Singapore remained composed and confident despite the roaring crowd of 1,198, making a comeback from yesterday’s defeat to Botswana and beating Canada with a score of 62 – 26 in the last match on the third day of the Mission Foods Nations Cup 2016.

Off to a confident start, the Singapore team welcomed on court debutants WD Nur Aqilah Afiqah and C Josephine Yeo. Singapore’s GS Yu Mei Ling netted the first goal less than 30 seconds into the game. The Singapore team showcased a dominant shooting display, successfully scoring in streaks and stretching the score margin to 15 – 5 at the last four minutes of the game, despite numerous attempts by Canada’s GA Alyssa Binns to buoy scores. Team Singapore emerged victorious with a score of 20 – 8, the biggest lead of the match.

The arena heated up on the second quarter with the Canadians returning on court strong. Binns seized the first opportunity to score, followed closely by Yu. Spectators were kept at the edge of their seats as a one point difference was maintained throughout the first half of the quarter, before Singapore’s decisive gameplay and accurate passes widened the score margins quickly to 11 – 5 in the last four minutes, before finishing impressively with a score of 15 – 7.

Back from the half time break, Singapore’s GA Pamela Liew returns strong with the first goal, with the Canadian team matching up with strength and vigour. Canada played with an offensive awareness, managing numerous successful passes through to the shooters. The third quarter ended on a high, with a score of 11 – 6 in Singapore’s favour.

Spectators were treated to a display of strategic and skillful technique and gameplay by the Singapore team, which consisted of increasing accuracy through spatial awareness and low, measured and decisive passes. Canada also put up a strong defense in the last quarter, with interceptions by WD Michelle Lelik and GD Sandra Tom. With a score of 16 – 2, the final quarter concluded with Soh taking home the last goal, and Team Singapore making its second win of the tournament.

On the introduction of new players on court, here’s what Singapore’s Co-Vice Captain and GA, Soh, has to say, “We started off very well and despite some hiccups midway, we managed to pull it (the score) up again in the last quarter. Today’s match is a good opportunity for the new players to experience an international game, the big bodies and opponents outside of Singapore”.

“I think today we came out with a lot of heart. We knew that coming to a hometown crowd would be a little bit tougher especially after the two losses. But we did well, our team was really together and we’re just really excited to be here. It’s a great experience. I think if we just focus on playing our own game and as long as we can keep that in mind and do what we know how to do, things will work out. I just look forward to playing against new styles. Back in Canada, we play against the same style over and over again, so it’s really refreshing to come out here. It’s so great. Everyone’s so competitive and it’s an awesome environment,” said GS Lianna Wong, Vice Captain of Team Canada.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Top scorer of the match is Team Singapore’s GS Yu Mei Ling, who scored a total of 34 goals
• Team Singapore’s GA Charmaine Soh obtained a score accuracy of 100%, netting 16 goals for the team

MATCH STATISTICS