Singapore co-captain Jean Ng defending against the Republic Ireland in her final appearance in national colours. (Photo courtesy of Netball Singapore)
Toa Payoh Sports Hall, Saturday, December 8, 2012 — After a disappointing loss to Sri Lanka, Singapore picked themselves up and stormed back to beat Republic of Ireland 45-31 to finish fifth in the six-team 7th Nations Cup.
Singapore had beaten Ireland 54-34 in an earlier round-robin match.
However, the host did not start the game as well as they expected as they trailed for the first half of the game. Singapore only managed to take a firm lead with 6:38 to go. Singapore were sluggish, giving several turnovers to Ireland.
Singapore went into second quarter with a one-point, 10-9 lead. They reorganised themselves, tightening up the defence and dominating the court. Our girls started the quarter with a stunning performance, going on a 14-2 run, extending the lead to 13 points.
Singapore never looked back from then and they went into half time leading 26-13.
With a comfortable lead, Singapore put on fresh legs in the third and fourth quarter. Suhailah Kariman had her second cap and played Centre. Charmaine Soh made her second appearance of the tournament and played Goal Attack. Chen Li Li came on as Goal Keeper in the last quarter as the hosts kept their composure and eventually beat Ireland 45-31.
This was the last game in charge for Singapore coach Kate Carpenter and the home crowd also bid farewell to Singapore co-captain Jean Ng after she attained her 111st cap.
“I am happy with the performance. We were in control of the game which allowed us to bring all but one (Melissa Teo) player on court. This also allows Jean who also finished her last game of the career to play with different combinations,” said Kate.
“It has been disappointing for Singapore yesterday as we could have been in the final. However, the girls learned from yesterday and played better,” Kate added.
Commenting on her seven years career where she led Singapore to the first ever gold medal in Asian Netball Championship,
“The national anthem got me. I had a long history together with three of the players, Hui Fen, Jean and Micky. We have been to every tournament together. Thus, it has been an emotional day for me,” said Kate.
The tournament was won by Tanzania who beat Malaysia 45-38 in the final.
Most Valuable Player Awards
Tanzania: Irene Sylidion
Malaysia: Siti Nor Farhana Mustafa
Namibia: Bemhardine Makari
Sri Lanka: Gayathri Lankathilake
Singapore: Cassandra Soh
Republic of Ireland: Genevieve Slater
Results
Day 6
Singapore 45 Republic of Ireland 31
(Half Time: 26-13)
Sri Lanka 70 Namibia 76
(HT: 36-34)
Tanzania 45 Malaysia 38
(HT: 27-15)
Day 5
Republic of Ireland 35 Malaysia 49
(HT: 20-26)
Namibia 43 Tanzania 48
(HT: 20-32)
Sri Lanka 65 Singapore 52
(HT: 36-24)
Day 4
Republic of Ireland 60 Sri Lanka 73
(HT: 28-40)
Malaysia 59 Namibia 42
(HT: 21-25)
Tanzania 51 Singapore 34
(HT: 28-13)
Day 3
Tanzania 67 Republic of Ireland 24
(HT: 30-12)
Sri Lanka 66 Malaysia 73
(HT: 30-41)
Singapore 51 Namibia 58
(HT: 20-30)
Day 2
Namibia 65 Sri Lanka 69
(HT: 32-37)
Singapore 54 Republic of Ireland 34
(HT: 29-16)
Malaysia 36 Tanzania 61
(HT: 17-32)
Day 1
Singapore 44 Malaysia 42
(HT: 19-22)
Namibia 58 Republic of Ireland 25
(HT: 35-10)
Tanzania 67 Sri Lanka 51
(HT: 33-29)
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