By Justin Teh/crossroadsports.net
A Nanyang Girls’ player gains possession of the ball in the final against Nan Hua High. (Photo 1 courtesy of Justin Teh)
Jurong East Sports Complex, Friday, March 2, 2012 — Nan Hua High won their first ever West Zone B Division Netball Championship went they beat Nanyang Girls’ High 36-29 in the final.
It was a dream come true for Nan Hua High as they claimed the West Zone championship title with a perfect 10-0 win-loss record. After defeating Bukit Panjang Government High 46-35 in the semi-final, Nan Hua opened the final with Nanyang Girls’ with superb game play and lobs to their tall goal shooter who scored on almost every shot without much contest.
The teams matched each other goal for goal in the first few minutes but Nanyang began to lose ground when their shooter was called for contact at least twice in the circle and Nan Hua’s goal keeper also got in some beautiful interceptions. This gave Nan Hua a six-point, 11-5 lead at the end of the first quarter.
Nan Hua continued with their effective strategy of long lobs to their shooter in the second quarter while Nanyang Girls’ strugged with mistakes again in their goal circle. Nanyang Girls’ also started to miss a couple of shots which Nan Hua capitalised on to stretch their lead to 12 points by the end of the second quarter at 20-8.
Nan Hua returned in the third quarter with the same line up while Nanyang Girls’ made a change to their goal shooter. At this juncture, many would have thought that the game was effectively over but Nanyang Girls’ refused to give up the fight. To everyone’s surprise, Nanyang Girls’ managed to shut down Nan Hua’s center passes and close the gap with sharp shooting from both their shooters.
Nan Hua also started to panic and that made things worse as they lost composure and gave Nanyang Girls’ another chance to make a comeback. By the end of the third quarter, Nanyang Girls’ were only five goals down at 20-25.
Nan Hua entered the final quarter with less complacency and found their drive again. Although Nanyang Girls’ continue to play a good game, both sides were quite evenly matched. Nan Hua continued their bombardment of lobs to their shooters, especially the long ones by their goal defense, and they managed to keep Nanyang Girls’ at bay until the last second to claim their first West Zone title.
In the 3rd and 4th placing game, Clementi Town Secondary overpowered Bukit Panjang with their incredible size with a 38-23 victory.
West Zone B Division Netball Championship — fixtures and results
Nan Hua High (blue bibs) defend against a Nanyang Girls’ attack. (Photo 2 courtesy of Justin Teh)
The Clementi Town WD with the ball in the game against Bukit Panjang Govt High. (Photo 3 courtesy of Justin Teh)
The Clementi Town GS wins the ball despite the defense of the Bukit Panjang GD. (Photo 4 courtesy of Justin Teh)
More photos at crossroadsports.net
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