Story and pictures contributed by reader Marvin Lowe

A VJC player attempts to reverse flick the ball past the ACJC goalkeeper. (Photo 1 © Marvin Lowe/Red Sports)

CCAB, Tuesday, May 6, 2008 – Victoria Junior College steamrolled Anglo-Chinese Junior College 4-1 in an opening second round game of the National Girls’ A Division Hockey Championship. Both teams finished top of their respective groups but VJC were the favorites, having triumphed over ACJC in last year’s competition.

VJC started the game with much aplomb and confidence. Fluid passing between the VJC players left ACJC trying hard to keep up with the pace of play. The VJC wingers made many swift runs down the flanks, sending in crosses at a deadly pace. They were soon rewarded with a penalty corner which they duly converted for their first goal. The ACJC defense failed to clear their lines and that resulted in them conceding the early goal.

VJC continued to keep up the pressure and they managed to add a second goal not long after the restart. The game seemed to be out of ACJC hands after this second goal but they did not give up. In a counter-attack, ACJC managed to penetrate the VJC defensive line and scored a goal against the run of play. Both teams went in to break with VJC leading 2-1 and ACJC still had half a chance to claw their way back into the game.

When the second half started, ACJC were still in the game and they showed good fighting spirit. But VJC then showed their prowess in set plays when they scored again from a cleverly-worked penalty corner. Drawing the defense to the ball, it left the VJC forward all open and she only had to tap in from close range for the third goal. With the third goal, ACJC’s will was somewhat broken.

Another lapse in defense saw a through pass slice through to the VJC’s forward for a one-on-one situation with the keeper and the VJC forward coolly slotted the ball past the goalkeeper to finish the game off 4-1. With this victory, VJC take one step closer to the semi-finals and look likely to qualify for it.

Both ACJC and VJC players fighting for control of the ball. (Photo 2 © Marvin Lowe/Red Sports)

VJC’s #2, a winger, running down the flank at pace. (Photo 3 © Marvin Lowe/Red Sports)

Both ACJC and VJC players tussling for a loose ball. (Photo 4 © Marvin Lowe/Red Sports)

The VJC forward attempting a shot with the goalkeeper out of place. The ACJC defender cleared the shot off the line. (Photo 5 © Marvin Lowe/Red Sports)

An ACJC player attempting a tackle as the VJC player dribbles past. (Photo 6 © Marvin Lowe/Red Sports)

Two ACJC player closing down on the VJC attacker. (Photo 7 © Marvin Lowe/Red Sports)

A VJC player dribbling past her AC defender. (Photo 8 © Marvin Lowe/Red Sports)

The VJC forward celebrating after scoring the fourth goal. (Photo 9 © Marvin Lowe/Red Sports)

A VJC player charging forward while a ACJC defender tries to intercept. (Photo 10 © Marvin Lowe/Red Sports)

A VJC player grimacing after being tackled by ACJC’s #8. (Photo 11 © Marvin Lowe/Red Sports)

A VJC player skipping past the tackle from an ACJC player. (Photo 12 © Marvin Lowe/Red Sports)

VJC’s #2 attempting a shot while ACJC’s #8 puts her stick down to block. (Photo 13 © Marvin Lowe/Red Sports)