RGS defeat CHIJ(TP) 24-21 to retain C Div South Zone netball title

Story by REDintern Delle Chan. Photos by Vanessa Lim/Red Sports

Yishun Sports Hall, Tuesday, March 9, 2010 – The C Division South Zone Netball Championship final proved to be a thrilling showdown between arguably the two finest netball school teams in Singapore, CHIJ Secondary Toa Payoh (CHIJ) and Raffles Girls’ School (RGS). However, RGS eventually pipped CHIJ to the title after posting a narrow victory of 24-21.

It was a high-octane match, fuelled by a traditionally intense rivalry, massive expectations and plenty of vocal crowd support. Both teams went on the assault from the first whistle, displaying confident, seamless passing and determined attempts to intercept the ball.

RGS drew first blood by opening the scoring with two goals but the first quarter eventually ended 6-5 in CHIJ’s favour.

RGS duly responded in the second quarter, scoring four goals in quick succession to pull away from their opponents. Their quick, lethal counterattacks proved to be CHIJ’s undoing, and they closed the second quarter of the game with a lead of 14-10.

Despite their goal deficit, CHIJ bravely fought on, piling the pressure relentlessly onto their opponents. Their efforts paid off, as they eventually whittled down RGS’ lead to three goals by the end of the third quarter.

The atmosphere during the last quarter of the match rose to fever pitch, as the highly-strung crowd grew increasingly vocal and the players, even more tenacious. CHIJ desperately tried to claw back, but to no avail. With each team chalking up four more goals apiece, the game concluded with a final score of 24-21, giving the team in black and green bragging rights to the title of C Division South Zone Netball Champions.

A visibly pleased Miss Nora Kamsir, the teacher-in-charge of the RGS netball team, said, “It was an exciting match as CHIJ is a very strong team. My girls played their usual game, despite being rather nervous. I’m very proud as this is actually a very young team, featuring many Secondary 1s who lack experience. Overall, I think that the match proved to be a great experience for them.”

Editor’s note: If you recognise yourself or your team mates in any of the photos, please feel free to leave the names behind and we will update accordingly. Thanks!

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