Seng Kang trump Jurong West to claim boys’ B Division hockey title

By Marvin Lowe

Delta Sports Complex, Tuesday, March 24, 2009 – Seng Kang Secondary emerged as the B Division Hockey Champions after defeating Jurong West Secondary School 3-0 in an action-filled final.

Seng Kang sealed the deal after they scored two early goals in the first half before adding one more in the later stages of the game. Key to their victory was their Libero sweeper, Azahari, who grabbed a brace from short corners.

The game started with at a high intensity with players from both sides tackling hard and committing themselves fully to getting the ball. Seng Kang were awarded a short corner early in the first half, after their players managed to penetrate into the the Jurong West penalty area and earned a foul there. From this very short corner, the Seng Kang team showed off their well-oiled routine. A quick pass, neat set up and a powerful drag flick from Azahari sent the ball flying straight into goal.

A single goal so early helped the Seng Kang players settle in and they became more confident with the one-goal cushion. For the Jurong West team, they had lots of time to make up for lost ground and became more determined in their attack.

Five minutes after the first goal was scored, Jurong West were caught on the break as they were pushing forward. Seng Kang’s tall and lanky forward received the ball and made his way past the Jurong West’s defense. At the edge of the penalty area, he dropped his shoulders, made a turn and went around his marker before unleashing a powerful shot for the second goal to send the Seng Kang supporters into pandemonium.

Going into the break down by two goals was a nightmare for Jurong West and they now had an uphill task on their hands.

The second half saw Jurong West trying their best to play catch up. They pushed forward in search for goals and yet had to be on the alert against any sudden breaks or counter attacks. It wasn’t long before they were awarded a short corner of their own. This first chance was wasted and the Seng Kang defense snuffed out any threat quickly.

However, Jurong West did not give up and kept pressing. They were soon awarded another short corner. This time, the set up was perfect. The ball was teed up for a sting shot but the Seng Kang goalkeeper was in the way and the ball rapped his leg pads. A Jurong West player pounced on the rebound to fire in another shot from close range. It was almost a certain goal but wonderful reflexes from the Seng Kang goalkeeper saw him turn the ball over the top of the goal.

Five minutes before the end, Seng Kang earned yet another short corner. The Seng Kang team put on an excellent display on set plays yet again and Azahari came up for yet another drag flick to score his second goal and to seal the fate of Jurong West. With that final goal, Seng Kang emerged as champions through their strength in their short corner set pieces.