| Fadhil Yunus |
BRUNEI under-21 netball team finished as runners-up in the Korea Invitational Netball Tournament after falling to a narrow 23-30 defeat to eventual winners Hong Kong at the Jeonju City Multi-Purpose Hall in Jeonju City yesterday.
The national youth team had earlier met head coach Thilaka Jinadasa’s target of sealing a top two finish in the mini tournament after defeating Chinese Taipei 40-27 in the morning session.
The Chinese Taipei victory was their third straight win in the tournament following emphatic victories over Japan and South Korea.
Despite falling at the final hurdle, Thilaka said that the invitational tournament provided them the motivation to win because they only usually aim to improve their rankings during the Asian Netball Championships.
“This time we aimed to play in the final but unfortunately we lost by a close margin. We can be happy that we were able to finish on the podium as the runners-up,” added the Sri Lankan.
Thilaka noted the positives of her squad which was assembled following the under-21 trials in which the new internationals shared a good understanding with the senior members.
Brunei under-21 netball team pose with their medals. – BNA
“The combination between the new and senior players was a reason that we managed to reach the final (against Hong Kong),” she further added.
Thilaka heaped praise on the conduct and professionalism of the senior members in guiding their younger teammates and carrying the team towards the championship decider.
The head coach indicated the final result was encouraging considering that their conquerors are currently fourth in the Asian rankings.
“The senior players are very responsible on and off the court to bring the team to the podium. That’s why I always wanted national players to stay committed and it’s a big motivation for me as a national coach as well,” she concluded.
The national coach will shift their focus next to the 10th Asian Youth Netball Championships which will be held from May 21-28 in 2017 in Jeonju, South Korea.
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