Story and pictures contributed by reader Marvin Lowe.

NJC’s goalkeeper, Dolly (#1, NJC), charges out to stop the VJC attack. (Photo 1 © Marvin Lowe/Red Sports)

CCAB, Thursday, May 8, 2008 – In their final group game, Victoria Junior College needed a victory against National JC to qualify for the semi-finals. The team followed their game plan and executed it well, winning this A Division Girls Hockey match 1-0.

It was an evenly-contested game with both sides having ample opportunities to attack and make shots at the goal. However VJC had a slight advantage as they capitalized on their pacy wingers charging down both flanks. VJC again showed their superiority at set pieces with well-worked penalty corners. Their only goal came at the 23rd minute of the game and it was a result of a wonderful movement down the left flank. A cross was sent in and VJC’s #11, a tall and skilful striker, held off a defender to flick the ball into goal.

With that single goal, VJC entered the break much at ease. The second half saw them continuing their attacks. Their best chance came when they broke through the NJC defense for a one-on-one situation with the NJC goalkeeper. Although they managed to work themselves around the goalie, they lacked the finishing touch and did not score.

With the 1-0 win, VJC won their group and will now meet the runner-up of Group Y in the semi-finals.

VJC’s Ruiyin holding off a NJC defender. (Photo 2 © Marvin Lowe/Red Sports)

Players from both sides jostling for position in the D-ring while they await the cross. (Photo 3 © Marvin Lowe/Red Sports)

A VJC player takes a shot from the top of the D-ring. (Photo 4 © Marvin Lowe/Red Sports)

A VJC player running with the ball with a NJC defender in close pursuit. (Photo 5 © Marvin Lowe/Red Sports)

A VJC player running in trying to take a shot. (Photo 6 © Marvin Lowe/Red Sports)

VJC’s Weizhen (#2, VJC) bamboozles the NJC defender with a nifty flick and quick turn. (Photo 7 © Marvin Lowe/Red Sports)

VJC’s Weizhen grimaces as she absorbs the shock from blocking the clearance. (Photo 8 © Marvin Lowe/Red Sports)

A VJC player puts her stick in to challenge for the ball. (Photo 9 © Marvin Lowe/Red Sports)

A VJC player trying to find an umarked team mate for a shot at the unguarded goal. (Photo 10 © Marvin Lowe/Red Sports)

VJC’s Weizhen prepares to intercept the ball from the NJC player. (Photo 11 © Marvin Lowe/Red Sports)

A VJC player raises her hand to appeal for a foul amidst the crowd of NJC players. (Photo 12 © Marvin Lowe/Red Sports)

Ed’s note: If you recognise yourself or your teammates in any of the photos, feel free to leave the names behind in the comments section and we will update accordingly. Thanks!