CHIJ (Toa Payoh) overcome Dunman in overtime thriller to qualify for National B Division netball final

Story by REDintern Alethia Tiang. Pictures by Marvin Lowe.

Bedok Sports Hall, Wednesday, April 15, 2009 - South Zone champions CHIJ (Toa Payoh) played a gruelling semi-final match against East Zone champions Dunman Secondary that extended into a fifth quarter before winning 36-31.

This match proved to be the most exciting netball game of the semi-finals with two equally strong teams battling it out.

CHIJ started out more sluggishly than their usual selves with slower passes and less energy. Dunman, on the other hand, put up a good defence, forcing CHIJ to pick up their game pace when they caught up from 1-4 to 4-4, before both teams ended off the quarter tied at 6-6.

In the second quarter, CHIJ appeared slightly tensed, breaking their line too early at times. It was a tight match as both Dunman and CHIJ flew from left to right, with constant scoring. Tensions rose as both team began playing rough, with more obstruction and contact fouls called out.

CHIJ managed to pull away from Dunman, overcoming Dunman’s increased game speed and remaining immune to Dunman pressure. They stole the second quarter to lead 14-10 at half-time.

Dunman started the third quarter very well with good speed and aggression, causing CHIJ to falter slightly. Scoring the first three consecutive points, Dunman closed up the four-point gap before CHIJ pull away again by two.

When Dunman pulled closer to CHIJ, CHIJ would try to pull away again, and the cycle would repeat. By the end of the third quarter, Dunman trailed 19-22.

In the fourth quarter, Dunman put up a very strong defence against CHIJ and managed to intercept many passes. The game rose in aggression as more fouls were called for contact and obstruction.

A timeout was called when the Dunman GS was hurt in the shoulder from an accidental shove by a CHIJ player. However, the pain did not stop her for scoring a point for Dunman to level the game at 26-26 and force extra time.

Going into extra time, both the CHIJ and Dunman players were revealing signs of fatigue. The game continued to see much aggression from both teams and it was a heart-pounding match.

With each point scored by Dunman, CHIJ would reply. It looked as though the game would go on forever. The Dunman fighting spirit was evident and looked like it might be the turning point of the game. However it was a determined CHIJ that finally edged ahead 36-31 at the final whistle.

With this victory, CHIJ now go on to meet Nanyang Girls’ High in the final. Nanyang Girls’ had stunned Singapore Sports School in the other semi-final.

Dunman will now play Sports School in the 3rd/4th playoff.

All the best!