B Division Hockey: Teck Whye defeat Crescent Girls’ 2-0 on penalties to lift title

By Noor Farhan/Red Sports. Photos by Marvin Lowe/Red Sports

Sengkang Sports and Recreation Centre, Thursday, April 7, 2011 — Teck Whye Secondary School triumphed over Crescent Girls School 2-0 in a nervy penalty shootout to win the B Division Girls’ Hockey Championship.

In doing so, Teck Whye achieved a unique double, with the same core of players clinching the B Division Floorball title earlier this year in March.

Crescent Girls’ started the match with a sweeper-based 1-3-3-3 formation as they sought to push their attacks through the middle whilst Teck Whye adopted a 2-4-4 formation that focused on stretching their opponents down the flanks.

It was a cagey start for both teams despite the partisan support drummed up by their schoolmates who showed up in full force.

Both sides did not manage to capitalise on their chances as the first half ended, with Teck Whye forcing Crescent Girls on the defensive for long periods.

The second half also belonged to Teck Whye, with their #12, Syasya Rifqah, the focal point of their attacks down their right.

Crescent Girls’ could not get their passing game going, with play restricted to their defensive third as they weathered Teck Whye’s numerous short corners right up to the end of the second half stalemate.

With both sides failing to score even after extra-time, the game then went on to penalties.

In the end, it was Teck Whye who seized their chances, with Crescent Girls’ unsuccessful in converting their penalty attempts.

Teck Whye’s Syasya converted her team’s first attempt with a smart bottom corner shot, while her team-mate #31 sealed the win with a vicious top corner effort that left the Crescent Girls’ goaltender with no chance.

“We had good control from the start, its just the finishing touches that needs to be brushed up on,” said Mr Jack Ho, teacher-in-charge of hockey at Teck Whye.

“I think the girls pulled through very well in the end, given the tough training as well as school support from the top to the bottom, which has been very important for us,” he added.

Crediting goalie Chen Jiying as a key player in the tournament, he added that the Secondary 5 player has had to endure three penalty shootout experiences prior to the final.

The Teck Whye custodian boiled the victory down to the dedication her team had gone through in training.

“Winning this game, to me, reinforces the fact that hard work is the only way to success,” said Chen Jiying.

RedSportsXI: Who are your best 2011 B Division hockey players?