NETBALL
Netball World Championships 2007
Wedesnday, 14 November 07 at Trusts Stadium, Auckland, New Zealand
Story by Jane Sng, Netball Singapore.
Co-captain Pearline Chan of Singapore in action against Trinidad & Tobago (in white) during the 5 Nations Cup held in Singapore. © Red Sports file photo
Trinidad and Tobago beat Singapore 42-32 in the the second match of the 9th to 16th playoff section of the Netball World Championships this afternoon.
Singapore had reason to be confident, after beating Trinidad & Tobago twice at the 5 Nations Netball Cup in September. However, it was the Caribbean side that started the match like winners, scoring first, off Singapore's pass, and adding five more goals before the Asian champions replied. Singapore's mid-court struggled against their rivals but staunch defence by Premila Hirubalan and Charlene Porima, who came on at centre, revived Singapore's spirit and, more importantly, increased their share of possession.
But the Singapore's shooters were finding it hard to get past the Trinidad & Tobago defence and their defenders were able to pick up any loose ball with ease. Similarly, the Caribbean's passage through to their shooters in the goal circle became more difficult as Singapore regained their composure.
Li Ling, left knee heavily strapped, joined Chen Huifen in the goal circle to boost Singapore's shooting power and claw back Trinidad & Tobago's lead to trail 9-11 at the first break.
Singapore picked up again quickly in the second quarter and some fine defensive work by Ng and Hirubalan gained precious turnover ball. Li faltered slightly in the goal circle against the spectacularly aerial Goal Keeper, Kemba Duncan, but she and Chen persisted and Singapore briefly took the lead half-way through the second quarter.
Trinidad & Tobago's athletic mid-courters and Trinidad and Tobago's Goal Shooter Wilson's ability to pull down lobs for easy shots under the post put them back in front and they held a 21-18 lead at half-time.
Li stayed on the bench after that break, replaced by Tan Huiyan. Trinidad & Tobago resumed smartly, adding three goals before the unflappable Chen scored for Singapore.
Li returned with just over eight minutes to go in the third quarter, but her accuracy suffered under the pressures exerted by the revamped defensive pair of George at Goal Keeper and La Roche at Goal Defence. The Calypso Girls' athleticism through the mid-court, sharp passing into the circle and Wilson's reliability and sheer power under the net began to tell.
For Singapore, Porima's constant availability to her team-mates through the court and around the goal circle was notable at this stage of the game as Singapore tried to penetrate Trinidad & Tobago's defence.
Their success was limited though, and Trinidad & Tobago held a 33-25 lead going into the fourth quarter. Li switched to Goal attack with Tan at Goal Shooter but neither that, nor the gritty efforts of Singapore's defenders could turn the game around.
Trinidad and Tobago finally pulled away to win 42-32.
Singapore will go on to play Barbados, who lost 43-44 to Botswana earlier today, in tomorrow's match. They now have to get themselves in the frame of mind to play for the 13th to 16th world placing.
Singapore Starting Team
GS - Tan Huiyan
GA - Chen Huifen
WA - Wendy Tan
C - Pearline Chan
WD - Vanessa Lee
GD - Premlia Hirubalan
GK - Jean Ng
Scores
1st Quarter: Trinidad and Tobago 11 – Singapore 9
2nd Quarter: 21-18
3rd Quarter: 33-25
4th Quarter: 42-32
Other Results
Fiji 58 Scotland 37
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