By Grace Sim/Red Sports
The Sports School GD defends against CHIJ. (Photo 1 courtesy of Justin Teh)
Toa Payoh Sports Hall, Friday, April 20, 2012 — Singapore Sports School proved too hot to handle for CHIJ Secondary (Toa Payoh), winning the National B Division Netball Championship in convincing style, 27-14.
The highly-anticipated B Division final turned out to be a relatively one-sided affair in which the girls in red showcased their flair.
From the first whistle, Sports School stamped their dominance on court, finding no trouble in converting their first centre pass into a goal within half a minute. However, as the quarter wore on, Sports School lacked the finishing when it counted the most.
CHIJTP were allowed opportunities to bring the ball down the other end but not without pressure from their longer limbed opponents. The smaller IJ shooters had to work extra hard to get around their defenders and could not find the right spaces to meet the ball in the goal circle.
It took more than three minutes for CHIJTP to make their first shot, which was uncharacteristic of the team and proof of the immense pressure they faced from the Sports School defenders.
Sports School Goal Keeper, Nur Aqilah Afiqah, held the fort in the goal circle and created many turnovers for her team to attempt more shots. Sports School led 10-3 at the first break.
The second quarter saw many passes flying out of court as the Sports School attackers became over ambitious with long passes into the shooting circle. CHIJTP capitalized on their opponents’ mistakes and worked the ball patiently down to their shooters. Both teams took care of their respective centre passes and half time reflected a closer contest at 13-7.
Sports School found their groove in the third period and adhered to their strategy in the first quarter of picking safer passing options. As much as CHIJTP tried to keep up, the physical challenges posed by the Sports School defence proved too much to take. Going into the third and final break, Sports School extended their lead to 23-12.
During the final quarter, the attack of both teams started to suffer from bad shooting spells and the ball traveled back and forth the court. While CHIJTP were patient with their passes when they had possession of the ball, the Sports School defenders were tenacious in challenging each pass. As a result, the fourth quarter was a low-scoring affair with just six goals between the teams as Sports School wrapped up a 27-14 victory.
It was sweet revenge for Sports School after baving lost the C Division final against the same opponents two years ago.
Sports School captain and Wing Attack Wong Yuan Min said: “(For) most of us, it’s our last year (playing). It’s kind of sad that we have to leave but we managed to end [the season] well.”
Nur Aqilah added: “Two years ago we lost to CHIJTP in the C Div by one. This time, all of us were very determined to win this (match) and get back what we lost two years ago. I’m very happy for my team because we played our hearts out. Everyone played very well.”
Sports School coach, Noraida Abdul Malik, agreed: “I’m relieved and happy that the girls did well. All their hard work and efforts have paid off. These are the fruits of labor. We had a lot of pointers and support from people [in terms of strategy]. We try it out and it’s wonderful to see the girls execute it well.
“I like it that the girls went out there and just played good netball. Whatever they have learnt, they try to apply it on court and enjoy the game at the same time. To me, (as long as) they take care of the little details, the results will take care of itself.”
Unfazed by the loss, CHIJTP coach, Kok Mun Wai said: “The girls were not settled in the first quarter. After that, when they settled down, at least they tried to follow and do what they were supposed to do. Even though we lost, we fought all the way. Over the whole season, the girls did well and I’m actually quite happy with their performance.”
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