Singapore beat Ireland 62-52 for second win at netball’s Nations Cup
SINGAPORE – As they prepare for tougher challenges at the Mirxes Nations Cup, Singapore’s netball team was reminded of the importance of consistency during their 62-52 victory over Ireland on Sept 2.
At the OCBC Arena, 25th-ranked Singapore began the game strong, taking a 21-7 lead in the first quarter and extending it to 36-18 by halftime. However, 22nd-ranked Ireland fought back in the second half, outscoring Singapore 16-15 and 18-11 in the final quarters, National coach Annette Bishop acknowledged the strong start, emphasizing the need to come out hard, knowing that Ireland is a persistent opponent. She praised Ireland for their comeback and admitted that Singapore struggled to adjust quickly to Ireland’s changing tactics.
Co-captain Toh Kai Wei noted that although Singapore started better than in their previous 78-20 win over unranked Canada, the team struggled to maintain focus throughout all four quarters. She pointed out that their shooting wasn’t as accurate and emphasized the need to improve consistency and focus.
Bishop highlighted Ireland’s different playing style, particularly their switch from player-on-player to zonal defense in the second half. While stressing the need for quick adaptation, she also praised her players for remaining composed during a tense second half. Bishop emphasized the importance of staying calm under pressure and regaining momentum when needed.
Despite the loss, Ireland’s coach Teresa Gillespie saw positives in her team’s performance, particularly in the second half. She expressed confidence in their ability to bounce back and correct their mistakes.
Over 100 Singapore competitors from 22 sports were expected to compete at the Games, where floorball, netball, and cheerleading would debut. The OCA said it to the affected athletes and cancelled the Games in the best interests of the athletes and all stakeholders after numerous attempts to make it happen.
In other matches on Sept 2, Singapore A defeated Canada 60-35, and the 21st-ranked United Arab Emirates (UAE) continued their unbeaten streak with a 44-37 win over Kenya.
Looking ahead, Ireland will face Singapore A on Sept 3 at 5 pm, while the UAE plays Canada at 3 pm. Singapore will take on Kenya at 7 pm. Toh acknowledged that Kenya’s style involves more running and passing, making adaptability crucial for the upcoming match.
Bishop concluded by emphasizing the need for consistent performance in every quarter. She praised the team for eventually adapting to the changes and maintaining their composure even as Ireland pushed back. The focus, she said, would be on capitalizing on turnovers and ensuring successful center passes.