By Lorna Campbell

singapore republic of ireland world youth netball championship

Melissa Teo of Singapore takes aim against the Republic of Ireland. Singapore secured a comfortable 85–9 victory to enter the playoffs for 9th to 16th. (Photo courtesy of Lorna Campbell)

vision 2030 live better through sports

Glasgow, Scotland, Monday, August 26, 2013 – Singapore comfortably beat the Republic of Ireland 85–9 in their final group match of the World Youth Netball Championship to secure their passage into the play-offs for 9-16th place.

A comfortable opening quarter saw Singapore cruise 22–0 ahead as they dominated possession and controlled the game. Ireland didn’t give up however and got their first goal in the third minute of the second quarter and ended the half with five goals to their credit as Singapore built a secure 35-goal cushion (40–5).

The team continued their rhythm in the second half, limiting Ireland’s chances and capitalising on their own. Great mid-court play from Shelby Koh, Parveen Nair and Siti Nurshawallah ensured a flowing game and lots of turnovers to produce plenty of scoring chances.

Singapore were delighted to end the group matches on a high note but very aware of the tough matches that await them in the playoffs as they strive to achieve the highest finish possible.

Co-captain Koh Hin Ann explained: “We really wanted to win. We played steady, provided each other with options. Our shooters did really well and it was good preparation for our next matches.”

Coach Joanne Loo said: “Today we had to work hard to win that match. We were trying to get some flow from the game to prepare for the next matches. I thought we did really well in the attack so that was great for us.”

Finishing the group in third position after victories against Papua New Guinea and Ireland, Singapore will progress to the second tier of play-offs.