Raffles Institution hockey boys reclaim A Div title amid penalty controversy
SINGAPORE – With the score finely poised at 2-2, both Raffles Institution (RI) and defending champions Victoria Junior College (VJC) knew only too well that there was little margin for error.
The National School Games A Division boys' hockey title hung in the balance and any mistake in the May 22 final at Sengkang Hockey Stadium , no matter how small, would be punished.
With 10 minutes remaining in the final quarter, the balance was tilted in favour of RI, who were awarded a penalty after a foul inside the shooting circle. Facing off against goalkeeper Jovan Teo in the VJC net, RI's Jaydon Poh stepped up and stroked the ball home to make it 3-2.
It proved to be the winning goal, as RI reclaimed the title they lost to the same opponents in 2024.
Speaking after the game, Jaydon said penalties were something he had been working on tirelessly.
'Usually during breaks (in training), I would just put the ball at the penalty spot and practise a few strokes against the 'keeper. I think such training paid off. (Today) I scored a crucial goal,' said the 17-year-old.
RI's Jaydon Poh (right, in black) scored a crucial penalty that turned out to be the winning goal.
ST PHOTO: ARIFFIN JAMAR
He added: 'In the second half, VJC was on the ball more. They had more chances. So to score that goal really calmed the pressure down.'
The penalty was given against the run of play, much to the frustration of those in the VJC dugout, who thought the decision was a controversial one.
'Our player got the ball first, very clearly,' said VJC coach Nordin Manaff . 'Then his momentum went into the defender and they clashed, but we have to respect the umpire's decision.'
Despite the contentious circumstances, he was glad to be a part of a highly entertaining game after missing last year's final as he was overseas with the national women's indoor hockey team.
'I have not seen this kind of intensity in 10 years. Both teams played very well. I thought our players played better in the second half, just that we couldn't get the goal,' said the 58-year-old.
Both RI and VJC played out an entertaining final.
ST PHOTO: ARIFFIN JAMAR
RI opened the scoring just four minutes into the game when Noor Adli Raimi stretched to stroke the ball into the goal and give his team an early lead.
'I thought it was a far effort, back stick. But then I suddenly heard everyone scream and that's when I realised I scored, and I was over the moon after that,' said Adli, 18.
RI were pegged back when VJC's Pradeeban Krishnamoorthi latched onto a deflected through ball and smashed the ball beyond goalkeeper Sarthak Basak for the equaliser.
But RI regained their lead before halftime, with Ajay Shanmugam lashing the ball into the net following a penalty corner in the 22nd minute.
VJC restored parity with a goal from a penalty corner of their own. Their relentless second-half pressure was rewarded as Maheswar Chandramohan made it 2-2 before Jaydon's penalty nudged RI into the lead for the third and final time.
'I'm very proud of the team. Everyone gave their all. We fought for the past two years together, some of us for the past six, really,' said RI vice-captain Raynard Lim , 18.
'Most of the time they (VJC) end up being our toughest opponents and we face our toughest difficulties against (them). We always somehow inevitably meet, so winning this one really made us proud,' he added, acknowledging the fierce rivalry between the two schools in this competition.
VJC captain Joven Woo n shared the same sentiments. 'It's always back and forth. They win one year, we win one year,' said the 18-year-old.
VJC's Joven Woon (far left) fighting for the ball against RI's Ethan Wong.
ST PHOTO: ARIFFIN JAMAR
'They were hungry to win following their defeat last year, and I think they were the better team today. (But) I'm proud of my team for pushing so hard to try and get a result that we wanted.'
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