Story by Lim Yong Teck/Red Sports. Photos by Lim Yong Teck and Lee Jian Wei/Red Sports
Heather Lee (second from right, #23) and Claresta Yeo (#29) of Victoria Junior College share a moment after Lee scored her second goal against St. Andrew’s Junior College. (Photo 1 © Lim Yong Teck/Red Sports)
Seng Kang Sports and Recreation Centre, Thursday, May 7, 2015 — Two goals from first-year student Heather Lee (#23) helped Victoria Junior College (VJC) to a 3–0 victory over St. Andrew’s Junior College (SAJC) in the final of the National A Division Girls’ Hockey Championship.
The victory also gives VJC their 13th consecutive title, and coach Nordin Manaff his third at the helm.
“I’m very happy and proud of the team, because after 12 years, the pressure to maintain the title is there,” said the VJC coach.
He added, “It’s definitely easier to become a champion, but it’s not easy to maintain the title. Everyone will be on their toes and want to beat us. Because of that, we have to work harder, and I think these girls worked harder than the other teams and they’re deserving of the recognition.”
17-year-old Lee (#23) echoed her coach’s sentiments.
She said, “There is definitely pressure, because retaining the title is even harder than winning a championship. When I step into a game, I will calm myself down and follow the game plan, and when I actually get into the game, there is less pressure and I can play better.”
SAJC were the underdogs in the game, as they were featuring in their first final after a six-year absence. They had earlier defeated Anglo-Chinese Junior College 3–2 on penalties for their first semi-final win since 2009.
Shirmin Low (#9) and Gene Leck (#10) were the offensive catalysts for VJC, as they opened up several scoring opportunities for their teammates throughout the game. On the contrary, for the Saints, their reliance on Ng Cheng Mun (#24) was obvious and VJC duly gave her the attention on defence.
While VJC were on the offensive for most of the game, the Saints opted for a defensive game, keeping most of their players within their own half, which proved to be a double-edged sword.
While managing to contain VJC’s offence, the Saints sacrificed their own, allowing VJC to hold their lead. When SAJC were on offence, Ng (#24), who penetrated VJC’s defence on several occasions, saw her efforts go to nought, as she received little help from her teammates.
Lee (#23) gave VJC their only goal in the first half during their second penalty corner, off an assist from Low (#9).
However, VJC did not enjoy a good output early in the second half, as they botched five consecutive penalty corners. The Saints had a good chance to equalize during a rare penalty corner, but Laura Elizabeth Martens’s (#10) attempt was off the mark.
Soon after, VJC capitalized on another penalty corner, as extra passes from Low (#9) and Leck (#10) found Claresta Yeo (#29) for their second goal.
On the ensuing possession, VJC were awarded another penalty corner, and Lee’s (#23) drag flick from the top of the penalty circle put the game out of reach for the Saints.
“The two goals are very significant to me, because I usually play defence, and it’s not easy for me to score a goal,” said Lee (#23).
“It’s really an honour to play for VJC, as they have been winning a lot of titles. My senior encouraged me to join VJC and this is where I managed to continue my passion for hockey,” the Crescent Girls’ School alumna added.
Scoring by Half
VJC vs SAJC
1st half: 1–0
2nd half: 2–0 (3–0)
Scorers
VJC
Heather Lee (#23) – 2 goals
Claresta Yeo (#29) – 1 goal
VJC Roster
Wendy Choa (#1), Marini (#2), Janel Tay (#3), Chng Yu Qian (#5), Sarah Kim (#6), Erin Jassmine (#7), Hannah Ismail Tan (#8), Shirmin Low (#9), Gene Leck (#10), Lydia Thio (#11), Teresa Teo Han Bin (#14), Ang Huiqi (#15), Lou Zhiqi (#16), Brenlyn Ng (#19), Teo Ting Ya (#20), Heather Lee (#23), Trixie Ng (#24), Kimberly Lai (#25), Choy Wen Qian (#27), Claresta Yeo (#29)
SAJC Roster
Chang Chua Hua (#2), Hannah Yeoh Shih En (#3), Sng En Lyn, Gabrielle (#4), Chloe Chia (#5), Nur Zaheerah Bte Abdul Aziz (#6), Claramae Koh Xiang Yun (#7), Tan Jing Wen (#9), Martens Laura Elizabeth (#10), Jasminejeet S/O Jagit Singh (#11), Lee Jia Xin Megan (#13), Ng Hui Leng, Amanda (#14), Clarissa Chan Keng Siang (#15), Shannon Leong Yu Lyn (#16), Hazirah Bte Mohd Alias (#17), Xena Ngoo Qian Hui (#18), Elizabeth Kwok Choy Fong (#19), Nur Sabrina Bte Muhamad Jaya (#20), Khairun Nisa Bte Nordin (#22), Ng Cheng Mun (#24), Song Li Ying (#25)
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