‘Back to drawing board’ for Singapore netballers after Nations Cup loss to Kenya
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox
Singapore defender Jamie Lim in action against Kenya at the Singlife Nations Cup at the OCBC Arena on Nov 4.
ST PHOTO: ARIFFIN JAMAR
Follow topic:
- Singapore lost to Kenya 49-44 in the Nations Cup, despite a strong fourth-quarter comeback attempt, after trailing significantly.
- Singapore's captain, Khor Ting Fang, praised the team's relentless attitude and aims to improve for future games in the competition.
- Coach Tara Steel highlighted the team's valiant fight and winning the last quarter, highlighting the improvements that the team can implement.
AI generated
SINGAPORE - With an 11-goal deficit to overcome after a poor third quarter, Singapore faced an uphill battle against Kenya at the Singlife Nations Cup on Nov 4, fighting to maintain their unbeaten record in the tournament.
While the Vandas rallied to secure a comeback at the OCBC Arena, it was a case of too little, too late as the defending champions held on to win 49-44.
Despite the loss – Singapore’s fourth to Kenya in five games – captain and defender Khor Ting Fang was happy with the team’s fighting spirit.
They are second in the six-team table after three games, with Kenya top after three wins in as many games.
The top two teams will advance to the final on Nov 8.
Khor said: “I’m really proud of the team. In that fourth quarter, we really went out there and took control from the start.
“I think we had the momentum, but it was a little bit too late by then. If we could do that earlier, we could have come up with a win.
“We know that in a week-long competition, it’s all about building on from each game.
“We’ll be going back to the drawing board, looking at what we did well, what are the things we could do better, and work on those for tomorrow.”
The first quarter was a cagey affair as both sides struggled for possession. Kenya eventually claimed the lead 11-8, before closing out the half at 26-22.
The visitors finally found their footing in the third period, as they capitalised on their opponents’ lapses in concentration to outscore them 15-8 and end the quarter with an 11-point cushion, 41-30.
In the final quarter, a big push from the hosts closed the gap to three points with five minutes remaining, but the Kenyans stayed calm to see the game out, sealing the win at 49-44.
Singapore coach Tara Steel said after the match: “When it’s a torrid, physical game, it (the lead) could have been really easily blown out to be 15 or 20 in the end.
“For us to win that last quarter the way we did, 14-8 on the scoreboard, was outstanding.
“We just need to look after the ball a little more and continue to put pressure on them to get a few more turnovers
“The next time might be a different game.”
Praising her team’s mental fortitude, Kenyan goal shooter Lydia Nyepere said: “When the team’s morale was going down, we were communicating and encouraging each other to keep our spirits up.
“We composed ourselves and stayed solid defensively.”
The Vandas will face developmental side Singapore A – who lost 53-46 to Malaysia on Nov 4 – on Nov 5.
Kenya will meet Papua New Guinea, who beat Isle of Man 53-47 in their third round-robin game.
