Story contributed by reader Asyraf. Additional photos by Calvin Kurniawan.

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A victorious MJC. (Photo 1 © Asyraf)

Jalan Besar Stadium, Wednesday, May 21, 2008 – In an highly-anticipated match between two giants, Meridian Junior College managed to clinch their second A Division Football Championship title after beating arch-rivals Victoria Junior College 2-1.

On a hot and bright sunny afternoon, the boys battled furiously against one another, a sign of the rivalry between the two schools. The stadium, which was filled with a capacity crowd of 4000 on match day itself, could clearly be seen divided between a sea of blue and yellow, each horde singing cheers for their beloved team.

Meridian JC shot off to an early lead in the second minute through winger Mahdi Mohamed Ali. The VJC keeper was tested on numerous occasions as MJC kept delivering high balls into the VJC camp.

Not to be outdone, the Victorians came back when Nicholas Kang sent in a teasing cross which evaded a host of onlooking players, only for Chester Lum to fire in a half-volley to equalise. MJC’s custodian, Edmund Wong, got a hand to it but sadly, Chester’s shot was too powerful to be tipped over.

Then came the last goal of the game six minute after the equaliser. Spotting Mahdi dribbling the ball down the left flank while turning his counterpart, Umesh of VJC, inside out, Muhammad Hyder made the run of his life into the box to meet Mahdi’s dangerous cross. Hyder firmly planted the ball into the back of the net to make it 2-1 in favour of MJC, much to the dismay of the VJC backline and goalie. That was enough to send the blue camp into an ecstatic state, as most of them were on their feet hitting their blue and white clappers besides shouting cheers to celebrate the goal. The score remained 2-1 at half time as both team retreated into their respective rooms for a pep-talk.

However, the second half proved to be more exciting as compared to the first, where VJC had much of the possession but couldn’t convert their chances. VJC had more possession as they charged forward on numerous occasions after stroking the ball around from defence and midfield. On the other hand, MJC’s soak and strike tactic could be seen as being quite successful as they led a number of counter
attacks against the VJC defense. On one occasion, MJC’s Daniel Guo (#9), had time to do a couple of stepovers, beating his opponent before unleashing a shot at the VJC goal. His shot managed to get past the VJC keeper but unfortunately for him, he was denied by the woodwork.

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“Feel the Meridian might.” (Photo 2 © Hilmaniaty)
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Shaking hands before the match. (Photo 3 © Asyraf)
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With their hand over their hearts, the VJC boys proudly sing their school song. (Photo 4 © Asyraf)
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A VJC player approaches the ball. (Photo 5 © Calvin Kurniawan)
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Both players jostling to gain possession of the ball. (Photo 6 © Calvin Kurniawan)
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A MJC player tries to steal the ball away from his VJC opponent. (Photo 7 © Calvin Kurniawan)
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A VJC player fending off his MJC opponent. (Photo 8 © Calvin Kurniawan)
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A VJC player dribbling the ball amidst some harassment from his MJC opponent. (Photo 9 © Calvin Kurniawan)

Check out the other report on the final.

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