RAFFLES Institution (RI) retained their Schools National A Division netball title on Friday, romping to a convincing 54-29 win over first-time finalists River Valley High School at the Toa Payoh Sports Hall.

The defending champions were without their regular coach Chng Li Li, who is a member of Singapore's national team preparing for the upcoming SEA Games. Chng was replaced by former national coach, Goh Seck Tuck, on the sidelines.

However, the switch did little to dent their dominance as they led from start to finish.

RI captain Tessa Wong, 18, said: "We settled down well and focused on what we wanted to do, which was (to win) the championship and defend the title.

"We adjusted to the changes very well. This win means a lot more because we managed to win the title again despite the changes."

River Valley were excited about being in their first final and being pitted against the defending champions.

But their captain Lee Jie Shi, 17, insisted that the team had coped with the pressure of expectations, saying: "I think we had no problem in shutting all these out to focus on our game."