Story and pictures contributed by reader Jolyn Ang

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A wonderful run by RJC’s #46 left HCI’s defenders stranded as she calmly slotted the ball past HCI’s keeper. (Photo © Jolyn Ang)

VJC, Saturday, April 26, 2008 – Raffles Junior College beat Hwa Chong institution 1-0 to put paid to the latter’s hopes of qualifying for the semi-finals of the A Division Girls’ Football Championship.

Both RJC and HCI entered the game with the knowledge that the winner could make it to the semi-finals. The game was hard-fought one with most of the play fought out in midfield where the scramble for possession saw no winner. Thus it did not come as a surprise that the two teams ended the first half in a 0-0 deadlock.

The close battle carried on in the second half, with RJC piling the pressure on HCI till a foul by an HCI defender on the RJC captain left the referee no choice but to point to the penalty spot. To HCI’s relief, the RJC captain missed, the ball rebounding off the right post, and it seemed that the tide was turning in HCI’s favour.

Alas, it was not to be. A wonderful run by RJC’s #46 left HCI’s defenders stranded as she calmly slotted the ball past HCI’s keeper. RJC had taken the lead with not more than 15 minutes left in the second half. To HCI’s credit, they refused to give up and pushed forward with hopes of an equalizer.

Nonetheless, it was pure frustration for the HCI players. In fact, HCI’s desperate offensives left holes in their defence and RJC came close to putting the game beyond doubt. HCI’s hopes of qualifying for the semi-finals for the first time in their history were dashed when the final whistle blew. RJC’s win took them to the top of the table on goal difference.

Mathematically, the fight for qualification is now a three-way race between RJC, SAJC and SRJC. As the matches between RJC and SRJC, and RJC-SAJC are yet to be played, it looks to be an exciting finish for Group A of the first ever season of the National A Division Girls Football Championship.

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An RJC player makes an illegal tackle on an HCI player and sees yellow. (Photo 2 © Jolyn Ang)
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RJC just manages to hold on for a slim victory. (Photo 3 © Jolyn Ang)
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RJC’s captain Germaine Yap was a key player in the game, dictating most of RJC’s play in the midfield. (Photo 4 © Jolyn Ang)
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RJC players celebrate as the referee signals the end of the game. (Photo 5 © Jolyn Ang)
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HCI can take comfort in a brave display despite the loss. (Photo 6 © Jolyn Ang)