By Marvin Lowe/Red Sports

Hockey Semi VS JWSS

Amos Law of VS celebrates after scoring the winning penalty. (Photo 1 © Marvin Lowe/Red Sports)

Seng Kang Stadium. Friday, April 1, 2011 — Having endured a penalty shoot out two years ago in the C Division semi-final, it was a deja vu for Victoria School and Jurong West Secondary after extra time ended in 0-0.

It was the same result again with Victoria School booking their spot in the National B Division boys’ Hockey final after they beat Jurong West 4-2 in a thrilling penalty shootout.

Both teams have met on several occasions over the past few years and the outcome has always been the same — a draw. The odds for a draw in this match up was therefore high and true to form, both teams ground out a stalemate in regulation time.

The game started with a lively tempo, with both teams playing a smooth passing game. Jurong West dominated the midfield in the early stages but failed to make headway into the final third.

The first real scoring opportunity fell to VS against the run of play. A quick counter attacking move saw them penetrate the penalty area but poor finishing let them down.

Jurong West then earned a short corner but also failed to convert their scoring opportunity, and both teams went into the break scoreless.

The second half was a similarly staid affair. Both teams failed to gain any significant breakthroughs despite the many chances they both had.

The mandatory 10 minutes of extra time was played out with no consequence and both teams headed into the penalty shoot out after a scoreless draw.

After the first round of penalty flicks, both team were tied at 1-1. The crucial turning point was the second round of flicks. The second penalty taker from VS failed to score after a brilliant glove side save from the Jurong West Keeper.

However, Jurong West failed to capitalize on this chance when their second penalty taker dragged his shot wide. Jurong West also failed to score from their third penalty after a save from the VS keeper. VS would go on to score all remaining penalties to emerge 4-2 victors from the shootout.

VS will now play Teck Whye Secondary in the final on April 7th at the Sengkang Stadium. Game time is 4.30pm.

National B Division Boys’ Hockey Championship — Full fixtures and results

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