By Lim Yong Teck/Red Sports
Goal shooter Jia Wei of MGS shoots the ball against goal keeper Tai Ran of NYGH. (Photo 1 © Lim Yong Teck/Red Sports)
River Valley High School, Friday, March 6, 2015 — Methodist Girls’ School (MGS) upset defending champions Nanyang Girls’ High (NYGH) for the 28–20 victory and booked their berth in the final of the West Zone C Division Netball Championship.
In the final-worthy game, MGS avenged their one-point loss against NYGH in last year’s final to increase their title chances. MGS last won the title in 2012.
MGS captain Grace said, “I’m very proud of my team. They really put in their 100 percent in this game, and although there were some missed passes, the ball didn’t go where NYGH wanted it to.”
The first quarter was plagued with turnovers as both teams executed good trap defence for steals. Good conversion by goal shooter Dyllis helped NYGH take the early two-point lead.
Midway through the quarter, MGS experienced a scare, as goal attack Grace sustained a right knee injury when she landed awkwardly after contesting for a rebound.
Grace’s injury spurred MGS, who went on a 7–2 run to close out the opening quarter with a four-point lead.
After allowing NYGH to trim the lead to three at the half, MGS’s defensive strategies in the second half effectively contained NYGH. MGS were quick on their feet and intercepted several passes to gradually establish a six-point lead in the third quarter.
MGS never looked back from then on, and went on to clinch the 28–20 victory.
In the other semi-final, Bukit Panjang Government High defeated Nan Hua High 31–23. The win gave Bukit Panjang a qualification for their historic first final.
On facing Bukit Panjang in the upcoming final, MGS’s Grace said, “I’m confident that the team will put in their 100 percent again, and it’s important that the team enjoys the game more than knowing they have to win.”
Score by Quarter
Nanyang Girls’ vs Methodist Girls’
1st quarter: 4–8
2nd quarter: 7–6 (11–14)
3rd quarter: 4–7 (15–21)
4th quarter: 5–7 (20–28)
Nanyang Girls’ Roster
Starting line-up: Dyllis (GS), Beverly (GA), Hong Ying (WA), Alexis (C), Zhi Qi (WD), Zin Jie (GD), Tai Ran (GK)
Reserves: An Qi, Megan, Bao Qi, Xuan Ling, Charissa
Methodist Girls’ Roster
Starting line-up: Jia Wei (GS), Grace (GA), Mirielle (WA), Claire (C), Victoria Wong (WD), Anne (GD), Shayna (GK)
Reserves: Brienna, Victoria Lock, Lahari, En Min, Tara
West Zone C Division Netball Championship — fixtures and results
More photos next page
[…] West Zone C Div Netball: Methodist Girls’ oust defending champs Nanyang Girls’ 28–20 t… […]