Story and pictures contributed by reader Marvin Lowe.
Toa Payoh Sports Hall, Friday, May 16, 2008 – In probably the most exciting netball final in recent years, Raffles Junior College pipped Anglo-Chinese JC to the title by a single point, scoring in the very last second of play to win 51-50. It was a heartbreaking moment for ACJC at the final whistle and RJC celebrated like there was no tomorrow.
ACJC had started the game much in control, having the lead almost throughout the entire game. They sped off to a 5-1 lead right at the start of the first quarter, only to have RJC fight back to level the score at 11-11 by the end of the first quarter. That was how it was for most parts of the game, with ACJC attempting to stretch the lead and RJC fighting back to keep the leaders within striking distance.
By the end of the 2nd quarter, ACJC had already built a comfortable eight-point lead. This lead was not to last for long as RJC patiently worked hard to chip this advantage away. Both teams entered the final quarter knowing that they could not afford anymore turnovers. With the lead whittled down to just three points, RJC were now within striking distance of the trophy. With four minutes to go, ACJC’s Yini committed a fatal error when a pass was mis-handled. RJC then chipped the lead down even more as they successfully converted on their two possessions.
All set for a nail-biting finish, ACJC turned the ball over once more. This time, RJC delivered their finishing blow and edged ahead for the first time in the game. With RJC leading with one point and less than a minute on the clock, both teams exchanged points right until the last 10 seconds. With the clock winding down to zero, ACJC’s GS nailed the game-tying bucket amidst the electric atmosphere. The score was now 50-50 and sudden-death extra time was in play. Just when it seemed like the ACJC WD had made a timely interception, the umpire ruled in RJC’s favour instead. The ball was passed to RJC’s Silei (GS) who calmly sunk the final basket to seal ACJC’s fate. The final whistle was blown immediately after the basket was made, sending RJC into ecstasy, ACJC into despair.
The ACJC team collapsed in devastation while the RJC team rejoiced at their near-escape and shocking victory. Tears flowed freely on both sides. In a post match interview, an inconsolable ACJC captain, Celeste Lee said, “We just didn’t treasure our possessions enough. Both teams fought really hard till the end. I am still very proud of my team and for the effort they have given.”
On the other hand, RJC’s Captain, Carmen Goh, was simply over the moon at their victory. Beaming with joy, she said, “We were down by eight (points) at one time but we fought hard to pull back, winning this game in the end. We have met some of them in the B Division tournament before so we knew their style of play. We trained before the game to counter their strategies and our plan was to take control of the mid court area. Credit to ACJC. They played well and gave us a good fight.” Carmen had previously met Celeste and her CHIJ (Toa Payoh) team-mates in the B division tournament and lost the title to them then. This victory was in some sense, sweet revenge for the Rafflesians.
Ed’s note: If you recognise yourself or your teammates in any of the photos, feel free to leave the names behind in the comments section and we will update the captions accordingly.
i am a little taken aback by the lack of coverage for this year’s A division netball, perhaps covering both semis and the other 3rd/4th placing game would do more justification to all the players who have worked so hard to secure a place in the top4.
In my opinion, ACJC played extremely well and they were just betrayed by time that was running out on them.
Lastly, for the game officials. There are many instances where the umpires are bias ever since the first round. Politics or just plain prejudice, its not up to us to decide. The better schools would have won comfortably even with such umpires against mediocre school but on such an occasion where both teams are neck to neck, the umpires’ decisions will dictate the game. Oh boy, i know how it feels having to give 5 feet when only 3 feet is required.
agree with you, pearli. perhaps the higher authority should really do something about it, i dunno. i seriously hate such politics cos it results in unfair games. is that call sports/ sportsmanship? well only neutral audiences knows it.
hey, rj’s capt is carmen GOH, not lee. thanks for taking all the pics and covering us, i must say that AC was really strong this year. it was really great getting to play against them in the finals. i’m kinda lost for words. i guess we both deserved the championships.
2SC9: i understand you care for your classmate Yini very much and perhaps i shouldn’t have singled out her mistake, but i am just reporting the facts of the game. It is never my intention to put the blame or a sense of guilt on her, or in anyways hurt her. If she’s feeling miserable or upset because of this, please do let us know and I will see if we can make the necessary changes.
befair: “where are the pictures of acnetballers intercepting the balls?”- erm…photo 8,9,10,12?
pearli: I agree with you on the umpires. AC did have some weird calls thrown their way. Esp on the last possession, that was the killer blow.
both teams played well that day. but i thought ac was the better team. it was so obvious that the umpire was so biased towards rj and their play…sorry…was quite dirty. the umpire blew every ball to their advantage like even those mistakes that the ac players didn’t make.
yup so maybe ac should have won that day if they had met a fairer umpire
Photo #15 – RJC GD : Nikhita
RJC GA : Kalusha
hahah samm.. lose means lose! good fight by acjc netballers though to put up a spirited fight against rjc. but i guess rjc is stil too good man
ACJC dun be sad anymore u all are still a winner!!:) try hard next year!
HEY CHUA YINI, YOU’RE THE BEST ALL THE REST CAN GO FLY KITE ESP MARVIN LOWE
Ditto Cong’s comment. Fantastic story-telling that makes me wish I was there! Congratulations to RJC and good on both sides for a game well-played.
Marvin got netball fan club. : )~~
goodjob marvin. i enjoy reading your post!
I have been covering most of the netball matches in all 3 divisions this year. This match falls under the category of epic and it was my honor to be there to capture it. We must thank both team for laying their hearts out for the match and giving us a truly entertaining match as well. Both teams gave as much effort as the other and they are just as passionate as well. It was most unfortunate that whistle had to be blown and for only one team to win. It would have been great to see the game extend into extra time though.
Nonetheless, congratulations to RJC for the fighting hard to make a magnificent comeback. As for ACJC, do not be discouraged by the loss. Do not let this loss be a regret that plagues you forever. In the wise words of Kanye West, I hope that “what doesn’t kill you will just make you stronger.” Continue to be passionate about the game and not just about winning. Hopefully, we will get to see all of you next year again.=)
Great Game!
Thanks Marvin!
RJC’s WD is Michelle Teo
Come on ACJC! We did really well and I am so very proud of you girls. You girls showed the true spirit of an AC Warrior. (: We will make a strong comeback next year, I am sure of that.
go ex IJ girls!
you guys took courage to pit yourself amongst each other, keep it up and stay cool =)
love you guys! =)
i dont get it. acjc DID have a good play that day. but where are the pictures of acnetballers intercepting the balls?
also, if rj didnt miss so many goals, they could have won by a greater margin. i’m still quite shocked at the airball =/
kudos to acshooters, esp Nat, she practically got all her shots in. great job there girls. keep it up (:
“collapsed in devastation” is a nice phrase, brings out the emotional part (or is it just for me?) of the cruelty of sports. There can only, and always, be one person/ team that takes away the gold. But they/ sportsman still fight for every ball, still push their body to the limits. They never stop fighting. And its commendable, isn’t it?
it’s “silei”, not “shilei” (:
Great game girls.