Story by REDintern Nicole Lum. Photos by Jerald Ang/Red Sports
WA of SJC is pressured by two players from SSP. (Photo 1 © Jerald Ang/Red Sports)
Singapore Sports School, Thursday, March 12, 2015 — At the final of the North Zone C Division Netball Championship, Singapore Sports School (SSP) hung on until the last quarter to narrowly win 24–23 against CHIJ St Joseph’s Convent (SJC).
The first quarter saw both teams taking turns to score. However, SSP displayed swifter passes and stronger teamwork to earn a two-point lead by the end of the quarter (7–5).
In the next quarter, SJC stepped up on their defence, successfully preventing SSP from further extending the lead. SJC shone with their high, accurate passes, while SSP capitalised on their fast balls. Both teams had comparable performances, resulting in few turnovers and ball interception. SSP maintained the two-point gap (15–13) heading into the half-time break.
After the break, SSP pulled away. The team showed good on-court support, especially their Wing Attack who created many scoring opportunities with her deft footwork and quick thinking. Even though SSP were not exceptional in marking and defending their opponents, SJC did not take advantage as they gave SSP several free passes. By the end of the third quarter, SSP gained a larger lead at 22–17.
However, SSP’s five-point lead was short-lived. In the final quarter, their players were visibly tired and found difficulty in travelling from one end of the court to the other. This left many open spots and situations where there was no one to receive the ball. Furthermore, they began to lack accuracy at the net.
SJC managed to take advantage of this and scored six points in this quarter to catch up with SSP. The last minute saw SJC rushing to equalise but due to their carelessness, the final whistle blew with SSP as champions (24–23).
“It was an intense game but we managed to score due to our centre passes,” said Germaine Au, SSP’s team captain.
“I think that it was our fearlessness that led us to win the final game,” she added, as she and her team mate, Nicole Shin, lifted up their jacket sleeves to reveal the word “fearless” written on their arms.
“Both teams fought hard today and for the National Schools C Div Netball Championships, we aim to be champions. Our strongest competitor would be CHIJ Toa Payoh,” Au concluded.
As for SJC, team captain Elia Heng commented that her team expected too much, giving rise to their carelessness that cost them the game. “However, we looked towards the process instead of the score. We were gutsy in the game,” she said.
Score by Quarter
SJC vs SSP
1st quarter: 5–7
2nd quarter: 8–8 (13–15)
3rd quarter: 4–7 (17–22)
4th quarter: 6–2 (23–24)
SJC Roster
Agatha Chew Si Ying, Ariel Ang Xin Yi, Ashley Ng Qi Ling, Farah Iffah Arieyani Bte A A, Elia Heng Wai Yee, Heng Zhuo Ling, Joanna Tan Ern Min, Joelyn Carmen Chong, Vera Liong Ling Ning, Megan Michael, Renne Ling Ru Yu, Vera Koh Wen Xi
SSP Roster
Alysson Faith Stewart, Aryna Bte Mohammad Affendy, Germaine Au Shi Tong, Cay-En Tan Ying Fei, Eunice Cheng Wei Shan, Cheyenne Rae Howard, Eve Tan Yi, Isabelle Lee Xiu Wen, Cherylyn Kuan Hui Ning, Nicole Shin Jia Hui, Rishika Ghanamoorthy, Sherlyn Rachel Yip Yoke Kheng
North Zone C Division Netball Championship — fixtures and results
More photos next page
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