Catholic High beat Ang Mo Kio to capture South Zone volleyball title

Contributed by reader Bernard Han of Catholic High

Qingshan (#13) and Glenn (#3) of Catholic High (in white) are unsuccessful in blocking an Ang Mo Kio spike. (Photo © Bernard Han)

Yio Chu Kang Sports Hall, Monday, February 18, 2008 – Catholic High School defended their South Zone B Division Championship title with a 2-0 win over Ang Mo Kio Secondary School in an exciting final played at Yio Chu Kang Sports Hall.

With old rivals Fairfield Methodist out of contention, Catholic High were left to defend their title against the South Zone newcomers. Eager to impress, Ang Mo Kio took advantage of several early errors to take a four-point lead in the first set, forcing Catholic High into an early time-out to reorganize. Catholic High found it hard to catch up with their opponents until late in the set when both sides were tied at 23-23. At 24-23, Ang Mo Kio looked to take the set into a deuce, only for Melvin Goh (#7) to take the decisive point to win the set.

Buoyed by the narrow first set win, Catholic High were motivated to play even better, and they took the early lead this time around in the second set. Ang Mo Kio tried hard to counter the attacks to no avail. Midway through the set, the coach of Ang Mo Kio, Mr Wu, made a tactical substitution in order to inject more power in their offence. Thomas Cheong (#16), who was initially the setter, was switched to a spiking position. The change was put to good effect as Ang Mo Kio briefly rallied to win the next few points. However, their resistance did not last long as Catholic High extended their lead to win the second set 25-15.

It was a well-played final and Ang Mo Kio won their first-ever South Zone medal in their first season, and like Catholic High, went on an unbeaten streak on their way to the final. They have no doubt established themselves as worthy challengers in the South Zone and it will be interesting to see their progress in the National Championship.

In the girls’ final, Cedar Girls’ Secondary School survived a late comeback from Yuying Secondary School in the second set to emerge champions with a 2-0 win.

Final positions (Boys):
Champions – Catholic High School
Runners-up – Ang Mo Kio Secondary School
Second runners-up – Fairfield Methodist Secondary School
Fourth – Zhonghua Secondary School

An Ang Mo Kio attack breaks through the Catholic High defence. (Photo © Leslie Tan/Red Sports)

Ang Mo Kio take a timeout. (Photo © Bernard Han)

South Zone champions, Catholic High. (Photo © Bernard Han)

Worthy South Zone runners-up, Ang Mo Kio. (Photo © Bernard Han)

South Zone second runners-up, Fairfield Methodist. (Photo © Bernard Han)