CHIJ crush RGS in Netball C Division Championship Final

Story and pictures contributed by reader Marvin Lowe

Diandra (C) of CHIJ evades the Jasllyn (WD) and Yi Hui (C) of RGS to hang to the ball. (Photo 1 © Marvin Lowe)

Toa Payoh Sports Hall, Monday, April 14, 2008 – CHIJ (Toa Payoh) handed Raffles Girls’ School a comprehensive 34-10 defeat to claim the C Division Netball Championship title. From the moment they lined up to face each other, CHIJ came across as the stronger team. In terms of physique, the CHIJ players seemed slightly taller than their RGS counterparts, especially in key areas such as the defense and attack. RGS’s Center was easily the most petite player on the court but what she lacked in height, she made up with a fierce fighting spirit and determination, running from end to end on the court, helping in her team’s cause.

Right from the first quarter, CHIJ dominated game, never once relinquishing control of their lead. They went into the first quarter break leading 9-3, giving RGS some hope for a comeback. However, that hope would be thoroughly crushed in the 2nd quarter. CHIJ’s shooters combined to score 11 points to give them a commanding 20-6 lead at the half-time break. It seemed like an impossible task for RGS to mount a comeback now and this thought seem to resonate in their players when they came back for the third quarter.

RGS tried to fight back in the second half but they seem to have been psychologically affected by the massive deficit they faced. From the restart, CHIJ continued to outscore them in the final two quarters to further extend their lead and cement their position. The RGS team was stretched to their limits and ran ragged by a more efficient CHIJ team. In the end, CHIJ emerged as deserving champions by a scoreline of 34-10.

Grace (GD) of RGS trying to block Vanessa (GS) of CHIJ from taking a shot. (Photo 2 © Marvin Lowe)

Diandra (C) of CHIJ outjumps Evangeline (C) of RGS for the ball. (Photo 3 © Marvin Lowe)

Evangeline (C) of RGS tries to intercept a pass to Kah Hui (WA) of CHIJ. (Photo 4 © Marvin Lowe)

Shi Pei (WD) of CHIJ crying foul over the umpire’s decision against her. (Photo 5 © Marvin Lowe)

Lisa (GK) of CHIJ blocks Jing Han (GS) of RGS from taking a shot. (Photo 6 © Marvin Lowe)

Catherine (GK) of RGS trying to block Vanessa (GS) of CHIJ. (Photo 7 © Marvin Lowe)

Grace (GD) of RGS attempts to block Vanessa (GS) of CHIJ. (Photo 8 © Marvin Lowe)

N.B. If you recognise the players, please leave their names in the comments section with reference to the photo number. Thanks.