A draw not good enough for Tanjong Katong in C Division netball

Story by REDintern Alethia Tiang. Photos by Koh Yizhe/Red Sports.

Republic Polytechnic, Monday, April 13, 2009 – Tanjong Katong Secondary could only draw 25-25 with River Valley High and that cost them a place in the semi-finals of the National C Division Netball Championship.

Tanjong Katong were fighting with Ang Mo Kio Secondary for a place in the semi-finals and the draw meant they handed Ang Mo Kio a semi-final place on goal difference.

The players from both teams seemed a bit hesitant and unsure as the game began, as players passed the ball around at a slower pace than most games. As time wore on, River Valley began to step up the pace of the game and began attacking more aggressively, pressuring their opponents and ending the first quarter 8-5 in their favour.

After a pep talk by the coach, Tanjong Katong increased the speed of their passes and their aggression. With increased pressure, both teams became more impatient, breaking their starting line too early as a result.

Tanjong Katong, undaunted by the tall River Valley GS, made attempts to steal the rebound but still trailed 12-14 at half-time.

The third quarter saw Tanjong Katong making more efforts to defend. Leading by two points, River Valley tried to play coolly and not feel the pressure from Tanjong Katong, However, when their opponents scored four goals, River Valley had to step up their game.

Tanjong Katong scored six goals to River Valley’s five in this quarter, but it was not enough to overhaul them and they trailed 18-19 at the end of the third quarter.

It was now down to the final quarter for Tanjong Katong. If they could win, they would have a high chance of getting into the semi-finals with their better goal difference compared to Ang Mo Kio Secondary.

Tanjong Katong stepped up their speed and aggression, playing with more confidence in this deciding quarter. They scored the first three goals of the quarter to put River Valley under pressure. However, River Valley managed to fight back to level the game and eventually levelled the game at 25-25 to end the season for Tanjong Katong.

Congratulations for making it this far and continue to keep your school flag flying high!