By Lee Hwee Cheng

SJC’s GD Joycelyn (in blue bib) hassles RV’s GA for the ball. © Leslie Tan, Red Sports

Kallang Netball Centre, March 20, 2007 – In the first round of the Nationals ‘C’ Girls Netball tournament, CHIJ-St. Joseph’s Convent fought hard and well to take down their first game against River Valley High 26-20.

It looked almost like a netball carnival on a warm, stifling afternoon at the Kallang Netball Center, as all sixteen teams who have advanced into the Nationals gathered for their first games, all played out over four courts simultaneously.

At the center court, the SJC girls (in blue bibs) from the North Zone met their West-side opponents for the first time, and came out of the game feeling thrilled by the unexpected challenge they faced.   Looking almost alike not only because of the uniforms but also because of similar builds and bunned-up hair, the SJC girls showed more than just strong team spirit on-court.  As captain-WA Ting Yen piped cheerfully about their similar hairstyles, “We do this because it helps bond us together as a team.”

Despite the slight height disadvantage, the SJC girls made up for it with light, agile athleticism in their play.  Running tirelessly around the court, making coordinated and more fluid passes, the center and the wings expended all their energies in defence and in sending the ball into the hands of the shooters.  The shooters completed the team efforts by making a better percentage of their shots count, in the face of a much taller duo of defenders.

SJC’s WA Ting Yen displays athleticism as she reaches out for a lob pass. © Leslie Tan, Red Sports

The River Valley girls in black looked a more intimidating team with their towering heights and lean physiques, but seemed to struggle with their on-court morale.  The not-as-smooth plays, the poorer passing, the missed easy-target shots, and the hesitation with the ball in possession seemed to indicate either an unfortunate stroke of poor form and team spirit on that particular day, or a team that needed more team communication and to know how to make better use of their height advantage.

RV’s WD, one of the many long and lean players in the team. © Leslie Tan, Red Sports

After a close 18-17 lead at halftime, SJC went on to win 26-20 against their longer-limbed opponents.

Said both Center Cheryl and captain-WA Ting Yen after the game, “We had fun… We didn’t know our opponents would be so tough.  We didn’t know much about them before today’s game and we just came, wanting to do our best.”

Red Sports says:  Great game, and great attitude, girls.  And all the best to both teams in your subsequent games.

In another first-round game taking place at the same time, Dunman Secondary (in red bibs) beat Fairfield Methodist School (in green) 32-12.

Fairfield’s GA takes a good aim at the net, despite the taller defence. © Leslie Tan, Red Sports



It’s always great to see a smile on the court.You go, girl! © Leslie Tan, Red Sports

Check out more action shots in the picture gallery!

Ed’s note:  We did not manage to get names after the games, so if you do recognize yourself or your teammates in any of the pictures or in the write-up of this report, please do tell us and we’ll update immediately.  Thanks!