by REDintern Farah Alsagoff

Choa Chu Kang Sports Hall, Tuesday, May 12, 2009 - Defending A Division Boys’ Floorball champions Raffles Institution failed to qualify for the semi-finals when Victoria Junior College beat them 3-2.

The stands were filled with supporters from both schools and they erupted into loud cheers when the whistle blew to begin the match. VJ’s Eugene (#13) dribbled the ball from the corner and his shot was saved by RI's keeper Tian Kai (#1).

In the 12th minute, VJ’s John (#21) found the ball behind RI's goal and wrapped the ball into it. There was a moment of silence as the referee did not immediately signal for the goal, but when he did, VJC cheered boisterously, with their captain and goalkeeper Amos (#1) being the loudest amongst the pack.

There was a series of clashes in VJ's slot area between RI forwards Arulnithi Sundramoorthy (#2) and Theodore (#3) and VJ defenders Kai Liang (#4) and Derrick (#22). It was not tipped in RI's favour as VJ managed to clear the ball. RI’s Zulilhaam (#6) managed to respond with a shot from half-court that was off-target.

Shortly after, VJ’s Augustine (#72) had a one-on-one situation with RI's keeper Tian Kai, but the latter stepped up to him and blocked his shot easily.

RI’s Shou Jian (#20) took a slap shot from half-court as did Soon Yoong (#8) and Guo Wei (#10). However, it was VJ who managed to increase their tally with a gorgeous drag shot by Eugune which went into the top corner. VJ now led by 2 goals.

They had another opportunity to widen their lead when Augustine passed to #21 John for a shot that hit the frame of the RI goal, and that ended the first period of play.

In the second period at the 13.41 mark, VJ’s #6 was sent off for an improper substitution. RI could not capitalise on the numerical advantage, with the closest to a goal being a shot from Yan Sheng (#19) which barely missed the top of VJ's goal.

What followed next was a series of heart-stopping shots by Guo Wei shot from a free-hit barely missed the top left corner, Er Dong’s (#4) shot was saved by the keeper and then Guo Wei took another shot which was off-target.

The game was getting increasingly tense and violent, with aggressive lunges and double-teams along the sideboards.

RI eventually broke the tension when Zulilhaam passed to Guo Wei at half-court, who then stepped forward for a simple wrist shot into the mid-left of VJ's goal in the 26th minute. VJ now led by only 1.

In the third period, RI consistently kept VJC on their toes with continuous shots. RI’s Seng Han (#18) won a loose ball in VJ's slot area but could not score, while Yan Sheng's shot only found the shoulder of the VJ keeper.

While RI kept on the offensive, a defensive mistake allowed VJ’s John to take a drag shot that went into the mid-right of RI's goal, bringing the score line to 3-1.

Showing immense determination, RI kept up with the attacks, and were rewarded with a goal in the 31st minute when Guo Wei got the ball along the sideboards and took a simple wrist shot into VJ's goal.

Another spectacular display was when RI’s Zullilhaam dribbled up from his own half to outdo 3 VJ players before taking a shot. Unfortunately, it was off-target.

He carried on his intelligent play, lobbing the ball into VJ's slot area, only to see the keeper deflect the ball to safety.

In the final minutes, RI threw caution to the wind and pulled their keeper out to have 5 outfield players against VJ's 4. This also meant their goal was wide open. RI pushed the game into VJ's half, but an intercepted pass by a VJ player saw them almost conceding another goal with his shot from far. It was off-target and missed the goal.

The whole scenario was getting increasingly chaotic; female supporters were screaming at every near miss or VJ shot, and the RI team were trying extremely hard to find their equalizer.

In the end, it was not meant to be for the current champions as the final whistle blew. The result meant that it was either Temasek JC or Millenia Institute to the semi-finals, depending on who won in their match later.

Instead, TJC sealed the deal with a 6-0 win to earn 3 more points and proceed ahead of RI into the semi-finals. It was indeed a sad occasion for RI. Nevertheless, credit to them for their perseverance against a strong opponent in VJC.

VJC will meet Yishun JC in the 1st semi-final, while Meridian JC will play TJC in the 2nd. Both matches are will be held at Choa Chu Kang Sports Hall at 2pm and 3.30pm respectively.