Story by REDintern Alethia Tiang

Co-Curricular Activities Branch (CCAB), Wednesday, February 11, 2009 – St Margaret’s Secondary thrashed Bishan Park Secondary 41-9 in a B Division South Zone Netball Championship Group D match.

In the first quarter, St Margaret’s showed outstanding teamwork and support, playing the game so fast that the Bishan Park players appeared lethargic by contrast. With every interception of the ball and goal scored, the encouraging cheers from the St Margaret’s team watching from the sidelines could be heard two courts down. St Margaret’s pressured with their defensive play, giving their opponents little opportunity to pass the ball. St Margaret’s dominated to lead 9-1 at the end of the first quarter.

Bishan Park tried to close the gap in the second quarter by playing more aggressively. They managed to score more goals than they did in their first quarter, but St Margaret’s did not make it easy for them. St Margaret’s continued to exert a lot of pressure by blocking their opponents and attempting to intercept as many passes as they could. Bishan Park played a good second quarter but they were still no match.

With both teams playing more aggressively, umpires often called for contact fouls in this quarter, which ended with St Margaret’s leading 15-6.

St Margaret’s gave Bishan Park no opportunity to even come close to stealing the lead in the third quarter. They played hard ball, intercepting passes and gaining more possession, scoring 11 goals in the third quarter alone. Bishan Park managed to squeeze in 2 goals after St Margaret’s scored five straight goals but they could do little to stop their opponents from walking off at the end of the third quarter leading 26-8.

In the fourth quarter, St Margaret’s continued their domination, leaving Bishan Park discouraged. Despite their more aggressive play, there was hardly any chance for Bishan Park to score. With every pass to a Bishan Park GS or GA, the St Margaret’s GD and GK would steal the ball and turn defence into attacks swiftly, often resulting in goals. St Margaret’s scored 15 goals alone in the last quarter, while Bishan Park were restricted to just one goal.

With this victory, St Margaret’s are one step closer to the quarter-finals and will play their final game against First Toa Payoh Secondary School on Monday, February 16th, 2009 at CCAB.

All the best, girls!