Favourites register victories on Day 1 of national B Division netball

Update by Koh Yizhe/Red Sports. Photos by REDintern Derek Quah

Kallang Netball Centre, Tuesday, March 25, 2010 - Favourites Raffles Girls' School, Singapore Sports School and defending champions CHIJ (Toa Payoh) all recorded convincing victories in their respective groups in the first round of the National B Division Netball Championship.

In Group A, South Zone champions RGS made a statement in their first match against East Spring Secondary as they gave their opponents no chance, destroying them 45-3.

But despite their massive win, captain Grace Seow felt they could do better.

"Actually, we weren't playing our best, especially in the first half. We weren't very motivated to play as when you are playing weaker opponent, you don't play so well. Fortunately we didn't underestimate them to the point of losing," said Grace.

"But whatever it is, I am happy with result."

She also pointed out Nan Hua as the toughest opponent in their group. Nan Hua also had a positive result on the first day of competition, beating North Vista 44-15.

Over in Group B, reigning champions CHIJ (Toa Payoh) had a winning start to the defense of their title, beating River Valley High 41-17. Although they lost the South Zone championship to RGS two weeks ago, they showed no signs of slipping up this time as they swept aside River Valley High.

"We could have done better as the game was mediocre for us," said Wendi Lai, CHIJ's captain. "We do feel pressure (as defending champions) because we are determined to get back what is ours."

About the defeat to RGS in the South Zone final, she said, "It was a bit of an underestimation as we assumed that it would be an easy match and we weren’t mentally prepared. Mentally we are affected when we are playing RGS and they will be the toughest team in this competition.”

In the other Group B clash, Dunman Secondary also won their match against Anderson Secondary 23-13.

Another title favourite, Singapore Sports School, also defeated Clementi Town Secondary 42-12 in Group C. Cedar Girls' Secondary also recorded a victory against St. Hilda's Secondary in the same group, winning 25-19.

Arguably the most exciting matches came from Group D where West Zone champions Bukit Panjang Government High fell to St. Margaret's Secondary by just one point, 27-28. The next match also saw Tanjong Katong Secondary edge out Canberra Secondary 34-27.

The second day of competition will be on Monday, March 25, 2010 at Kallang Netball Centre at 1500 hours.

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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