Ngee Ann Polytechnic, Monday, 12 January 2009 - Defending champions Nanyang Technological University (NTU) overpowered Republic Polytechnic (RP) 44-20 in the IVP netball semi-final.

The first two quarters were tightly contested affairs as RP put up stubborn resistance against a more mature and experienced NTU outfit.

The surprise package of the tournament went into the half-time break with their heads held high after limiting the champions’ lead to just six at 18-12.

But they were unable to sustain the momentum they put earlier in the game as NTU attackers, led by skipper Lim Hui Fen, took control of the game with their accurate shooting.

As the champions continued to increase the lead with every successful shot, the pressure to catch up began to tell on the underdogs.

Shots went astray and some potential assists were intercepted through poor passing and miscommunication in the final third as they desperately chased to close the gap.

The game was almost out of RP’s reach by the final quarter as NTU outshot their opponents 16-4 to take a 34-16 lead.

Sensing that victory was imminent, NTU stepped down a gear from their in-form third quarter blitz.

Despite some sloppy play and erratic finishing in the final period, RP were not able to take advantage and NTU did enough to seal their place in Wednesday’s (14 January) final.

RP staff Fazilah Latiff, who was there to cheer for the vanquished underdogs, felt her team did their best despite the gulf in standards and inexperience.

“The team was quite outstanding in the first two quarters as they did well and made it very difficult for NTU in the first two quarters,” she said.

“We were playing against experienced players though and it was obvious in the end that their experience showed in their victory.”

Lim felt over-enthusiasm played a part in her side’s first-half showing before they prevailed after calming down.

“As today was the semi-final, the team was very psyched up to win and had a more intense warm-up than usual before the match,” she noted.

“But the coach’s few simple words at half-time, telling us to calm down and be steady. Once the team was more settled, we were able to play our own game better."

“We tried different combinations in scoring as the match went on, and I was pleased that they worked out quite well."

“The experience we had eventually showed and everyone did her best to win the game. Now we are looking forward to the final and believe we have the ability to win it.”