Contributed by reader Yinhong

Jalan Besar Stadium, Thursday, May 6, 2010 – Defending champions Victoria Junior College beat St. Andrew’s Junior College 1-0 in an A Division Girls’ Football Championship semi-final.

The semi-final took place under a hot afternoon sun that amplified the fiery clash between the two teams who have fought in the finals for the past 3 years.

VJC were hungry for a goal from the start, and their effort bore fruit with an early goal that would give them an edge in this tense encounter.

The goal was scored five minutes into the game. A through-ball was received by VJC striker Rachel Wong (#6) who used her speed to pull away from the Saints’ defense for a one-on-one opportunity with the goalkeeper. Her shot was blocked by the keeper, but she collected the loose ball and slotted it home, much to the joy of the Victorians.

SAJC were made to toil hard for the rest of the match to erase this deficit, putting them under additional pressure which made it hard to impose their game upon their opponents. Captained by veteran footballer Suria, SAJC unified under adversity to seek for the equalizer.

In the 15th minute, a shooting chance fell to the SA #5 but her shot was saved.

VJC then won several corners kicks that threatened the SA goal, but they were cleared by a vigilant defense.

The first half gradually became a tussle in midfield, with tackles fly around to gain possession of the ball. The VJC midfield was quick and persistent in smothering the resilient SA midfield led by Syria and #19.

While VJC enjoyed more attacking chances in the first half, SA regained their composure in the second half to play more offensively, launching numerous attacks.

An SA throw-in the 51st minute found #9, who volleyed towards goal. The VJC goalkeeper fumbled the shot but recovered and gathered it well.

In response, VJC attacked. A pass from the midfield once again found Rachel Wong, who out-muscled her marker into the penalty box. As the ball drifted to her left, she hesitated to shoot, and the goal-scoring opportunity was lost.

VJC earned another chance to bolster their lead with a free-kick in the 58th minute, but it was cleared for a corner.

With the game coming to a close, SA launched their last attack at goal, but it was to no avail. VJC’s slim 1-0 lead was enough for them to emerge as winners of this game, and they go into the final next week to defend their crown.

VJC will now play Raffles Institution on Wednesday, May 9, at Jalan Besar Stadium. Kick-off time is 4pm.

N.B. Go to SCHOOLS FIXTURES & RESULTS for more information