Story by Alethia Tiang/Red Sports

NTU vs TP IVP netball

Both sides anticipating a rebound. (Photo 1 © Alethia Tiang/Red Sports)

National University of Singapore Sports and Recreation Centre, Monday, January 18, 2010 – Defending champions Nanyang Technological University (NTU) defeated their strongest opponents Temasek Polytechnic (TP) 46-32 to continue their reign as the Institute-Varsity-Polytechnic (IVP) Netball champions.

Having lost their first game at the start of the season to TP, NTU came back stronger in the final to face their opponents to retain the coveted title. However, it was no easy feat.

It seemed like it was going to be a repeat of their first defeat of the season when TP took the first two quarters away from NTU. The game began ever so aggressively with both sides of almost equal strengths battling it out on the court.

TP came out more confident, having won their game against NTU previously, causing NTU to fumble at times. TP’s confidence gave them the advantage of scoring the first four goals in the first quarter, causing NTU to lose control of the game speed. However, NTU managed to get back up and closed the gap and trailed only by three (7-10) at the end of the first quarter.

NTU and TP matched each other in the second, scoring 12 goals each. NTU were doing a good job of defending but fumbled many times on attack, allowing TP to keep a 22-19 lead at the end of the second quarter.

NTU were on fire in the third quarter, dominating possession and scoring the first nine goals to take the lead away from TP.

NTU allowed TP only two goals in the third as their opponents began to fumble and lose control of the game, and took a 33-24 lead into the fourth quarter.

Holding a 9-goal lead, NTU scored the first four goals in the final quarter to make it 37-24. TP eventually managed only eight goals to NTU’s 13 in the quarter and they went down 32-46 to the defending champions.

NTU captain, Anna Soo (GK), 21, was very proud of her team.

“Our victory was sweet and hard fought. Because of our first defeat to TP, we were determined to defend our championship. Even though we started out unstable, we have indeed proved we’re champions.”

In the 3rd-4th placing game, NUS defeated SMU to clinch third place.

Congratulations to all teams!