Singapore Sports School survive Northland scare in B Division North Zone netball

Story by REDintern Alethia Tiang. Photos by Koh Yizhe and REDintern Kelly Kuo. Video highlights by Lai Jun Wei.

Republic Polytechnic, Monday, February 9, 2009 – After thrashing Naval Base Secondary on Wednesday, the Singapore Sports School had to work hard to beat a stubborn Northland Secondary 27-21 in their final game in Round One of the B Division North Zone Netball Championship.

Sports School played swiftly right from the start, passing the ball without hesitation and sprinting around the court to keep the ball in their possession. But Northland was out there to show their mettle and matched their every step and throw.

To most observers surprise, Northland played superbly to lead 7-6 at the end of the first quarter.

But the second quarter saw SSP retake the lead but they struggled to pull away. With every point that Sports School scored, Northland would immediately step up their efforts to close the gap and SSP ended the quarter leading only by 13-10.

Sports School prevented Northland from making much of an impact in the third quarter, outscoring their opponents to notch a six-goal lead.

Northland fought back hard in the last quarter in a bid to steal the game. However, Sports School managed to hold on to the end despite Northland matching Sports School’s six goals in the quarter.

When the final whistle sounded on a 27-21 win, the relieved faces of the Sports School players told its own story.

Though Northland fell short of taking the game, they showed no sign of disappointment. Rather, they could have been mistaken for having won the game as they expressed joy at having played the game well.

On the Sports School performance, coach Mrs Robin Manihera commented that “they did all right. They were trying different passes and they need a little practice. The other team played nice netball and they had a good game.”

Northland’s coach, Ms Jingqin, was proud of her girls. “I think they did well. They went in to play the game and I think they put up a good fight.”

As for the team’s upcoming matches. She said, “If they can play like today, they have a good chance (at winning).”

Both teams will advance to the next round of the tournament. Sports School are in the same group as Riverside Secondary, Seng Kang Secondary, Marsiling Secondary, Canberra Secondary and CHIJ St Joseph’s Convent.

Northland are grouped with Yio Chu Kang Secondary, CHIJ St Nicholas’ Girls, North Vista Secondary, Woodgrove Secondary, and Evergreen Secondary.

Good luck to all!

Video Highlights
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rba2LmoKM40

Editor'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 accordingly. Thanks!