WINS FOR MISSION MANNAS, MAGIC MARLINS AND SNEAKERS STINGRAYS IN ROUND TWO OF NSL
SATURDAY 31st January 2015…The Netball Super League (NSL) action continued today at Toa Payoh Sports Hall with Mission Mannas, Magic Marlins and Sneakers Stingrays picking up the victories for Round Two.
Match 1: M1 Sunfish 53-57 Mission Mannas (HT 31-29)
Both teams were hunting their first win of the competition and it was Mission Mannas, the 2014 Champions, that came out on top with a 53-57 victory.
M1 Sunfish got the upper hand in the opening two quarters (14-13 & 17-16) for a two point lead at halftime (31-29). Kimberly Lim (WA) showed off her familiar high work rate, covering the midcourt at pace and encouraging her teammates to do the same. Nur Athirah (GA) and Claire Seah (GS) played with composure and successfully rattled the Mission defensive pairing of Katriona Martin (GD) and Saadiah Khamis (GK).
In the second half, Mission Mannas fought back to level the score after the third quarter (43-43), Natalie Long (GS) and Hildah Binang (GA) finding their rhythm in the shooting circle.
The final quarter was end-to-end, goal for goal action. Mission Mannas Captain, Nurul Baizura stepped into Goal Defence to drive her team forward for the win and it was the nudge they needed. They created a four-goal advantage for the final 15 minutes and a hard fought win to get their title hopes back on track.
For Binang of Mission Mannas and Sarona Hans from M1 Sunfish – who played confidently in WD today – they now have two games under their belts and are settled into the Singapore way.
Binang said, “I am in a new team this year [Sneakers Stingrays in 2014] so I have to get used to how they do things but I am starting to settle into it.
“From my time here last year to this year, I have improved a lot. I have played in the World Cup Qualifiers with my national team and competed in the Nations Cup here in December, and played for my club side so there has been a lot of netball for me and I am getting better all the time. I train hard and focus. I take what I do seriously. I hope that we can win the league this year.”
Hans is making her NSL debut after appearing for Botswana in the Nations Cup 2014.
She said, “I am having a really good time here. I have bonded very well with my team and they have been very loving towards me. It was my 17th birthday this week and I was taken out for lunch, my team gave me a gift and the national team bought me a cake. It was really lovely.
“Training with the National Team is a very good experience for me and I have learnt a lot of new things already. I am increasing my experience, my skill level and developing as a player in general. I am very happy to be part of this competition.”
Match 2: Tiger Sharks 39-41 Magic Marlins (HT 21-14)
Magic Marlins made it two wins from two with a very tough 39-41 win over Tiger Sharks. Looking well-drilled and confident in each other’s ability, Tiger Sharks started strongly and gave themselves a seven-point cushion by half time (21-14). But the tables turned in the second half and Magic Marlins stepped up their game and pulled it back to 30-29 with the final quarter to play.
The crowd were enthralled in the final period as Marlins kept their momentum going despite every effort from Tiger Sharks to disrupt the flow of play. Premila Hirubalan (GD) and international player Alisi Naqiri (GK) were a dominant force again in defence but Violet Oneile of Botswana in GS for Marlins alongside Pamela Liew (GA) found ways through the blockade to keep the score creeping up.
With seconds to go, Marlins managed to hang on with a two-goal margin and some very relieved faces walked off the court, ready to regroup and prepare for another battle tomorrow.
Violet Oneile (Botswana) of Magic Marlins is enjoying her first Singapore experience. She said, “At first I was not used to my team and how things work here but I am really enjoying it now. They’re very cooperative and we talk together about everything so I am learning a lot and I share my knowledge and experiences with them too. Training is hard but good. I need to eat a lot to keep my energy up! We are feeling confident as a team and I want us to win the league.”
Alisi Naqiri of Fiji felt her team were just unlucky today. “We put in a good effort today, it just didn’t go our way.
“This is my first time here so I am starting to adjust to the food, the weather and the netball! I am working well with my teammates and really enjoy playing with Premila [Hirubalan]. She is a very good player. It’s fun being with new players and new athletes. It was tough for me on the first week of training as I had come from our off-season and there was a lot of running but I am very thankful for this opportunity and it’s been great so far.”
Match 3 Blaze Dolphins 49-51 Sneakers Stingrays (HT 26-25)
It was another adrenaline-packed match for the last of the day as Sneakers Stingrays bounced back from defeat in round one to take their first win of the league over Blaze Dolphins 49-51.
One point was the difference at half time (26-25) in favour of Dolphins but it was Stingrays that came out fighting in the third quarter and pulled out in front (36-42) with their fast passing and vocal supporters urging them on.
The tables turned again in the fourth with Dolphins winning the quarter 13-9 but the damage had been done in the third quarter and Sneakers take the points.
Letang Mogotlhwane from Botswana gave her best at Goal Keeper for Dolphins. She said, “I am really enjoying this and learning a lot from my teammates. They are very supportive and encouraging. I am quite shy but already I am growing as a person and player.
“Blaze Dolphins is a great team for me. This is a great experience for me, my country and my club team back home.
“Today was a tough game. We panicked and missed a lot of chances but tomorrow I think we will do better.”
Asilika Sevutia (Fiji) was delighted to get her first win with the Sneakers. She said, “I am very happy to be here and very thankful for the opportunity. It’s a great experience and I have great respect for the girls in my team and my coach. They have a very different way of playing the mid-court, they are very mobile and very fast. I will take all of my learnings back to Fiji.”
Netball Singapore’s elite league continues tomorrow (Sunday 1st Feb) at Toa Payoh Sports Hall, matches from 11am.
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