IHG Update – Netball (GRP D) LP – Hall 4 v Hall 16

December 11, 2008

This is our second netball match of the intensive IHG season. This time, we were to play against Hall 16 (who lost their first match against reigning IHG champions Hall 6 46-0).

Going into the game with much confidence despite the morale sapping loss of merely one point against Hall 9 on Tuesday, our Hall IV players fought valiantly right till the end.

We matched them bit for bit in the physical department – our players moved and ran around into open spaces with much agility. However, the difference came to passing, with their Goal Defense (GD) player a female version of “Yao Ming”. Practically almost all our attacking passes and rebounds were intercepted by her. With Hall 16’s strong attack coupled with their equally strong defense, it was hard for us to get much out of the game.

Nevertheless, our players ran their hearts out and managed to get a few shots. The fast paced game and the heat forced a few of our players out due to exhaustion. The fresh faces brought about a nice change and with renewed vigour, and we began to counter attack fiercely.

However, we were still unable to score much, and we lost the game 21-1. Despite this, our players left the court with their heads held high, proud that they gave their best effort, despite being so close yet so far to the quarter-finals.

- Mark Teo

[ED: The Hall IV team of Netball players deserve a round of applause for battling their hearts out in the Group of Death. While they may have already been eliminated in the preliminary rounds, we know that they will come back stronger for Hall IV in the next IHG meeting. Good job, girls!]

IHG Updates – Netball

It was a bright and sunny Tuesday. What a great start to the eagerly anticipated annual Inter-Hall games!

There was a sea of colours at the multi-purpose courts where the netball competition was held. This time round, it was the traditional battle of red against blue, with Hall 9 in their usual maroon jerseys and Hall 4 in their familiar blue jerseys.

Breathtaking is the word to describe this closely contested match. It went right down to the wire where a “stepping” violation call by the referee determined the outcome of the match.

In the first quarter, both teams started off shakily. Hall 9 was superior in their goal attack, while Hall 4 dominated in centre court. Amanda and Peishan clearly outran and outplayed their maroon opponents. The score at the end of the first quarter was 5-5.

The next quarter, Hall 9 began to pull away with many offensive rebounds and put-backs. Hall 4 wasted too many clear chances due to inexperience. The second ended in a score of 12-8 in favour of Hall 9.

Both sides continued to battle it out in the third quarter. Defensive work was well carried out and both sides only scored a few points. Jessica fought hard in defence, ending the third with Hall 9 leading 15-10.

It looked like a lost cause for the Hall 4 girls. However, unwilling to admit defeat, the girls in blue gave their all in the last quarter. Lubin and Liyen, being the attack force of Hall 4, suddenly came alive and started scoring with precision and speed. The crowd went ecstatic with intense cheering and encouragements. The score was tied at 16-16 with a few minutes remaining. However, a few errors resulted in Hall 9 getting possession and converting to lead Hall 4 with a score of 19-16. When it looked like it was over, the Hall 4 girls surprised everyone and gave Hall 9 a scare with their never-say-die attitude. They counter-attacked and pulled the score back to 19-18 and had the last possession of the game. In a center-court scramble, they managed to pass the ball to Lubin. Lubin converted the last shot of the day and the Hall 4 crowd went screaming. However, the referee disallowed the last point due to an earlier stepping violation and broke the hearts of the girls. Hall 9 claimed victory with the tiniest of margin.

Nonetheless, the Hall 4 girls were applauded for their undying efforts. All the best in the next game!

- Jevon