Singapore fail to win opening game of Netball Nations Cup

Story by Chan Hui Mui/Red Sports. Pictures by Thomas Tan and Vanessa Lim/Red Sports.

Toa Payoh Sports Hall, Sunday, December 6, 2009 – Singapore failed to extend their winning streak against Canada when they went down 30-45 to the North American team in the opening game of the 2009 Netball Nations Cup. Singapore had previously defeated Canada in the 2006 and 2007 editions.

The confident Canadians played aggressively from the opening whistle, while Singapore had a nervous and erratic start. By the time the host nation settled down, Canada were already leading 10-4.

However, Singapore began to be more patient with their passes, and managed to narrow the margin to 8-12 by the end of first quarter.

The start of second period was a close affair between both teams. Singapore played a tighter defence on the Canadians, which slowed down the latter’s progression of the ball to the goal circle.

Singapore were also penetrating their opponent’s defence, but poor shooting from Rachael Yim (GS) gifted several valuable turnovers to Canada, from which they converted into goals. Canada then found an answer to Singapore’s defence, and pulled away in the final minutes to lead 23-15 at the half.

In the third quarter, poor communication from Singapore’s attacking end cost them dearly, trailing 21-35 at the end of the period.

Canada began the final quarter with a 7-1 run before Singapore found their momentum to score six consecutive goals and level the quarter scores.

However, the deficit was too large for the hosts to overcome, and despite a strong fourth quarter showing from Singapore, Canada eventually won 45-30.

Singapore’s coach Jill McIntosh spoke on the areas her team needed to work on in their next games. She said, “We lacked familiarity with each other, and we need to play the Singapore-style game. We need to stop going for high balls and instead go under when playing against bigger bodies.” Adding on, “Singapore will be using agility to overcome the opponents for the future games.”

Quarter by Quarter Scores:
Singapore vs Canada
1st: 8-12
2nd: 7-12
3rd: 6-11
4th: 9-10