Victoria JC win 7th consecutive title in A Division girls’ hockey

Story by REDintern Farah Alsagoff. Photos by Marvin Lowe

Delta Sports Complex Hockey Pitch, Thursday, May 21, 2009 - 6-time A Division Girls’ Hockey champions Victoria Junior College defended their title against a tough Saint Andrew’s Junior College side in the final, beating them 2-0.

Victoria JC took an early lead when a confusion in the SAJC goalmouth saw #4 Juanita sneaking in past the SAJC defenders to take a shot right into the goal. The early goal ensured that SAJC knew what they were up against. Throughout the match, VJC were seen to intercept numerous passes. However, SAJC dominated the match, pressuring VJC to stay on the defensive.

Juanita then won a long ball along the right flank, and in a swift counter-attack, dribbled the ball past her marker before passing it to #10 Estee, who was inside the D. She took a shot past SAJC's keeper, giving VJC a comfortable two-goal lead.

VJC pursued their attacks, and could have scored again when #8 Melody passed the ball to #10 Estee. But the latter missed the ball, and SA's keeper shepherded the ball to safety. At the end of the first half, SAJC were awarded a penalty corner. The designated shot-taker missed the ball, and hence also the opportunity to reduce the deficit.

The second half saw VJC continuing their attacking spree and being consistently on the offensive. They threatened again when Melody sent the ball through to their captain, #6 Sijing, but it was intercepted, putting a halt to VJ's attack. Shortly after, VJC were awarded a penalty corner. The players could not muster a shot in time as the SAJC defenders stepped up to prevent the shot. SA's strong defense saw their #9 blocking VJ #12's pass. Similarly, VJ #16 Ruam blocked a pass inside their D. After 4 consecutive fouls, SA finally penetrated VJ’s defense. SA #11's managed to get a shot away, but the shot went off-target.

The Saints were definitely not giving up, with their #7 Jillian dribbling into VJ's D, only for the diligent VJ defenders to block her shot. In the final seconds of the game, VJC were awarded a penalty corner. With a final chance to stretch the lead, their attempt was blocked, and the referees blew the final whistle.

With a score-line of 2-0, VJC have managed to clinch the title for the impressive 7th year running. Friendly handshakes and hugs reflect the bonds built between players, as well as opponents. The icing on the cake was sight of a very happy Victoria team marching arm-in-arm towards the stands amidst the pouring jets.

VJC’s captain, Tan Sijing was elated at their victory. “It was a very hot and tiring match, under the hot sun at this time of day. SA fought really hard but we kept pushing and we were determined to win.” said Sijing.

When asked about defending the title, Sijing shared, “We were very scared, and of course there was a lot of pressure to maintain the 7th title. We had team talks to calm ourselves down and prepre ourselves before the game.

She was also positive about VJ’s future, showing great faith in the next generation. “The juniors are really hardworking and self-disciplined. They do their own runs and maintain their fitness themselves without being told. I know they are very capable of making it an 8th title next year.”

Congratulations to VJC for successfully claiming the title for the 7th year running, and the Saints for putting up a good fight.