Catholic High beat Fairfield to advance into South Zone Volleyball Final

Story and pictures by reader Bernard Han

Weicheng (#9, Catholic), is unsuccessful in blocking a spike from Fairfield Methodist. (Photo © Bernard Han)

Clementi Sports Hall, Tuesday, April 3, 2008 – Catholic High beat Fairfield Methodist 2-1 in their South Zone C Division Volleyball Championship semi-final to march into the final against Zhonghua Secondary.

The first set went according to plan as Catholic High won 25-19. However, the players from Fairfield Methodist were no pushovers and fought hard in the second set, forcing errors from the Catholic High boys. The set went right down to the wire as Fairfield Methodist forced the game into a deuce at 24-24. Although Catholic High briefly threatened them, the excellent defence by Fairfield Methodist won them the second set 27-25 to force a rubber.

After a rousing team talk by the coach, the Catholic High team went back on court with confidence and took an early 6-0 lead. Fairfield Methodist continued to demonstrate their defensive prowess to keep the scoreline close. However, the relentless attacks from the Catholic High players, most notably Weicheng (#9, Catholic), meant that Fairfield Methodist were kept on the back foot for most of the game. Despite some jitters, Catholic High managed to win the rubber and emerge triumphant with a 2-1 win to move on into the final.

In the other semi-final, Zhonghua unexpectedly beat favourites Ang Mo Kio in 2 straight sets to set up the final game against Catholic High on April 9, 2008 at Yio Chu Kang Sports Hall.

Daoliang (#7, Catholic High) jumps to spike against his Fairfield Methodist counterpart Kenneth Lau (#7). (Photo © Bernard Han)

Weicheng (#9, Catholic High) spikes home a winner. (Photo © Bernard Han)

ed’s note: If you recognise the players, feel free to leave the names in the comments section and we’ll update the captions. Thanks.