Kaska Watkins adds another gold medal to her haul as RI reclaim A Div netball crown
Kaska Watkins adds another gold medal to her haul as RI reclaim A Div netball crown
SINGAPORE – Competing in the National School Games swimming finals in April, Raffles Institution's (RI) Kaska Watkins collected a total of four medals – including a relay gold.
Transferring that athleticism from the pool to the court, she added another gold to her haul on May 28.
The goal attack played a key role as RI defeated defending champions Anglo-Chinese Junior College (ACJC) 45-40 at Our Tampines Hub to reclaim the A Division netball title that they last won in 2023.
Kaska converted 20 out of the 24 shots she attempted, putting up an impressive 83.3 per cent shot conversion rate.
The 17-year-old had claimed silver medals in the 50m freestyle and 4x50m medley relay on April 24, before adding a gold in the 4x50m free relay and a 100m free bronze a day later. But the water sport has given her more than just medals.
'Swimming has given me a strong core,' said Kaska, who is of English nationality.
'So whenever my teammates pass me the ball, I can grab it at different directions. Also, when I do weight training in swimming, I work on my legs and it helps me jump higher.'
However, standing at 1.73m, she knew it would be difficult going up on the court against ACJC's goalkeeper Alyssa Tan, who is taller at 1.78m, prompting a different offensive approach.
'We knew we couldn't do any high balls because she (Alyssa) would intercept it, so I had to try holding her (back) so that I would block her off and get the ball,' said Kaska.
RI coach Chng Li Li, 53, added: 'The AC (defence) is much taller than my shooters. We cannot play high, so we had to play the low balls (along the floor).'
RI were without their first-choice centre Wang Yun Xi, who had to attend the International Biology Olympiad at Nanyang Technological University.
Reserve centres Caitlin Ong and Emily Loi took turns to deputise in her place, and they both performed admirably.
'I played three quarters (in total) in the preliminary round, so this was definitely quite an overwhelming moment for me when I stepped on court,' said Emily, 17, who started the final as a substitute.
Centre Emily Loi (in black, holding the ball) played well in place of their absent first-choice centre Wang Yun Xi.
ST PHOTO: KEVIN LIM
'Even though our main centre wasn't here, it doesn't mean that our team won't be able to play well. We are still a team overall so we'll all be working together,' she said.
RI started the game on the front foot, leading 13-8 after the first quarter.
A combination of turnovers high up the court and neat interplay saw them take a commanding 25-18 advantage into half-time. ACJC fought back in the third quarter as they sought to narrow a 32-28 deficit.
But it was ultimately too little too late as RI closed the game out to avenge last season's defeat in the final, where they lost 44-43 to ACJC.
RI captain Lim Ruici , 18, said: 'The team was really hungry this year. I think our team's focus was enjoying the game because that is when we are at our best.'
RI celebrating with the trophy after winning the A Div netball final.
ST PHOTO: KEVIN LIM
ACJC captain Keira Baptista was on the sidelines after a full anterior cruciate ligament tear and a partial medial collateral ligament tear ruled her out for the season.
'At first, I felt very helpless that I wouldn't be there for my team physically on court, but regardless I made sure that they knew that I would have their back,' said the 18-year-old.
On-court captain Alyssa said RI played a good game and deserved their win.
'We fought hard and no matter the outcome, I think we put in our best effort today,' added the 18-year-old.
In the third-place play-off, Victoria Junior College beat Eunoia Junior College 48-35.
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