Anglo-Chinese JC retain A Division netball title with 58-29 victory over Hwa Chong Institution

Story by REDintern Delle Chan. Photos by Koh Yizhe/Red Sports

Yishun Sports Hall, Friday, May 21, 2010 – In a high-octane match, Anglo-Chinese Junior College (ACJC) successfully defended their title as A Division netball champions with a resounding 58-29 victory over rivals Hwa Chong Institution (HCI).

ACJC were indubitably the superior side throughout the match, demonstrating tacit understanding, sharp passing and shooting skills. They largely adhered to their effective formula of pumping high lobs to their Goal Shooter (GS) Natalie Long, who capitalized on her height advantage and physical presence to convert goal-scoring opportunities almost effortlessly.

The match commenced with ACJC netting four goals in quick succession to put them firmly in the lead. In contrast, it took four minutes for HCI to notch their first goal of the game.

ACJC continued to dominate the match, with their GS turning in an impressive performance highlighted by her impeccable shooting. The first quarter ended with a scoreline of 16-8 in ACJC’s favour.

The second quarter saw ACJC open the scoring yet again. However, HCI soon responded with a goal of their own. The HCI players battled hard to bring the ball forward, but were let down in part by inaccurate shooting. As such, the goal difference between the two teams widened increasingly to enable ACJC to enter the third quarter with a comfortable 19-goal cushion.

ACJC were again first to get onto the scoresheet, just mere seconds after the whistle signalled the start of the third quarter. Furthermore, their solid defence prevented HCI from narrowing the disparity between the two sides. The quarter eventually ended 46-20, with ACJC in the lead.

In the last quarter, HCI pulled out all stops and fought valiantly to narrow the deficit, but to no avail, as ACJC extended their lead further to 29 goals. They finished the match in clinical fashion with an impressive final scoreline of 58-29 to emerge champions of the A Division netball campaign for the second year running, much to the delight of their contingent of supporters.

An emotional Kok Mun Wai, coach of the ACJC team, praised her players after the match, saying: “My girls fought hard and played very well today. My GS, Natalie Long, did especially well, and her performance gave the team a lot of confidence.”

In the 3rd/4th placing match, Raffles Institution (RI) defeated Temasek Junior College (TJC).

Editor’s note: If you recognise any of the players in the photos, please put it in the comments and we’ll update the captions.