Stingrays beat Marlins narrowly in Netball Super League

By REDintern Chan Hui Mui

Jurong East Sports Hall, Saturday, April 4, 2009 – Despite taking an early lead in the first quarter, the Marlins could not prevent the Stingrays from making a comeback in the third quarter and lost 40-43 in the Netball Super League.

Marlins started off the game well by taking an early three-point lead. The Stingrays could not find a solution to overcome the Marlins attack and Marlins took the quarter 14-7.

In the second quarter, tight defence by the Stingrays pressured Marlins into several turnovers and went into the third quarter with one-point lead.

As Marlins continue to struggle, the Stingrays widened the lead to four points in the first three minutes of the quarter. The Marlins finally found their flow of attack to break Stingrays defence with accurate lobs into the goal circle.

Defensive interceptions by Marlins GK Jean Ng in the goal third also gave her team several turnovers to narrow the lead. However, the Marlins struggled against the towering defense of Stingrays GA Li Ling.

Tied at 29-29 at 6:08 in the third quarter, Stingrays proved stronger and took the third quarter 34-30.

In the last quarter, both teams reduced their unforced errors to keep possession but it was the Marlins who failed to close up the gap with the Stingrays.

Marlins lost their lead at the top of the table with this defeat.