Story by Lim Wei Xiang. Photos by Lim Wei Xiang and Karan Gurnani

Serangoon Junior College, Thursday, April 7, 2011 – Raffles Institution Captain Ong Zhi Hao (#11) inspired his team to a 2-0 victory over home team Serangoon Junior College in the National A Division Football Championship.

Raffles Institution (3-0-0 win-draw-loss record) look set to win Group D after nine points from three games, while Serangoon Junior College (1-1-1), who are third in the group, have four points from three outings. Temasek Junior College (2-0-2) occupy second place with six points.

Zhi Hao worked tirelessly to pull the strings in midfield for his team. He played a key role in the build-up to the first goal and then won, and converted the penalty that put his team 2-0 up.

After a goalless first half in which Raffles Institution’s dominance was nullified by Serangoon Junior College’s staunch defending, the deadlock was broken eight minutes after the restart.

Zhi Hao’s determined run down the right flank was halted by a Serangoon Junior College defender, who slid in to put the ball out of play. From the resultant throw-in, Yong Hwee (RI #8) rose to head the ball across the line amidst confusion in the penalty box.

Zhi Hao doubled Raffle Institution’s lead 10 minutes later. Another powerful run took him into the Serangoon Junior College penalty area where he was unfairly sandwiched by two defenders. The referee pointed to the spot, and Raffles Institution’s Captain Marvel strode up confidently to put the ball beyond the reach of Serangoon Junior College’s keeper Felix Tan (#12).

Serangoon Junior College reacted by pouring men forward in an attempt to salvage something from the game. Their centre back Hakeem (#16) rode two challenges as he made progress down the left wing, but he was unable to send a good ball into the box for his strikers.

The home team further mustered a couple of attempts on the Raffles Institution goal, none of which were serious threats. With frustration building as the clocked tick down, Serangoon Junior College were awarded a penalty after Mun Khai (#4) was upended by a clumsy challenge from Yaw Wen Zheng (RI #3) inside the box.

It was clearly not their day, however, as Raffles Institution keeper Benjamin Ng guessed correctly to parry the shot and preserve the score line at 2-0.

RI will next play Millennia Institute on Monday, April 11th, while SRJC will take on River Valley High, also on the same day at the earlier time slot. Both matches will kick off at SRJC.

National A Division Boys’ Football Championship — Full fixtures and results

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