Story by Chan Hui Mui/Red Sports

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Pamela Liew (GA) in action for Singapore against Philippines in their previous game. (Photo © Rebekah Abbott/Red Sports)

OCBC Arena, Thursday, June 4, 2015 — Singapore beat Myanmar 85–20 to finish second in the group stages in the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games netball tournament. Singapore had earlier beaten Brunei, Thailand and the Philippines, and drawn with Malaysia. Malaysia finished as the leader based on a higher goal difference.

“It has been a long week for the girls and today, we wanted to let some of the girls have more rest and more play time for others,” said Singapore coach Ruth Atiken.

The host, who did not have the regular lineup had a slow start, as they were unable to find their flow of play, while Myanmar jumped out of the box first. This, coupled with multiple unforced errors, gave Myanmar several shot attempts. However, Myanmar could not convert most of the shots.

But when Singapore finally found their momentum, they were unstoppable, and led 20-6 at the end of the first quarter.

In the second quarter, regular starters Charmaine Soh and Chen Huifen took on the Goal Attack and Goal Shooter bibs respectively. Together with Singapore’s first-choice Wing Attack Kimberly Lim, Singapore breezed through the Myanmar defence and sunk 25 goals to take a 45-12 lead at half-time.

Singapore continued to dominate the court, as Charmaine Soh went on a shooting spree with a shooting accuracy of 85 per cent. Singapore eventually wrapped up the game 85-20.

“It is great that our girls are having fun during the game. It helps to keep the team connected, which is important. We were quiet during the game against Malaysia while they were cheering frantically,” commented Ruth.

“I am pleased with the girls’ performance thus far. It is encouraging to see new teams coming in at this level. We need to continue to grow the sports in the region,” Ruth added.

Despite an off day for the girls tomorrow, they will be preparing their minds and bodies for the semi-finals.

“We will have a recovery session in the pool tomorrow morning. Then, we will be having a short training session to work on things that we picked up from the video of our game against Thailand. We will spend the rest of the day at the opening ceremony,” said Singapore captain Lin Qingyi.

Singapore will be playing Thailand in the semi-final 6 June, 4pm, at OCBC Arena.

Scoring by Quarter
Singapore vs Myanmar
1st Q : 20-6
2nd Q: 45-12 (25-6)
3rd Q: 67-14 (22-2)
4th Q: 85-20 (19-6)

Myanmar Roster
Khun Sandar Kyaw, Moe Moe Ei, Myint Win Nwe, Hnin Su Su Hliang, Khin Aye Mon, Thet May Thaw, Honey Win Aung, Aye Myat thandar Tun, Moe Moe Aung

Singapore Roster
Charmaine Soh, Chen Huifen, Kimberly Lim, Nurul Baizura, Premila Hirubalan, Lin Qingyi, Chen Li Li, Ang Shiqi, Pamela Liew, Shelby Koh, Shina Teo, Yasmin Ho