Scotland Score Surprise Win Against Wales

At the start of the third day of the NTUC FairPrice Foundation Nations Cup, Singapore met Namibia for the game of the tournament so far.

A hard fought battle between the two teams ended 41 - 43 in Singapore’s favour, retaining the home side’s chance for a top four place.

Namibia ended the first quarter 5 points up but following a crucial turnover in the second quarter Singapore rallied to close the gap, entering half time one point down at 19 – 20.

Namibia pulled away again at the start of the second half but a defiant Singapore team clawed back to enter the final quarter ahead by 2 goals at 29 – 31. Buoyed on by the home crowd, Singapore held their nerve despite a strong Namibian comeback to win 41 – 43.

A relieved Singapore GK, Premila Hirubalan, said: ‘We had a seven goal lead so it was a bit too exciting for my liking. We fell back but we came back strong so we’ll build from there again.”  Namibia felt that a lack of concentration and failure to sustain the lead led to the defeat, GA, Chanique Rass, said: “The game was in our hands, we were not focused, we were not into the game so that is the reason for our loss.”

In the second game of the day, India lost to Tanzania 60 – 27 with Indian GK, Leela H.S. carried off court in the final quarter following a bad fall.

While the Indian team played a strong first quarter holding the Tanzanian’s to 11- 8. The Tanzanians found their rhythm and dominated for the rest of the game. With two wins and one defeat so far, the Tanzanians are at third place overall with Singapore in fourth.

In the final match of the day the dominant European sides met in a predicted grudge match. Despite Wales earning a WNC place over Scotland earlier this year, the higher ranked Scottish team started strong and were dominant in the first half leading 26 – 17.

A number of changes to the Welsh team following the first and second quarter paid off after half time as the Welsh team settled down to win the third quarter. Wales still trailed by 39 – 31 however, due to failure to convert a number of attempts on goal and Scotland regained control in the final quarter winning 48 – 41.

Speaking after the match, Scottish GS Lesley MacDonald who scored 41 of Scotland’s goals said:
“I’m so proud of the girls.

The whole team excelled out there. We fought from start to finish and had a brilliant start. We knew they would come out physical but we prepared for that and made sure that we were the ones who were going to be the winners at the end of the game.”

Given that it is only the first time that Scotland has beaten Wales in their last five games, Welsh coach, Melissa Hyndman, said: “They can have this one. There is still a long way to go in the tournament and you might see us in the final yet!”

The teams are back in action on Friday with Tanzania v Namibia at 4.00pm, India v Scotland at 6.00pm, with Wales v Singapore at 8.00pm.

Match 1: Namibia 41 – Singapore 43 (HT: 20 – 19)
Match 2: Tanzania 60 – India 27 (HT: 28 – 12)
Match 3: Scotland 48 – Wales 41 (HT: 26 – 17)