By Azra Safiya, KJM
JEDDAH, 8 MARCH: There was full of joy for host Malaysia who beat their rivals Indonesia to emerge as Champion of the Inaugural Asian Consul General Club (ACGC) Netball Tournament, held at the Consulate premises yesterday. A total of four women teams from Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines participated in the tournament which was played in ten minute halves, rather than the usual 15 minute quarters in a round robin format.
All games was intense and sometimes aggressive, with all teams trying to beat each other to emerged champion in the first ever tournament organized by the Malaysia Consulate General in the Kingdom. Malaysia team captained by Madam Aniza Khalid, the spouse of the Consul General not only played well with impressive shots but she also encouraged and lead her team to victory. All Malaysia players show their supremacy in the games with excellent lobs, coordinated attack, good defensive and goalkeeping.
Malaysia team started off well in their first game to overcome Brunei 7-2 with good passing and shooting accuracy. In their second game, Malaysia proved her supremacy in the game by beating the Philippines 13-0, a game fully dominated by them from the start of the whistle. The nail-biting final games between Malaysia and Indonesia saw the first half of the match was almost goal for goal, with both teams holding nothing back in their contest for the ball until the half-time whistle. The second half of the match was equally gripping however the Malaysian rose to the competition admirably by attacking continuously till the last minutes and emerged as the clear winner by two points, with a final score of 9-7.
An award presentation ceremony was held with Mr. Mohd Khalid Abbasi Abdul Razak, Consul General of Malaysia congratulating all the ladies for the thrilling and challenging tournament. “The other teams put up a really good fight but Malaysia prevails due to our impressive shooters and overcoming the defensive pressure, he said”.
