Yee Chun Leong
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN
ANGEL Net Team were crowned champions of the Golden Jubilee netball tournament after holding on for a 40-35 victory over MS ABDB (Royal Brunei Armed Forces Sports Council) today.
Angel Net Team had booked their berth in final with a 53-24 victory over Red Butterfly in the semi-finals in the morning. On the other hand, MS ABDB overcame Strivers XOXO 55-32 in the other last-four matchup.
Both teams were evenly matched from the early going despite the height advantage that Angel Net Team possess at the Indoor Stadum of the Hassanal Bolkiah National Sports Complex in Berakas.
However, the latter opened up a 10-8 lead going into the second period.
MS ABDB (orange) and Angel Net Team (green) players in action. Picture: Yee Chun Leong
Angel Net Team failed to connect on their last couple of attempts allowing MS ABDB to tie things up 19-19 at halftime.
Angel Net Team then shifted gears after the interval and picked up at the defensive end.
MS ABDB were not helped by their turnovers and allowed their opponents to carry a 31-26 lead into the final frame.
Angel Net Team carried the momentum forward and extended their lead to as many as seven points.
MS ABDB never gave up and put up a strong run late on to cut the deficit to 37-34.
However, Angel Net Team utilised the clock and hit some crucial shots down the stretch to hold on for the victory.
MS ABDB (orange) and Angel Net Team (green) players in action. Picture: Yee Chun Leong
Rosni Hj Yahya, the manager of Angel Net Team, was praised her charges for the showing.
“I trust my players as they have been playing together for a while now (since MSSSBD). We never gave up eventhough we had lost to them (38-36) in the preliminary round,” said Rosni.
“With the teamwork, mental toughness, stamina and energy we managed to beat them this time,” she added.
In addition, Angel Net Team also bagged two of the three individual awards on offer.
Siti Nurul Nazihah Hj Hassan was named the best attacker while Raiezfieza Radin Mas picked up the best defender award.
MS ABDB’s Kpl Zuraidah Hj Abd Amit bagged the best shooter award after finishing the competition with 246 made baskets.
(From left) Siti Nurul Nazihah Hj Hassan, Kpl Zuraidah Hj Abd Amit and Raiezfieza Radin Mas. Picture: Yee Chun Leong
Present to give away the prizes to the winners was Mariam Ulat, the special duties officer of JBS.
