NETBALL

5 Nations Netball Cup
Singapore vs Canada
Monday, 3 September 2007 at the Toa Payoh Sports Hall

Story and pictures by Leslie Tan. © Red Sports/soulbreath pictures

The netball girls of Singapore flew the flag proudly when they beat Canada 44-33 last night at the Toa Payoh Stadium.

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Co-captain Jean Ng (GK) defends against Canada. © Leslie Tan/Red Sports

Singapore led for most of the game but Canada kept it close, allowing Singapore no more than a five-point lead with accurate shooting from Sabrina Versteeg and Captain Maralyn Hope. At half-time, Singapore led 22-18. In the fourth quarter, on the back of strong defending by Premila Hirubalan and Jean Ng, Singapore pulled away to a 10-point lead to give themselves the opening day win.

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Premila Hirubalan of Singapore plays the ball out of a tight spot. © Leslie Tan/Red Sports

"We took each quarter at a time and tried to set goals and keep it simple" said Singapore coach, Kate Carpenter after the final whistle. "We improved with every quarter and I was very pleased with how the girls performed tonight. It was important to get a win and we can use this as a platform to build on for the rest of the tournament."

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Canada (back to camera) and Singapore line up before the game. © Leslie Tan/Red Sports

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Netball fans lap up the action at Toa Payoh Sports Hall. © Leslie Tan/Red Sports

Remaining fixtures:
4th September
6.00pm - Canada vs Trinidad & Tobago
8.00pm - Singapore vs Northern Ireland
5th September
6.00pm - Northern Ireland vs Trinidad & Tobago
8.00pm - Sri Lanka vs Canada
6th September
6.00pm - Northern Ireland vs Sri Lanka
8.00pm - Trinidad & Tobago vs Singapore
7th September
6.00pm - Canada vs Northern Ireland
8.00pm - Singapore vs Sri Lanka
8th September
1.00pm - 3rd & 4th placing
3.00pm - 1st & 2nd placing
4.15pm - Closing Ceremony