By REDintern Chin Chi Hua.

Raffles Junior College Indoor Sports Hall, Thursday, April 30, 2009 – It was a brilliant start for Yishun Junior College as they defeated Millennia Institute 4-2 in the second day of the A Division Girls National Floorball Championship.

MI began the game by giving YJC full court pressure. It was not long before they hit a rough patch, as Koh Bao Yin (MI, #5) got sent off for extreme slashing with the opposition player. Only 10 minutes into the game, it was little wonder that the MI coach, Mr Mohammad Sharil tried to reason with the referee but the decision was final.

With one player down, MI had to focus on defending, but the swift attack from YJC proved too much for the MI team. YJC captain, Toh Jia Wen (#16) received a quick pass from her teammate and she took a shot at the goalpost, bringing the score 1-0 after three minutes of game.

With the help of Joscelin Kee (YJC, #13) who dribbled down the court away from the MI defenders, team mate Jia Wen shone once again, tapping the ball into the goal.

Not losing morale, MI team continued fighting and Siti Maryam (MI, #11) scored with the clock ticking at 5:50. The goal was scored amongst much confusion as Nur Syamimi Liyana (YJC, #26) lost her footing in front of the goalpost, giving Maryam an opportunity to score.

The second period saw several missed shots at the goalpost and some tempers flaring as MI captain, Suhashini Mitrina Sivarajah (#4) was sent out.

Tensions raised as both teams did not manage any goals in the second period.

Moving on to the third period, both teams came up more prepared after pep talks from their team coaches. MI switched to giving half court pressure instead while YJC was continued on the attack.

Joscelin Kee (YJC, #13) and Toh Jia Wen (YJC, #16) seemed energised from the break and both displayed incredulous teamwork. Just two minutes into the third period, a pass from Jia Wen to Joscelin gave a successful blind side goal to bring the score to 3-1.

Perhaps due to anxiety to pull back the score, Nurhakimah (MI, #7) was sent out for pushing shortly after the conceded goal.

That was just the beginning of an array of direct contact from players of both teams. A time-out was called, and both teams had to be called back for a switch of players. Excitement ran high as both teams were eager for victory.

Despite the cool over period given, another tussle between Nurhakimah (MI, #7) and Stephanie Chiaw (YJC, #7) ensued at the corner right after the time-out.

Nurhakimah was sent off for her repeated offence of pushing. Some controversies were raised over the referee's decision as it appeared that Stephanie had tripped accidentally. However the referee's stood firm to his decision and the game went on, with MI team short of one player.

Teh Ee Shan (YJC, #3) did not let this opportunity slip. Clearing one defender after another, she sent the ball past the keeper and it was four goals scored for YJC. The MI team did not relent, and continued to defend fiercely. With just one minute left, Nur Hamiza (MI, #20) surprised the crowd with a strong shot from the half-line.

The ball whisked past the YJC players, who had little time to react. The game ended with a countdown from the enthusiastic crowd, and of course, a friendly exchange from both teams.

With a final score of 4-2, it was a well deserved victory for YJC.