St Andrew’s Junior College edge out Raffles JC in girls’ A Division football

Story and pictures by Tan Huey Ying.

RJC’s Serene Koh (left) clashes with her SAJC opponent in a tussle for ball possession. (Photo 1 © Tan Huey Ying)

Kovan Field, Wednesday, April 30, 2006 – Defending champions St Andrew’s Junior College beat Raffles Junior College 3-2 in a dramatic girls’ A Division Football Championship game.

The Saints, playing a relentless attacking game, were the first to score in the 18th minute and then again in the 43rd minute from a penalty kick to lead 2-0 at half-time with both goals scored by Maria Rowe. Early in the second half, Maria scored yet again to make it 3-0.

However, RJC were not giving up that easily. They regrouped after their ineffective attempts in the first half and came back onto the field with renewed vigour. Fuelled by cheers from the RJC supporters, they dug in their heels, defended excellently, then counter-attacked and eventually scored in the 57th and 63rd minute.

Their captain continually pushed on her teammates with frequent shouts of encouragement. She set an example for her team by chasing down every loose ball from the attacking Saints and she was a key motivator in both defence and attack. The Saints seemed to be lacking in their last line of defence. RJC struggled to get the ball past midfield, but once in the penalty box, things seemed comparatively easy for them. However, they could score the equalising goal.

The win proved somewhat costly for the Saints in terms of injuries. Towards the end of the first half, SA’s #20 fainted and caused much unrest in the Saints’ camp and had to be carried off the field and was eventually substituted. In the second half, Maria Rowe of SAJC also bowed out of the game after her hattrick due to an injury.

St. Andrew’s striker Maria Rowe (#10) goes on the attack while RJC’s Yingshi keeps up. Maria scored a hattrick and her team’s relentless attacks gave them victory over RJC. (Photo 2 © Tan Huey Ying)

A St. Andrew’s player tries to dribble past the RJC defender and captain Germaine Yap. (Photo 3 © Tan Huey Ying)

Germaine Yap of RJC (white) fights for possession with her SAJC opponent. (Photo 4 © Tan Huey Ying)

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