With the scores level and time running out, Blaze Dolphins goal shooter Cassandra Soh scored the deciding goal in the final of the M1 Netball Super League title yesterday to seal the title for her team at the expense of the Sneakers Stingrays.

The 50-49 grand final win over the Stingrays was an unexpected result for the Dolphins, who "came in as the underdogs", according to their coach Wang Jing Qing. Wang found out only the day before her Tanzanian player Lilian Sylidion would be ruled out with an injury.

She said: "We just told the team to give it their all. I didn't expect it, but we told ourselves to fight all the way. It's a very sweet win."

The Dolphins' co-captain Micky Lin, who made several key interceptions in the game, said: "We have come from nowhere this season, finishing fourth and making it to the grand final. It's been amazing."

The result was upsetting for the Stingrays, who were looking to retain the title. The defending champions were triumphant in both their Super League meetings with the Dolphins this season, winning 57-48 in the first game and 44-40 in the return fixture.

Having started as favourites, Stingrays coach Goh Seck Tuck was disappointed with the loss. He said: "I was actually fairly confident coming into the game, but the situation was not in our favour. We have to examine our handling of the situation during the game."

After the game, a new 21-player-strong national squad was announced, featuring uncapped players Avelyn Long and Nur Athirah Zulkiffle, who were previously in the national under-21 team.

The squad will be trimmed to 12 before the team competes at the Asian Championships in Bangkok from July 30 to Aug 7.