Shuqun and Clementi Town book spot in West Zone B Division boys volleyball final

By Lai Jun Wei/Red Sports

Hua Yi Secondary, Monday, February 14, 2011 – Shuqun Secondary booked a spot in the final of the West Zone B Division Boys Volleyball Championship after seeing off West Spring Secondary 2-0 (25-19, 25-11) at the semi-finals today. Clementi Town Secondary also earned qualification after beating Bukit Panjang Government High 2-0 (25-16, 25-18) at the other match.

Shuqun started off strongly as they took the first point via a serve. They continued their strong form, building up a 6-3 lead. However, West Spring were quick to catch up, leveling the scores 8-8 after a serve by the West Spring #10 clipped the backline. On his next serve, the Shuqun libero, Zhofir was right in his judgement and allowed West Spring #10’s serve to go out of bounds.

West Spring were not able to close in again as Shuqun diligently held onto their lead. Time outs by West Spring at the 13-9 and 21-16 mark were not able for them to stage a comeback. Shuqun soon brought themselves to set point after a cross court spike by Haziq (#10) was deflected out of bounds. Despite losing the next point, Shuqun were quick to seal the set with another cross court spike by Haziq (#10) from the opposite corner.

West Spring were gifted the first point of the second set when the Shuqun setter committed a ‘double’. Shuqun however took the point back as Edward Lai (Shuqun #6) spiked through the block from the opposite corner. Shuqun were on fire in the second set as they pounded West Spring. They held West Spring at bay, as they chalked up point after point.

Time outs at the 12-4 and 16-6 mark provided no respite for West Spring as Shuqun continued their dominance. Shuqun soon found themselves at the 23-point mark after a ‘double’ by West Spring. Shuqun then took match point after a serve by Dresden Prenda (Shuqun #1) was deflected out of bounds by West Spring. Despite his next serve going out of bounds, Shuqun quickly sealed the match after they stuffed out West Spring’s spike.

Final score
Shuqun 2 West Spring 0
(25-19, 25-11)

In the second semi-final, Clementi Town overcame Bukit Panjang to set up a clash with Shuqun. Despite Bukit Panjang taking an early lead, it was quickly cancelled out as Clementi Town leveled the score 5-5. Clementi Town then turned the tables as they stole the lead from Bukit Panjang. A time out at the 7-5 mark by Bukit Panjang was unable to stop Clementi Town’s streak as the latter continued raking in points. Clementi Town stormed ahead, leaving Bukit Panjang in their wake. They soon saw themselves at set point with a ten-point lead. Bukit Panjang were not contented in allowing Clementi Town to take the set easily and held them off for three consecutive points. However, Clementi Town eventually finished the set after a spike by Ng Wei Ming (Clementi Town #13) found an empty spot in Bukit Panjang’s court.

Then second set was a closely contested affair as both teams kept pace with each other, each refusing to give up the lead. However, Clementi Town again got the better of their opponents as they managed to break free to lead 17-13, prompting a time out by Bukit Panjang. Clementi Town did not let up on the pressure and continued forth to reach set point. Despite having one of their spikes stuffed out by Bukit Panjang, they subsequently sealed the set in the next rally after Bukit Panjang was unable to receive Oliver Yeo’s (Clementi Town #11) spike.

Clementi Town will now face Shuqun Secondary in the final on Thursday, 2pm at Choa Chu Kang Sports Hall whereas Bukit Panjang will play West Spring in the 3rd/4th placing match today.

Final Score
Clementi Town 2 Bukit Panjang 0
(25-16, 25-18)

For more photos, go to the next page.