Singapore Polytechnic (SP) men’s team celebrated their unbeaten run with the championship title on Day 3 of the Handball competition. Both SP’s mens’ and womens’ teams displayed sensational teamwork to overcome their opponents at the ITE Simei outdoor courts.

Photo courtesy of Choo Tuck Kein

ITE Central took early control in the first game of the day with the towering Jing Li powering every shot. SP was struggling while ITE Central continued to pound shot after shot to make it 13-7 at end of the first half. SP’s plan to have Muhd Zahin to man-mark Jing Li was well worth it. Over exerted Jing Li was pushed to his limits. He appeared to be limping due to multiple leg cramps after the intervals.

The tide of the game turned when Jing Li was benched to attend to his injury. ITE Central also suffered a two minute suspension. SP made a miracle comeback to snatch the win with just two goals over ITE Central in the final two minutes.

The final game of the day featured Ngee Ann Polytechnic (NP) with the skilful Bryan Loh, against the weary SP team who are playing their second game for the day. The sun was high in the sky and scorching heat was evidently affecting both teams as they engaged in a slow paced game.

The first half saw both teams trading goals after goals mostly from the solo efforts of Bryan (NP) and Muhd. Zahin (SP). Realising the threat, Bryan was man-marked in the second half while SP capitalised on their strength in numbers to wear out NP’s players who only had 2 substitutes on their bench. As the fatigue level increased, the players began to make careless defensive errors that saw two players red-carded for having too many individual violations. The final whistle marked the crowning of SP as champions for of this tournament. as SP triumphed 35-24 over NP

The SP women began their opening game against NP with six players on the court. as The remainder were involved in the second Inter University Tchoukball Championship 2011 that was simultaneously held at the ITE Simei indoor courts.

However, SP managed an early 3-1 lead despite the lack in of numerical strength.  As reinforcements arrived, NP was overwhelmed by SP’s both offensively and defensively. The game ended with NP managing 5 goals against SP’s Captain, Esther Chong, who stood in as the goalkeeper earlier, with 9 goals to her credit.

Official Score:-

Men’s Category

ITE Central – Singapore Poly : 17-19 (13-7)

Singapore Poly – Ngee Ann Poly : 35-24 (18-16)

Women’s Category

Ngee Ann Poly – Singapore Poly : 5-19 (2-9)

Reported by : Choo Tuck Kein