By REDintern Jasmine Goh
Jason Lee (#13, orange) of NUS(A) taking aim as A-Team put up their defense. A-Team eventually won 26–19. (Photo courtesy of Jude Tan/Handball Federation of Singapore)
Jurong West Sports Hall, Saturday, November 24, 2013 – In an exhilarating Singapore Handball League final, defending champions A-Team took down National University of Singapore (NUS) Alumni (NUSA) 26–19 in a breathtaking fashion.
A-Team stifled NUSA’s offense in the first half to open up a seven-point lead, which they maintained for the rest of the game as they cruised to victory. Pierre-Jean Tatin (A-Team #9) was named the “Most Valuable Player” of the tournament.
“We had a very good defense from the start which gave us great confidence,” said Bruno Duchene, captain of A-Team. “NUSA changed up their defense in the second half, but we adapted to it and kept our focus throughout the game. Overall, it was a good fight.”
In the earlier match for third, NUS took down Singapore Mangement University (SMU) 34–18. Edmund Goh (SMU #10) was awarded the overall top scorer accolade with 29 goals in the men’s category.
Over in the women’s category, the fight for third place saw an intense battle of attrition between Stunners and Chevron. In the end, it was Stunners that held on in overtime to defeat Chevron 26–25.
It was an intense affair in the championship final between Breakers and Blitz. Both teams remained neck-and-neck throughout the first half.
It was Blitz that took home the gold medal as they emerged with a slim 13–12 win over Breakers.
“We played till the final whistle and never gave up,” said Blitz captain Andrea Ng (#1). “We didn’t have many substitute players, but we were still very determined throughout the match. We play for each other on court and I think that’s how we stay as a team.”
Andrea was also named the women’s overall top scorer of the league, with an outstanding 45 goals. Esther Chong (Blitz #7) clinched the award for the MVP.
Men’s Category
Champions – A-Team
Runners-Up – NUSA
Third – NUS
Women’s Category
Champions – Blitz
Runners-Up – Breakers
Third – Stunners
Most Valuable Player of the season (MVP)
Women
Esther Chong (Blitz #7)
Men
Pierre-Jean Tatin (A-Team #9)
Top Scorers
Women
Andrea Ng (Blitz #1) – 45 goals
Men
Edmund Goh (SMU #10) – 29 goals
Outstanding Keeper Award
Women
Liow Wan Yu (Breakers)
Men
Rui (A-Team)
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