Victoria JC edge out arch-rivals National JC in A Division girls’ floorball

By REDintern Yvonne Yap. Photos contributed by Edwin Tan.

Raffles Junior College, Thursday, April 30, 2009 – In a thrilling match contested down to the wire by both schools, Victoria Junior College edged out National Junior College 3-2 to post their first win in Group B of the A Division Girls’ Floorball Championship.

It was a highly anticipated match by players from both sides they had a history from last year where they met in a decisive match. NJC propelled themselves to the semi-finals of the championship back then when they won 7-3.

The first goal of the match was scored by Harilyn from VJC with just slightly three minutes into play. The camaraderie among the Victorians was evident as their supporters roared with excitement as the score changed.

From there, the attempts at goal came fast and furious from both sides as the Victorians tried to extend their lead. NJC made notable efforts to level the score line but the period ended with VJC in the lead at 1-0.

In the second period, Sadelena (VJC #7) got the ball rolling 40 seconds from the start. However, her straight shot at the NJC goal was saved by keeper Jasmine Chong.

Subsequently, it was a rather even playing field as both VJC and NJC had similar number of shots at the opponent's goals, most of which were shot straight into the bodies of the keepers and saved.

In the last four minutes of the second period, NJC was awarded a free hit and they made full use of this chance to bring the score to 1-1.
Matilda Leong made a swift pass to her captain, Karen Yee, who then placed the ball into the back of VJC's net with a straight shot, bringing her team level with VJC.

The NJC supporters went wild as the goal brought them back into the game, with a chance of repeating their previous win over VJC in 2008.

However, VJC snatched their lead back with a counter attack, barely one minute after NJC’s first goal. It was a free hit by NJC, which got stolen and passed to VJC’s Harilyn, who saw the open chance at goal and promptly took it, making her second appearance on the score sheet.

Following that goal, NJC got a few free hits but could not convert. In the final seconds of the game, NJC's Karen made a shot to goal from the left flank, which was saved by VJC Captain Therese Neo.

VJC held on to their one goal lead at the end of the second period with a score of 2-1.

The third period saw drama from both teams as a penalty was awarded at the 12:12. NJC's Ng Li Ying went for goal but the shot was blocked by VJC's Ong Ying Ying, who took a step back into the crease.

When a penalty was awarded to NJC later, it was the break they needed to bring the score up. The crowd fell silent as Karen stepped up to the task and executed her shot, finding its way past the keeper.

Unfortunately, the celebrations came to an abrupt stop as the referee declared the goal void as it was found that she had pulled the ball back while approaching the goal.

Cheers of relief could be heard from the VJC crowd as Lady Luck smiled upon them, keeping the score in that favour at 2-1.

NJC persevered on with the shouts from their supporters, who chanted "Let's go NJ, let's go!" whenever they gained possession of the ball.

Into the sixth minute of the third period, VJC were awarded a free hit from their left flank. Therese took the shot which was deflected by NJ's Ong Kah Yee into the NJC goal.

Upon realisation that an own goal was made, there were looks of anguish on the NJC players' faces as they now trail behind VJC 1-3.

However, the team still kept their heads high and gave their all in the remaining nine minutes of the game. NJC's optimism paid off at the 8:48 minute mark where Ng Li Ying found the top right hand corner of the crease, closing the score line to 3-2.

It was still anybody's game as VJC and NJC fought hard to increase their goal tally. Three minutes to the end of the game, Harilyn played the ball to Therese who sent it towards goal, but was blocked by Kah Yee, who kept the goal difference at one goal.

The final whistle blew, signalling the end of an exciting match between the arch-rivals. This time, VJC exacted their revenge as they edged out NJC 3-2.

The loss leaves NJC with one win and one loss out of two matches played, and they will have to win their remaining two matches in order to progress to the next stage.

But despite this, NJC’s seniors still felt that it was a good fight placed up by their juniors though they were never in the lead. They made it a joy for the spectators to watch as the girls gave their all during the 45 minutes of play, exemplifying a sense of sportsmanship.

Editor’s note: If you recognise yourself or your team mates in any of the photos, please feel free to leave the names behind in the comments section and we will update the captions accordingly. Thanks.