Story and pictures contributed by reader Marvin Lowe

Sports School’s GD Hinann jumps in with a spectacular block on CHIJ’s Rachel (GA). (Photo © Marvin Lowe/Red Sports)

Toa Payoh Sports Hall, Monday, April 14, 2008 – Singapore Sports School edged out CHIJ (Toa Payoh) 32-28 to capture the B Division Netball Championship title.

CHIJ had just captured the C Division title after trouncing RGS, and were looking to complete a netball double, with their last double achieved three years ago in 2005. CHIJ were double champions for three straight years from 2002 to 2005. Standing in their way was their toughest opponents yet in the form of Singapore Sports School who had beaten them by three goals in an earlier round.

CHIJ started off on a bright note, racing to 3-0 to stun Singapore Sports School. This clearly unnerved Sports School as they struggled to find their rhythm and respond to the CHIJ onslaught. CHIJ kept up the pressure on Sports School, forcing them into unnecessary turnovers and capitalizing on them. CHIJ’s goalshooter was red hot in form in the first quarter, converting several difficult shots against the dynamic defensive duo of Sports School. CHIJ managed to stay on top of their opponents to take a 9-7 1st quarter lead.

Coming into the 2nd quarter, CHIJ managed to maintain their lead for a while. It did not take long for Sports School to begin chipping away the lead and to slowly creep back in the match. This time round, it was CHIJ committing unforced errors to turn the ball over to Singapore Sports School and they took these chances to slowly catch up with CHIJ. CHIJ’s coach became very vocal, shouting instructions loudly at her players, hoping that they would respond positively. However, not only did Sports School catch up with CHIJ, they even went ahead by a point after a series of errors by CHIJ just as the clock was winding down. With only seconds on the clock, Sports School GS, Nashita, coolly nailed the final basket of the quarter to allow them to take the lead for the first time in the game.

In an interview after the match, Coach Robin revealed what she told team after they were down. “I told them that they have to play as a team, as one single unit. Each section has to help the other, the defense must push up to support the attackers and vice versa.” This strategy seemed to work as Sports School never handed back the lead to CHIJ again.

CHIJ tried their best to fight back against Sports School after the break. Sports School was more than up for the challenge and worked hard at defending their lead. Not only did they manage to defend their lead, they even increased their lead in the fourth quarter.

As the CHIJ team tried to push forward in search of more goals, they were easily stretched and overwhelmed as the Sports School counter-attacked. The Sports School capitalized on these errors to increase their lead and eventually emerge victorious with a scoreline of 32-28. Both teams truly gave their best and delivered a high standard of performance which was thrilling for all the supporters present.

Sports School’s Centre Angelene throws a pass in to Sonia (GA) and CHIJ’s Renee (GD) attempts to intercept. (Photo © Marvin Lowe/Red Sports)

Sports School’s Captain, Melody (GK), jumps to block CHIJ’s Stephanie Kum (GS) from taking a shot. (Photo © Marvin Lowe/Red Sports)

CHIJ’s Jaime Seah (C) attempts to throw a pass in as Sports School’s Angelene (C) attempts to block. (Photo © Marvin Lowe/Red Sports)

Sports School’s Ira ponders over her passing option. (Photo © Marvin Lowe/Red Sports)

Sports School Hinann (GD) jumps in to block CHIJ’s Rachel’s (GA) shot. (Photo © Marvin Lowe/Red Sports)

Sports School’s Nashita (GS) hangs on to a pass as CHIJ’s Shona (GK) almost intercepted. (Photo © Marvin Lowe/Red Sports)

CHIJ’s Renee (GD), Shona (GK) and Sports School’s Sonia (GA) and Nashita (GS) tussles for the rebound. (Photo © Marvin Lowe/Red Sports)

CHIJ’s Rachel (GA) attempts a shot as Sports School’s Melody (GK) blocks her. (Photo © Marvin Lowe/Red Sports)

Sports School’s Hinann (GD) makes a successful interception of the ball. (Photo © Marvin Lowe/Red Sports)