By Chan Hui Mui/Red Sports

Netball South Zone Final

The CHIJ GA (right) in action during the South Zone final against RGS. CHIJ lost the South Zone title to RGS but won the bigger prize – the National C Division Championship title. (Photo © Vanessa Lim/Red Sports archive photo)

Yishun Sports Hall, Thursday, April 24, 2010 – Singapore Sports School (SSP) failed to push the game into overtime after fumbling the last centre pass to lose the final 22-23 to CHIJ Secondary (Toa Payoh) in the final of the National C Division Netball Championship.

The first quarter saw SSP struggling to settle down and committing several unforced errors. On the other hand, the CHIJ team passing to their shooters were accurate but the score at the end of the first quarter was a low 4-2 in favour of CHIJ.

SSP made a few changes to their line-up, adding speed to their game in the second quarter. CHIJ found it difficult adjusting to the new game play and SSP levelled the score at 8-8 to enter third quarter.

The third quarter saw the SSP players not adjusting to the umpires' calls, committing several unnecessary obstruction fouls to undo their defenders' good work. However, poor passing by CHIJ also gave SSP gave turnovers to add to their tally to take a 16-12 lead.

Luckily, CHIJ adjusted in time to stop SSP from extending the lead. A couple of interceptions from CHIJ were converted and the Toa Payoh-based school entered the fourth quarter leading 16-15.

In the final quarter, CHIJ could hardly penetrate SSP defence. However, SSP players were still stubborn in not adjusting to the umpires' calls, and continued to obstruct their opponents.

CHIJ made some adjustments to their play and found themselves stealing the lead at 18-17.

Trailing 22-23, SSP sent the ball into the CHIJ goal area with a last centre pass, ready to push the game into overtime. However, the SSP Goal Shooter did not shoot and chose to go for another pass. The bad pass by the GS to her feeders did not give her the second chance to handle the ball and the final whistle sounded, sending CHIJ to the throne.

SSP coach Noraida Abdul Malik who was happy that her team made it to the final, commented: "I didn't expect them to come so far. But, they have done well to come so far. They committed several mistakes (during the game) but this is the age where they learn. Furthermore, many [of the players] are playing at such a high level for the first time."

CHIJ coach Kok Mun Wai was happy with her girls too.

“The girls put up a good fight. Although we did not start well in the zonal, we peaked at the right time,” she said.