NETBALL

North Zone ‘B’ Division
North Vista Secondary School
 Interview and pictures by Leslie Tan. © Red Sports/soulbreath pictures

North Vista Secondary’s netball team recently made history when they qualified for the North Zone ‘B’ Division Final for the first time in the school’s history. The dramatic semi-final win over Ang Mo Kio Secondary set off streams of tears among the North Vista team as they contemplated their achievement. Red Sports had the privilege of an interview with YeoMei and Pamela Liew, the captain and vice-captain of the team.

YeoMei, Captain of the North Vista netball team

Les: Before this year, what was the previous best performance in the North Zone?

Pamela and YeoMei: 4th position in 2005, when some of us were in ‘C’ Division.

Les: A bit of history.  Can you tell Red Sports readers what is your school’s netball history?

Pamela and YeoMei: Our school is new. We were only established in 2000 when Thomson Secondary was renamed North Vista. We still preserve the Chinese name of Thomson Secondary. In 2005, it was the first time that North Vista netball achieved a credible position in the North Zone. In the 2006 annual Daisy Tan Carnival, we also manage to emerge as champions. However during the 2006 North Zone, we only managed to get into Round 2. During the August 2006 Pesta Sukan Carnival, we sent in 2 teams and both teams went into the quarter- finals and one team emerged 4th.

Pamela Liew, vice-captain of the North Vista netball team

Les: After the first quarter of your semi-final against Ang Mo Kio Secondary, your team were trailing 4-8.  What was  going on in your minds?  Were you all scared that you were going to lose?

Pamela and YeoMei: Thoughts of losing were at first in my mind. However, our coach wanted us to play our game and not think about what was the score or who our opponents were. Just be mentally strong and play our best. And we went back on court ready to narrow the goal difference. Our supporters boosted our confidence and helped us to fight harder.

North Vista’s Principal Mr Lim Lai Chuan (in brown shirt) and his staff cheered the girls on in their semi-final game against Ang Mo Kio Secondary

Les: By the end of the 2nd quarter, you were still trailing, 13-16.   What was the feeling in the team?  What did you coach say to you to  encourage you?

Pamela and YeoMei: At least we narrowed the difference by one goal. There was slight disappointment but after the 5-minute rest, we were once again ready for the next fight. Coach told us "most importantly is that we enjoy the game. Play happily."  She also said "We’re only behind by 3 goals and the third quarter is normally our best quarter."  We wanted to be in the final really badly and it was our target too.

Les: By the end of the 3rd quarter, you were just leading, 22-21.  What were you all feeling? What do you think were the main reasons for overtaking Ang Mo Kio?

Pamela and YeoMei: Feeling glad but it wasn’t the end yet and anything could happen in the last quarter. We had to keep scoring. The main reason is that we did not give up even though we were trailing. We wanted to achieve a place in the final because for most of us, it was our last and only chance because for most of us this is our graduating year.

Les: You eventually won 30-28.  What were the first feelings in the  squad?  What did you all say to each other?

Pamela and YeoMei:  I thought we lost when the whistle blew but when I saw our supporters jumping up and down I knew the result was a good one. I asked one of my team mates about the score and she replied, "I’m not sure. Won by 1 or 2 goals." We hugged and tears started flowing. Our hard work had paid off. "Oh my god, I can’t believe this…." We kept repeating this sentence. It was the first time North Vista had come this far.

Les: What impressed you most about the Ang Mo Kio team?  After all,  they led for quite awhile and gave you all a good fight.

Pamela and YeoMei: Yes. they gave us a really good and tough fight. They are really fast and they were also North Zone champion in 2005. Before playing the match with them, we had to be mentally prepared. We met them in nationals when we were in c’division, we lost . So this time would be a difficult match to overcome. They really showed good teamwork within themselves which impressed us. They had a never give up spirit in them too.

North Vista girls breakdown in tears of joy after qualifying for the North Zone Final against Singapore Sports School

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