne Goh, Isabella Khoo, Tan Jia Jia Amelia, Peck Hsiao Wei, Yu Zheng Yi, Geraldyn Leong
ACJC Roster
Tan Xin Yi, Amanda Ng, Jody Leong, Vivian Koe, Shakila Devi, Lisha Ann Rodney, Alesha Sara Wong, Dorothy Khong, Millie Seow, Tan Jia Xuan
More photos next page
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