Story by readers Javier Khoh and Ian Teo. Photos by readers Lincoln Peh and Lim Jia Jin

c division hockey

A St Andrew’s player (right) contests for the ball with his SJI opponent. (Photo © Lincoln Peh and Lim Jia Jin)

Teck Whye Secondary, Friday, July 1, 2011 — Defending champions St Andrew’s Secondary (SAS) beat St Joseph Institution (SJI) 3-0 to begin their National C Division Hockey Championship season with a win.

SJI played on the defensive throughout the game while St Andrew’s constantly pressed forward, looking for the chance to strike. Saints dominated possession of the ball with their quick passing and good defensive play.

The first scoring opportunity arose when a SJI player found a gap in the Saints’ defence and charged through. One on one with the SAS goalkeeper, he unfortunately tripped and lost the opportunity.

With SJI unable to break through the SAS defensive wall, the first goal eventually came from the Saints. Just before the break, a penalty corner saw Saints captain Faizal drag flick the ball into the net.

After the break, with the pressure mounting, Saints made some mistakes and lost many opportunities to score. Finally, 15 minutes into the second half, Imran, flicked the ball in to score the second goal for SAS.

In the last few minutes of the game, Qayyum dribbled the ball past the SJI goalkeeper and scored the third and final goal of the game.

Said SAS captain Faizal after the game: “I think we played well in our first game. I hope to bring glory to St Andrew’s Secondary School as national champions again.”

National C Division Boys’ Hockey Championship — full fixtures and results