Contributed by Justin Teh/crossroadsports.net

Singapore Polytechnic, Friday, January 27, 2012 — The National University of Singapore (NUS) beat the Singapore Institute of Management (SIM) 48-26 in one semi-final while the Nanyang Technological University (NTU) upset Temasek Polytechnic 60-38 in the other semi-final of the Institute-Varsity-Polytechnic (IVP) Netball Championship.

In the game between NUS and SIM, SIM had a straightforward strategy of putting the ball into the hands of their GA or GS, both national players, and waiting for them to put in their shots. However, the diligence and tenacity of the NUS GK and GD shut down many of the passes to the SIM shooters.

On the attacking end, NUS fed the ball constantly into the goal circle through their Center and WA. NUS made quite a few mistakes but their increasing lead gave them confidence. NUS’ style of quick release and short passes played very much to their advantage and their GK displayed control, balance and agility. The NUS GD was not to be overlooked as she forced numerous turnovers with her determination and drive.

SIM were also changing their line up after every quarter while NUS maintained the same line up for the entire game. Both teams had their reasons but, with two games remaining in the season, NUS’ strategy paid off as they led all the way to win 48-26.

The other game between NTU and TP proved to be a nail-biting one for the first two quarters because the score was close and both teams were tied after the first quarter. TP took the lead in the first quarter with a domineering shooter who stood almost one head taller than NTU’s defender. Lobs into the goal circle found their way into her hands without much effort.

However, NTU were pacing very close behind them, refusing to give them any breathing space. As the game moved into the second quarter, NTU appeared to read the game better and started to cut off the easy feeds and their GK began to give the tall TP shooter more problems.

It was also evident that NTU’s coach, Mr Goh, was orchestrating the entire play to perfection as the defense began to shut down the passing options, resulting in more and more interceptions and turnovers. NTU’s WD also displayed intense focus and drove for every single ball which created many turnovers and disrupted the flow of TP’s game.

However, NTU definitely played a very physical game and the umpires had a hard time deciding whether contacts or contests were made many times. Although NTU managed to pull away in the third quarter by 10 goals or more, they were relentless and ended the game 60-38 victors.

Once again, the stage is set for the match between two titans for the 2012 IVP championship between NTU and NUS on Wednesday, February 1st, TP and SIM will battle it out for third. Both matches start at 7pm.

IVP Netball Championship — fixtures and results

Ed’s note: If you have the line-ups of both teams, please do share with us in the comments section below so that we can include them in the story.