Story by Koh Yizhe/Red Sports

Yishun Sports Hall, Wednesday, March 9, 2011 — Singapore Sports School (SSP) successfully defended their North Zone B Division Netball Championship title with a comfortable 21-10 victory over Anderson Secondary School.

“The result and performance are quite satisfying for the girls,” said SSP coach Robin Manihera. “There are only a couple of players that won last year so this title is evidence of all the effort and hard work from this new team.”

SSP led from start to finish and despite missing a couple of opportunities to stretch their lead, the defense played a crucial role in keeping Anderson at bay. They only conceded four goals in the first half while scoring 14 of their own to lead 14-4 at the half.

Much of the same followed in the second half with plenty of misplaced passes and timely interceptions from both sides. SSP were guilty of a couple, but Anderson were unable to capitalise. SSP had a substantial 20-6 lead by the end of three periods.

In the final quarter, however, Anderson made a late push for the game. They managed to score four goals in the fourth quarter while holding SPP to just one. This was not enough, however, to deter SSP from retaining their North Zone B Division crown.

“Our performance was not as good as I expected,” said Anderson coach Rebecca Choo. “Of course, to be realistic, we can’t beat Sports School, but I expected the scores to be closer. Our shooters were not performing today.”

“I think the girls have been playing well throughout the tournament and I am glad we finished second this year. It is just that the performance today wasn’t so fantastic,” added Anderson’s coach.

“I think it is good for North Zone that teams like Anderson are coming out and challenging for the title,” said SSP coach Robin Manihera. “They played well today, just like how they have played well throughout the tournament. I think my girls could have tidied up a few plays and be more patient with the pass. They could also have supported each other better. There’s still more to be done, but the girls will be happy with the performance.”

When asked about the upcoming B Division National Championship, coach Manihera replied, “Going to nationals will be good for us as we will be pushed and the girls will learn from their mistakes. In the nationals, we’ll see the team take a step up. We will just take one game at a time but will be aiming to be in the top four.”

“I am very proud of my team to have made it to the final and win the championship as we have been working very hard to get here!” said SSP captain Tabitha Wong. “We just wanted to enjoy the game and play our very best. For the nationals, I just want our team to go all out and play hard. The results will take care of itself.”