Brunei Darussalam’s national netball team gave Singapore a good fight despite a 62-38 in the second preliminary round match of the 30th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games at the Santa Rosa Sports Complex in Laguna, the Philippines yesterday.

His Royal Highness Prince Haji Sufri Bolkiah, President of the Brunei Darussalam National Olympic Council (BDNOC) attended the match. The Royal Bees was led by team captain Her Royal Highness Princess Fadzilah Lubabul Bolkiah.

Brunei took the game to Singapore after they led 9-8 in the first quarter and was not out of the contest when they trailed only by five points in the second quarter.

The Royal Bees also repeated their great start in the second quarter after moving to a 17-14 lead but clinical shooting from Singapore, who competed in the World Cup in Liverpool earlier this year, helped them retake the lead.

Brunei raced to a 5-2 lead against the reigning silver medallists as their opponents struggled with a succession of misplaced shots and passes, which was uncharacteristic of the hugely favoured Singapore.

The Singapore defenders followed Nur Hafizah binti Haji Abdul Sidek on the top of the circle leaving Zuraidah binti Haji Abdul Amit completely free under post for an easy finish to put Brunei 6-3 up. Wing attack Her Royal Highness Princess Fadzilah Lubabul Bolkiah showed quick thinking to make the pass as she was credited for the assist.

Singapore’s goal shooter Chairmane Soh saw her long shot bounce off the rim and goal attack Kai Weh Toh accompanied a good rebound with a conversion.

Melody Teo played a long ball for Charmaine Soh who provided a clinical finish before sending her team to the lead for the first time in the match.

Nur Hafizah initially missed her shot but showed great athleticism to retrieve the ball before converting in the second attempt to put Brunei into a 8-7 lead.

Charmaine was setting up for a screen but the defenders were quick to pick it up before finishing her penalty shot with aplomb.

The Royal Bees recaptured the lead before the end of the first quarter after Nur Hafizah converted a beautiful pass from wing defence Syafiqah Niqmatullah Amraan. Buoyed by an excellent display in the first quarter, the Royal Bees continued their wonderful run of points in the second quarter as Nur Hafizah led the goal charge.

With Her Royal Highness setting up for a pass, Nur Hafizah ran into space to keep out Melody Teo in the shooting circle for another impressive finish for Brunei.

Singapore’s Kwok Shuyi showed great vision to spot the run of Charmaine whose late dash into the shooting circle was followed with a routine conversion.

Nur Hafizah allowed the ball to bounce closer to the goalpost as she continued her prolific form under the post, playing a key role in helping Brunei into the lead.

Zuraidah showed good footwork and followed the move with a beautiful shot to help her team into a two-goal cushion. The Royal Bees were in new territory as they looked to end the second quarter with the lead.

Nur Hafizah and Zuraidah were in inspiring form as the Brunei shooters made a habit of running along the edge of the circle accompanied with a good release and footwork, edging them closer to the goalpost.

Singapore won a turnover and played close to the side-lines as Kwok Shuyi struggled to find options. The game finally opened up through Carmen Goh and a shot from Charmaine put Singapore back into the tie.

Nur Hafizah made a run on the baseline in a move designed to set her free before executing another clinical finish to put Brunei into a narrow lead.

The lead changed hands in favour of Singapore with the combination of Charmaine and Pei Shan showing promise. However, Brunei were breathing down their necks as sharpshooter Nur Hafizah proved to be an influential figure with yet another sublime finish.

The Royal Bees will continue their campaign against Malaysia today before concluding the preliminary round against the Philippines tomorrow. The top four teams, who will be guaranteed a place in the podium, will advance to the semi-finals.

Thailand beat the Philippines 64-29 in the other match meaning that the last available bronze medal will be contested between the hosts and Brunei in their final group game tomorrow.

Courtesy from Borneo Bulletin