Singapore finish without a victory in Australian Netball League after defeat to Territory Storm

Story by Koh Yizhe and Chan Hui Mui/Red Sports. Photos by Vanessa Lim/Red Sports.

Toa Payoh Sports Hall, Sunday, August 23, 2009 - Territory Storm led from start to finish as they beat Singapore 65-30 in Round 5 of the Australian Netball League.

Singapore had yet to record a victory in the Australian Netball League and were hoping to change that against Territory Storm in front of their home crowd. Although they kept within striking distance in the first quarter, Singapore weren't able to hold off the more experienced Australian side as they ran away with the match.

Both teams endured a slow start as they struggled to find their footing. Territory Storm stole Singapore’s first centre pass and put in the first shot, but Rachael Yim got things going for Singapore quickly. Despite surrendering possession constantly with multiple turnovers, Singapore were able to keep the score close and were only trailing 11-14 at the end of the first quarter.

After a shaky first quarter, Territory Storm exploded in the second. With their speed and strength, they greatly hindered Singapore's passing game to establish at quick 20-15 lead. They then went on a 13-point scoring spree in the quarter.

Singapore, in contrast, found no reply to their opponents and only managed a meagre five points while Territory Storm had 20 of their own, ending the second quarter 34-16.

Much of the same followed in the third quarter with Territory Storm imposing their authority over their smaller Singaporean opponents. Despite improving their defense, Singapore were still unable to stop the swift attacks of the pair of Jodie Seafton and Erin McCarthy.

Although they played a tighter their quarter, Singapore still found themselves behind 24-51 going into the final quarter.

Singapore finally got their passing game going in the final quarter with their movement around the court showing more improvement and fluidity. Yasmin Ho and Diana Chew were introduced to the frontline in an attempt to shake up the game. Their Australian opponents, however, proved to be too strong and the deficit too much for Singapore as they eventually lost 30-65.

Despite not being able to bag a point in their maiden participation in Australian Netball League, Lisa Beehag, the team’s coach feels that this was a good exposure for the team.

“This league is aimed to develop a team of players instead of a squad of 12 players. We will be working on developing stategies in the upcoming months to prepare this new team for the Nations Cup,” said Lisa Beehag.