Contributed by reader Jolyn Ang

VJC vs RI Football

The tournament’s leading goal scorer, Rachel, puts one past RJC’s keeper. (Photo 1 © Jolyn Ang)

Jalan Besar Stadium, Wednesday, May 14, 2009 – In the much-anticipated semi-final of the 2009 A Division Girls’ Football Championship, Victoria Junior College (VJC) came from a goal down to register a 10-1 victory over Raffles Institution. With the massive win, they qualified for the final against St. Andrew’s Junior College.

This victory was a repeat of last year’s semi-final, when VJC beat RI 3-0 at St. Wilfred’s Stadium on their way to the title.

Both teams had an impressive track record during the group stages, with the defending champions grabbing maximum points without conceding a single goal and Raffles winning their games save for the narrow 0-1 loss to last year’s runners-up, SAJC.

Both teams got off to a nervous start, but it was RI who regained their composure first, when the VJC defence committed a grave communication error in the first few minutes. RI were able to capitalise on their mistake to give themselves a shock one-goal lead.

The RI crowd erupted in cheers as VJC supporters, and the players themselves were stunned into silence. Nonetheless, VJC got their act together to equalise less than five minutes later.

Thereafter, all previous expectations of a close game were soon dispelled as VJC applied sufficient pressure and extended their lead. RI’s fast attacking strategy was negated by VJC’s determined midfield, who were able to retain much of the possession and provide opportunities for its lethal strike force.

By half-time, VJC more or less had the game sealed up, and the second half proved to be a continuation of the first as VJC racked up the goals, proving their intent to be the first team to win two consecutive titles with a jaw-dropping semi-final scoreline of 10-1.

VJC will now meet SAJC in the third consecutive Victorian-Saints girls’ football final on Friday, 22nd May. SAJC survived a resilient Meridian team who were able to hold them to a 0-0 draw, sending both teams into the penalties in which the Saints came out on top 4-3.

VJC vs RI Football

Set pieces were always a nervous affair, with VJC converting quite a few corners in the game. (Photo 2 © Jolyn Ang)

VJC vs RI Football

Bethany, pictured here having dribbled past a Rafflesian defender, was a constant threat throughout the game. (Photo 3 © Jolyn Ang)

VJC vs RI Football

Xinyi of VJC puts the ball through her opponent’s legs. (Photo 4 © Jolyn Ang)

VJC vs RI Football

The Victorians singing their college anthem with pride in front of their supporters. (Photo 5 © Jolyn Ang)