S’pore netballers raring to go against rivals Sri Lanka

SINGAPORE — It is four wins in as many matches for the Singapore national netball team at the Asian Netball Championships, as they demolished Maldives 83-6 yesterday to top their group and book a semi-final spot.

Against Maldives — who have not won a match at the ongoing tournament in Bangkok — Singapore stamped their authority in fast and furious fashion throughout all four quarters (21-3, 42-4, 64-5, 83-6).

It was, in co-vice-captain Nurul Baizura’s words, almost like a “practice match” for the Singapore team ahead of tomorrow’s semi-final clash against arch-rivals Sri Lanka, who finished second in Group B.

Malaysia, who lost the 2015 South-east Asian Games title to Singapore, topped Group B.

Confidence is running high among the Singapore players who believe they can defend the Asian title which they won in the past two editions (2012, 2014), said Baizura. However, she added that there are currently four teams who have an equal chance of winning the crown this year — Singapore, Malaysia, Sri Lanka and Hong Kong.

Baizura, a veteran player in the Singapore netball team, is wary of how the Sri Lankans will use their height to their advantage as the team is packed with lanky players.

Even though the Singapore team would be relieved to know that 2.06m-tall goal-shooter and star player Tharjini Sivalingam did not turn out for the Sri Lankan side at this year’s Asian Netball Championships, they are not letting their guard down.

“They are tall and lanky, and thus good with aerial play, and are also very speedy with their wing attacks and centre play,” said Baizura.

“So if they are the elephants, we are the mice. We are shorter and smaller but we are agile, and can run, chase, hunt and work the ground well.

“If we get our basics right, stick to a good process during the match, it shouldn’t be a problem for us.”

With Sri Lanka having not won the Asian crown since 2009, and Causeway rivals Malaysia coming in second behind Singapore in the 2015 SEA Games, Singapore are also wary that these two teams would be looking for revenge.

“Tension is high between the rival teams — you can sense that when we see each other in the lifts or the hotel lobby. Even as we all smile to each other, it is game mode on during the match for sure,” said Baizura.

“We watched the match between Malaysia and Sri Lanka at this tournament, and it was very physical ... like it was do-or-die. We are prepared for that.”

Singapore national head coach Ruth Aitken will use the rest day today to work out a game plan for tomorrow’s semi-final.

She has been giving all 12 players in her squad court time, and will decide on her starting line-up in the weekend ahead.

“The good thing is all 12 girls are very talented and can play. It is a good selection headache,” the New Zealander said.