Netball, 2nd Preliminary Round : KE vs TH, 2-42
Writer: Ng Sze Hwee
Editor: Ong Qing Liang
21st Jan 2010 saw our very own KE netball girls’ second preliminary match against Temasek Hall (TH). The match was held at the Raffles Hall netball court. Witnessing the startling speed and strong passes of our opponents during the warm-up exercises, it was no doubt that the fight against them would be a tough one. Nonetheless, our girls bravely took up the challenge and fought brilliantly!
warming up for the game
KE WHOOSH!!
The first quarter started around 6.30pm. First up were Jeana (C), Geraldine (GD), Jenny (GA), Hui Ning (GS), Xin Lei (GK), Annie (WA) and Mae Yue (WD). At the blow of the whistle, TH’s centre started the game. Attack was really swift as the first goal was scored within the blink of an eye. Recovering from the unpleasant surprise, KE fought back, trying to gain back the point they have lost. As the match progressed, our girls made every effort to block TH’s intensive attacks, gain possession of the ball, and to create scoring opportunities—Xin Lei blocked off several attacks; Mae Yue got back several lost balls and Jenny narrowly missed a goal. The continuous relay of attacks and defenses got the crowd from both KE and TH alternating between cheering and holding their breaths. However, TH proved to be a really strong opponent as their girls soon gained control of the game with their rapid attacks, accurate shots as well as strong defence. By the end of the first quarter, TH was leading by a score of 16-0.
great defense!
The second quarter saw a change of players. Sophia (GK), Geraldine(WD), Mae Yue (WA), Xin Lei (GD), Hui Ning (GS), Jeana (C) & Jenny (GA). This quarter saw our girls gaining energy and putting up an exciting fight against TH. The pace of the game increased multifold. KE’s attacks got faster and fiercer while our defense stabilized. The excitement intensified as Jeana got hold of the ball, passed it to Jenny, then to Hui Ning, Mae Yue and finally back to Hui Ning, who remained composed under the pressure and scored the 1st goal! It was truly a long struggle to get past the tall defenders of TH but this goal definitely boosted the morale of the team. An excellent display of perfect teamwork! The 2nd quarter ended with a score of 21-1.
fast and furious play
For the 3rd quarter, Hiromi substituted Hui Ning as GS. Both the GA and GS of TH proved to be amajor barrier to our girls catching up with the scores as both of them were really tall and super accurate with their shots. It was almost like a definite goal whenever either of them aimed for the net. In addition, their defenders GD and GK are similarly tall and over towering our players, making scoring a highly difficult task. Jenny tried for a shot again; this time attempting a far shot to get past the height of the GD and GK but missed by a whisker. Nevertheless, it formulated a new strategy for our team which was the use of long/high passes. Their efforts finally paid off when Jenny got the ball near the goal post. She aimed, the ball bounced off, Hiromi retrieved it and shot… GOAL!!! Screams of exhilaration resounded through the court. Morale got higher with the goal scored and the game intensified as we exerted a greater pressure on the opposing team with our increased speed and accuracy. Sophia did an excellent block just before the quarter ended with a score of 29-2.
The last quarter was a test of perseverance for both teams, with both sides tired out from the preceding three quarters. During the fouth quarter, Wang Rong played GS, Geraldine—GD, Jeana—C, Sophia—GK, Ginny—WD, Hazel—WA and Xin Lei—GA. Geraldine did a few beautiful saves but TH’s attack was just too powerful. In a brave attempt to prevent the ball from falling into the hands of the super accurate TH’s shooter, Sophia fell down and had to be substituted out. As the game neared the end, our girls continued to exert pressure on TH while increasing pace. However, it was still too hard to gain an upper hand in the match, which ended with a tally of 42-2 to TH.
Despite losing the game, we are still extremely proud of our girls as they have really tried their very best, exerting every bit of energy they have and persevering to the very end. Their unwavering spirit and excellent teamwork were especially touching. Great job girls!
Our netball warriors!
