OxBridge Games 2007: Netball

The Oxbridge 2007 Netball match was certainly intense and exhilarating. As the last game of the day, and scheduled to start at 2pm, we were disappointed with very persistent heavy rain that just wouldn’t stop. At 3pm, we decided we couldn’t wait any longer and the teams from both sides plus a crowd of wonderful supporters braved the rain and headed out to St Hilda’s college netball court. Barely enough time to warm up, (the referee was keen to start and end early because of the rain!), we kicked off with Cambridge having possession of the ball. The first half was very close with Rachel and Ashvina (Goal Shooter and Goal Attacker respectively) putting up an immensely consistent performance. Our defense was saved by the star Goal Defender Sue Mae who throughout the game made many brilliant interceptions, along with Goal Keeper Shireen and Wing Defender Intan. Halfway through the first half, we substituted in Joyce as Wing Defender. Our Wing Attacker Suet Voon was the heroine! Despite muscle cramps, she insisted on staying in the game, making great passes between our defense and attack. At half-time, we were leading by a close margin of 4-3!

In the second half of the game, the same team of seven entered. The rain seemed to persist but it didn’t stop either side from putting up a great fight. Amidst muscle cramps, Suet Voon was substituted in by Vivien and both teams played on. Cambridge scored a few more excellent goals. With great catching of the rebound, our GA and GS remained calm and highly accurate, scoring another 3 points that would make any Cambridge supporter proud. Unwilling to sit by and watch, Suet Voon made a fierce come-back, boldly walking into the court and insisting on resuming her WA position. We were leading 7-4 but Oxford went on to score another 3 points. After a well-fought game with great defending, scoring and clean, long passes, the referee finally blew the whistle and victory went to Cambridge, with the final score of 7-6! This win was also the deciding point for the overall position of the Oxbridge Games 2007 as before netball we had won 2, lost 2 and tied in 1 game.

The netball team consisted of the following players:

Angie – C
Ashvina –GA
Intan – WD
Joanne –GS sub
Joyce – WD sub
Rachel – GS
Shireen – GK
Sue Mae – GD
Vivien – WA sub
Voon – WA



Written by Angie Kua