By Colin Ng

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SAJC started their season with a 2–0 win over AJC. (Photo 1 courtesy of Colin Ng)

Sengkang Hockey Stadium, Monday, April 6, 2015 — Torrential rain may have caused their maiden National A Division Girls’ Hockey Championship match to be postponed from April 1, but there was no fooling around for St Andrew’s Junior College (SAJC) in their rearranged game.

SAJC recorded a scrappy 2–0 win over Anderson Junior College (AJC) thanks to goals from Laura Martens and debutant Clarissa Chan.

With numerous players from both teams making their debuts, it was no surprise to find the first half littered with phases of nervousness. In fact, neither side was able to take control of the game as an uneventful opening period ended goalless.

“We played quite badly in the first half, with many of us not playing our usual styles,” SA Captain Laura admitted.

But a half time pep talk by Laura challenging her teammates to show some hunger seemed to inspire them.
The midfielder herself was the epitome of that desire, leading by example as she converted a penalty corner to give her team the lead within five minutes of the restart.

The goal seemed to lift SA, resulting in a spell of increased pressure from the Saints. However, they were unable to convert their possession into goals until late in the game. Clarissa netting her side’s second to seal the win after good work from Ng Chengmun down the flank.

Although pleased, SA Coach Robin Ng was quick to downplay his side’s victory. “Even though we won,” Robin said, “there’s still a lot of room for improvement.”

SAJC will play Victoria Junior College next, with AJC facing off against Millennia Institute.

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