NETBALL

Girls ‘B’ Division Netball

Singapore Sports School (SSP) vs  North Vista Sec (NV)

Wednesday, 7 February 2007, Singapore Sports School

Text by Coach Dick Yip.  Pictures © Leslie Tan/soulbreath pictures.

 

Singapore Sports School (SSP) beat North Vista Secondary (NV) 33 – 27 in a tight, thrilling netball game.

Suhailah from Sports School is a picture of concentration

This exciting ‘B’ girls’ match was played in perfect weather conditions at SSP’s outdoor courts.  A good crowd of supporters, from more than 10 schools who were involved in the afternoon’s fixtures, were spread around the area.

 Nashita Pillay (GS) of Sports School

SSP started eagerly against the minnows from Punggol.  They soon discovered that the minnows were no easy opponents. The hugely talented team could only take a  9  –  7 lead  at the end of the 1st quarter.  The play was quite even and balanced.

The 2nd quarter saw  the hosts coming out strongly to outshoot the visitors with 10 goals to 7.  At halftime, Sports School led 19 – 14.  During the break, the NV girls huddled around their coach for inspiration and instruction.

North Vista with their coach

It worked!  The NV girls came out fighting in the 3rd quarter, playing fast counter attacking netball, with a renewed spirit and vigour.  Their passes were sharper and quicker.  Timely  interceptions and ball possession were evident.  Collectively, they were on a roll while the hosts were reeling.  Despite trailing with a scoreline of 25  –  21 at quarter’s end,  the NV girls manage to outshoot their more illustrious hosts with 7 goals to 6.  Credit for this must go to GS Christina Koh and GA Pamela Liew.

Christina Koh of North Vista

When the teams appeared for the final period, there was an increased level of excitement in the crowd, perhaps, sensing a possible upset.  It might have happened, had the visitors capitalised on the numerous scoring chances they missed.  SSP’s GS Nashita Pillay and GA Sonia d’ Silva hardly missed any and secured the game.

Pamela Liew (GA) of North Vista

I had a quick post-match Interview with SSP’s Netball coach, Robin Manihera.

Robin hails from New Zealand’s North Island.  She is quite new to Singapore and enjoys working here, especially with the girls under her wings.  She has found them to be very disciplined, eager and fast learners as well. And what has she been most impressed by?  "The willingness of the girls to try out new things for themselves, for the team."

We at Red Sports wish her all the best in her work at SSP and a pleasant stay in Singapore.

 

More action photos in the Picture Gallery.