By REDintern Lynn Chia. Photos by Clara Yuan/Red Sports
Players fight for the rebound. (Photo 1 © Clara Yuan/Red Sports)
Toa Payoh Sports Hall, Monday, March 10, 2014 — CHIJ Secondary (Toa Payoh) inched past Raffles Girls’ School (RGS) 22–21 in a stunningly intense game to win the South Zone C Division Netball Championship.
The two teams had been undefeated up to the final and this was the first face-off between them this year.
The first whistle saw CHIJ score three consecutive goals, with little glitches in passing.
RGS stepped up their game with quicker passes and clearer communication on court, bringing the match to a tie at 6–6 by the end of the first quarter.
The second quarter was a test of will. Both teams desired to pull away from the other to enjoy a comfortable lead but the almost infallible defense put up by both teams rendered this near impossible.
The pressure of the narrow score margin clearly affected the goal shooters and attackers as seen from the falling accuracy in shooting. The consistency in game play by RGS paid off as they led by 13–11 at the end of the second quarter.
The third quarter saw more players penalized for contact fouls and stepping. CHIJ kept their composure and regained their momentum, using overhead throws to cover more court distance. The third quarter concluded with RGS leading 17–15.
The difference in the score margin was not more than three points in the entire match, leaving the crowd watching on the edge of their seats. The cheers from the supporters added to the intense atmosphere, fueling the excitement in the last quarter.
The last quarter was an action-packed 10 minutes as the tables were turned when CHIJ managed to tie the match 19–19 in the fourth minute. The crowd went wild as competition became neck and neck.
CHIJ were leading 22–21 and maintained their edge for the last minute of the fourth quarter, winning the zonal title by a hair-splitting one-point margin.
Score by Quarter
CHIJ (Toa Payoh) vs RGS
1st Q: 6–6
2nd Q: 11–13 (17–19)
3rd Q: 15–17 (32–36)
4th Q: 22–21
CHIJ (Toa Payoh) Roster
Suzie Kwan, Shann Tay, Lai Wan Qing, Felicitas Angm Tina Leong, Alëna Ong, Leong Jia Wen, Leanne Lim, Victoria Lim, Claudia Yip, Daphne Lim, Tan Wen Xi
RGS Roster
Sarah Ong, Alexandra Mei Tan, Nicole Lee, Niu Siwen, Trena Lee, Chloe Lee, Miki Ngm Shanne Chow, Esther Kim, Leo Edwin Paul Jesvoin, Annabelle Lim, Natalia Maluquer
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