NETBALL

North Zone ‘B’ Division Netball

St Nicholas Girls  vs  Anderson Sec

Wednesday, 7 February 07, Singapore Sports School Outdoor Courts

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

The netballers from Anderson Secondary overcame the odds and beat St Nicholas Girls 30 – 21 in a hard-fought encounter.

Siang Yee (in red bib) of Anderson Sec jumps for the ball against St Nicholas

This game, played in fine weather, was a closely anticipated encounter between the 2006 Zone runners-up (SNG) and Anderson Sec (AND).  Anderson Secondary have never made it to the top four of the zone in the past six years.  This was nerve-wracking for both teams because only the winner would go through to the next round.  Players, coaches, teachers and supporters were fully aware that this was an all-or-nothing battle.

And what a battle it was! The overall play in the first and second quarter saw the underdog Anderson girls in red bibs taking a slim lead (7 – 5, 14 – 11) over their rivals. The game was played at a frenetic pace with numerous turnovers.  That set the stage for a pulsating 2nd half.

St Nicholas in blue bibs

When the 3rd quarter resumed, the SNG girls went all out to narrow the score with some nice attacking play.  But the Andersonians responded by raising the level of their game, especially in defence, with timely interceptions at the center third and by converting most of their shooting chances to lead 20 – 14.

Hannah of Anderson Sec looking for a pass to a team mate against St Nicholas Girls

During the short break, I noticed the Anderson bench looking rather worried and gloomy.  Their hopes of an upset win were dependent on the outstanding play of their injured Captain Elia (GA), who, though hobbling and limping around, still made her presence felt.  Elia’s injured left knee was heavily strapped and causing her pain with every move and jump. Without their star player on court, those hopes would vanish.

Anderson’s captain Elia plays through the pain of a knee ligament injury.

When the 4th and final quarter started, it was not surprising that Anderson’s coach, Rebecca Choo, fielded her captain again.  St Nicholas Girls, to their credit, came out strongly and gave everything they got, scoring 7 goals in the quarter.  The  Andersonians, sensing a famous upset, withstood the final onslaught and with major contribution from their inspirational captain, ended the game with a flurry of 10 goals.

Screams of joy and disbelief broke out in the Anderson camp at the final whistle.  Their captain crumpled to the ground in great relief.  The final score read  30 – 21. True grit had won the day.

 

   The victors screaming in joy and disbelief at the final whistle.

I had a brief post-match interview with Mdm Waheeda, teacher i/c Netball, Anderson Sec.

Coach:  "You were wringing your hands nervously through the game, why?" 

Mdm Waheeda:  "Because I could see and feel the pain that was going through Elia with every step she made. I was so afraid she would collapse!  But we really need her too. It was so heartbreaking to…"  (She did not complete the sentence as I saw tears welling up in her eyes)

Interview with Captain Elia.

Coach:  "What is your knee injury like? Why are you playing if you are injured?"

Elia:  "I have a ligament that’s almost torn according to my physiotherapist .  I have to play because the team needs me."

That answer from the young, injured captain risking further injury, sums up what  "do or die" really means.

For more action shots, go to the Picture Gallery.