Story by Nicole Lum/Red Sports. Photos by Lee Jian Wei/Red Sports
River Valley High players celebrate with their team coach and teacher-in-charge after beating Hwa Chong Institution by 1 point in overtime. (Photo 1 © Lee Jian Wei/Red Sports)
Temasek Polytechnic Sports Complex, Monday, May 18, 2015 — River Valley High School (RVHS) qualified for their first ever final of the National A Division Girls’ Netball Championship after narrowly defeating Hwa Chong Institution (HCI) 59–58 in overtime.
Entering this semi-final game, RVHS held a record of six consecutive wins and a draw. On the other hand, last year’s bronze medalists HCI had a perfect 7–0 win-loss record.
HCI got off to a strong start as crucial intercepts made by their Centre and Goal Defense enabled them to execute a 5–0 scoring run. However it did not take long for RVHS to warm up to HCI’s offense. Stepping up her defense was the RVHS Goal Keeper, who helped narrow the deficit to just one point (12–11) at the end of the first quarter.
Both teams were balanced in the second quarter. HCI’s Goal Shooter displayed smart attacking strategies while RVHS stood out with their solid passes. However, several errors in the circle by RVHS allowed HCI to gain a three-point advantage by the end of the second quarter (25–22).
As a result of HCI’s lacklustre defense in the third quarter, the RVHS Goal Attack could convert her shots easily and the two teams were tied 37–37 heading into the fourth.
It was neck and neck in the final quarter, with unnecessary fouls that handed scoring opportunities to the opposition. Eventually, it was RVHS’s Goal Attack who tied it up at 48–48 in the last minute, forcing the game to spill into overtime.
RVHS started off the extra-time period by putting in two goals before HCI answered. The first overtime period of seven minutes ended with RVHS leading 54–52.
Midway through the second overtime period, HCI stole the lead at 58–57. However, RVHS leveled through their Goal Attack in the dying minutes.
Had overtime ended in a tie, the game would have gone to sudden death. However, RVHS dismissed that possibility with a miraculous goal by their Goal Attacker just when the final whistle blew. RVHS won by a hair, taking the eventual 59–58 victory.
“It was a close fight. We were down in the first few minutes of the first quarter but we managed to catch up,” RVHS team captain Jieshi said. “Every position played their best, even the attacking side that had good defense. As for the defense, they managed to bring the turnovers smoothly to the shooters.”
Jieshi felt that her team had things to learn from this game as preparation for the upcoming final.
“We need to work on our stability and our composure, especially in moments when we get our turnovers. There was a tie in the fourth quarter and also another in extra-time, so I think we can improve on that instead of getting distracted,” she explained.
Miss Puva Alahakone, RVHS coach was satisfied with the game. “They fought all the way. It was a nail-biting finish but they never gave up. My players of the match would be my Goal Keeper and Goal Attack,” she said.
Although RVHS has only nine players in the team, Alahakone was not worried about it. “They back each other up and support each other all the way.”
“Last year, we didn’t have enough players so we had to pull out. Qualifying for the final this time round is fantastic; we have actually made history.” This is RVHS’s first final since the start of their Integrated Programme in 2006.
On the other hand, Lim Miao Wen, HCI team captain felt heartened to see her team’s fighting spirit despite the loss. “We made too many mistakes in our attack which cost us the game. It was disappointing but the team didn’t give up when we were down and fought hard together to the last second,” said Miao Wen.
“I feel that we need to adapt to the situation better as we allowed our opponents to dictate us and push us high up towards the end. We need to be more composed and controlled, and at the same time tighten our defense for our final 3rd/4th game,” she concluded.
With this win, RVHS will play in the final against defending champions Raffles Institution on Friday, May 22, at 2.30pm. Prior to the final, the 3rd/4th playoff between HCI and Anglo-Chinese Junior College will take place at 12.45pm. Both games will be held at Toa Payoh Sports Hall.
Scoring by Quarter
RVHS vs HCI
1Q: 11–12
2Q: 11–13 (22–25)
3Q: 15–12 (37–37)
4Q: 11–11 (48–48)
1OT: 6–4 (54–52)
2OT: 5–6 (59–58)
RVHS Roster
Qian Yu, Kah Ling, Isabel, Jieshi, Rachel, Zenna, Shu Ning, Carissa, Seina
HCI Roster
Claire Seah, Lim Miao Wen, Gloria Chan, Joy Au, Yang Shuli, Sabrina Chan, Karyn Tshua, Chan Kai Yen, Low Yi Xuan, Koh Kai Qian, Celine Tan, Low Pei Sze Rachel
More photos next page
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