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Straits Times
27-05-2025
- Sport
- Straits Times
Lya Chua battles cramp to help Hwa Chong claim fourth straight A Div volleyball title
Lya Chua of Hwa Chong Institution continued to play on despite having cramp in both her legs. ST PHOTO: KEVIN LIM SINGAPORE – Leading 2-1, Hwa Chong Institution were under the cosh after squandering a seven-point lead in the fourth game in their bid to win a fourth straight National School Games A Division girls' volleyball title on May 27. That was when regular libero, Lya Chua, suffered cramp, forcing her to be substituted, as the momentum swung the way of their final opponents Nanyang Junior College. With the match finely balanced, Lya decided to brave the pain and return to the court. The vocal presence of the 17-year-old proved to be the tonic her team needed as the gruelling game went to deuce before Hwa Chong prevailed 3-1 (25-22, 25-22, 23-25, 30-28) at Our Tampines Hub. 'I got cramp in both my legs. But I wanted to do my part and I felt that my role at that point was on the court with my teammates, so that's why I decided to push through,' said Lya, who admitted she would have played a fifth set despite the cramp. Hwa Chong Institution's Chrystel Lim (in red, 11) and Elizabeth Chia (12) blocking a spike by Melanie Yong (in black, 3) of Nanyang Junior College. ST PHOTO: KEVIN LIM Captai n Elizabeth Chia , 18, added: 'It feels very exhilarating (to win) because Hwa Chong volleyball is really like a family and I feel very grateful and proud to be able to play and win for this team.' Nanyang captain Loo Yu Wen was satisfied despite the defeat, after leading the team to their first final since 2019 . 'We've had quite a few injuries this year but for every set, we always pushed until the end and I'm just glad the team tried their best,' said the 18-year-old. While the Nanyang girls were disappointed, their boys took revenge by beating Hwa Chong 3-0 ( 25-18, 25-22, 25-23 ) in the final for their third A Div title in a row. Nanyang Junior College captain Renfred Eng (second from right) holding the trophy aloft. ST PHOTO: KEVIN LIM Nanyang boys' captain Renfred Eng, 18, said: 'I'm very proud of this team because they have been so adaptable. I've played open spiker for basically my whole volleyball career but this year, coach decided to put me as a setter because he wanted me to help with the blocking. 'Our (usual) setters are not very tall. We wanted to make use of my height to block and I think it worked out because no one could stop us.' Rehan Fernando, another standout player, attributed his explosive jumps to the intensive gym training. 'Before training, we will always go for an hour or hour-and-half sessions,' said the 19-year-old. Rehan Tharusha Fernando was one of his team's best players in the final. ST PHOTO: KEVIN LIM Hwa Chong captain Sean Yu, 17, was content despite the result. 'I think we really played as a team. Even when we're down, we help each other and lift each other up. Hopefully, this (experience) will make the (future batches) more hungry for the elusive title.' Eunoia Junior College (EJC) beat Dunman High School 3-1 in the girls' third-place play-off while Victoria Junior College beat EJC by the same score for the boys' bronze. Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Straits Times
23-05-2025
- Sport
- Straits Times
Hwa Chong regain girls' A Div basketball title; ACJC complete three-peat for boys
Eunoia Junior College's Gweneth Low (left) attempting to block a layup by Hwa Chong Institution's Eda Kong (right) in the National School Games A Div Girls' basketball final at Jurong East Sports Hall on May 23, 2025. ST PHOTO: KEVIN LIM SINGAPORE – A strong defence was the key as Hwa Chong Institution's girls' basketball team regained their National School Games A Division title by defeating Eunoia Junior College 53-36 at Jurong East Sport Hall on May 23. In the process, Hwa Chong, who had lost 57-44 to Nanyang Junior College in the 2024 final, also claimed a record-extending 14th title. When asked what was the key factor behind their success, Hwa Chong coach Neo Beng Siang replied: 'Defence, always emphasise on defence. We needed to match our opponents' intensity and play good defence. 'I need to thank all the players for their effort and intensity and, of course, our opponents and their never-give-up mentality to keep fighting, although they were down by 20.' His captain, point guard Madelin Lock, who scored a game-high 18 points, said: 'I felt that the team was really nervous at first, but our fighting spirit and our team camaraderie allowed us to push through, even though we were missing our shots. 'We fought for everything, and for me personally, they (the team) really lifted me up and they kept encouraging me.' Hwa Chong Institution's Madelin Lock sinking a free throw in the National School Games A Div Girls' basketball final at Jurong East Sports Hall on May 23. ST PHOTO: KEVIN LIM Both teams got off to a scrappy start and it took two minutes before Hwa Chong opened the scoring via a free throw from Julia Sim. But they soon got into their stride and held a commanding 18-6 lead heading into the second period. Eunoia coach Allen Lee said: 'We didn't play according to our game plan. In the first quarter, Hwa Chong managed to pull ahead and open a lead against us. 'So from then on, it was an uphill battle, but I'm very proud of the girls, because we never gave up.' Hwa Chong further extended their advantage in the second and third quarters, leading 31-15 and 48-25 respectively. Eunoia fought back in the final quarter, outscoring Hwa Chong 11-5, but it was not enough to overturn a 23-point deficit. Eunoia captain and power forward Allysa Lidya Bintang said: 'In this final, we had really a lot of hope to win. 'Throughout the game, our level of fight was really there, but unfortunately, we didn't get the result we wanted, but it's okay, I'm really, really proud of my team, because they really fought all the way until the end.' Anglo-Chinese Junior College captain Eshan Kaul holding the trophy aloft as his teammates celebrate their win over Raffles Institution in the National School Games A Div boys' basketball final at Jurong East Sports Hall on May 23. ST PHOTO: KEVIN LIM In the A Division boys' final, Anglo-Chinese Junior College (ACJC) overcame a slow start to beat Raffles Institution (RI) 64-57 and claim their third consecutive title. RI flew out of the blocks and quickly gained a 10-5 lead over the defending champions. But ACJC eased into the game and finished the first quarter 15-14 up. 'I think we came out of the gate with a very strong belief that we could have done it,' said RI captain Ignatius Lau, a shooting guard. 'That was probably the best start we could have asked for. We knew that they were going to hit us back. But I feel like my team has responded really well, we still kept in the game and made sure that we gave them a good fight.' RI coach Kua Hiong Yong added: 'To reach this final and then post such a big fight to the team that has two consecutive championships... I think they have done whatever they can, so I'm very proud of my boys today.' Raffles Institution's S Adityah (in white) attempting to block a reverse lay-up by Anglo-Chinese Junior College's captain Eshan Kaul (in dark blue) in the National School Games A Div Boys' basketball final at Jurong East Sports Hall on May 23. ST PHOTO: KEVIN LIM ACJC then turned up the heat in the second quarter, going into the half 32-23 up, before maintaining their lead despite RI outscoring them 15-14 and 19-18 in the third and fourth quarters respectively. ACJC coach Lee Boon Hian, who was very animated throughout, shouting instructions from the sidelines, said he believes this helped 'the players to push further, because I think they were kind of lost'. He added: 'Being vocal will lead them to the championship.' His captain, power forward Eshan Kaul added: ' Our coach is always like that. That's his way of encouraging us and motivating us. And through training he's like this, and it's a lot of pressure, but it trains us for this moment exactly, so that when the time gets tough, we can execute his plan. 'The feeling is great, we train super hard and have had a lot of problems, but to come back and win it, it's an incredible feeling.' Melvyn Teoh is a sports journalist at The Straits Times. Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Straits Times
21-05-2025
- Sport
- Straits Times
Strikes from distance the key to 11th straight A Div girls' football title for VJC
SINGAPORE – Scoring a whopping 40 goals and conceding none across six preliminary-round matches, Victoria Junior College (VJC) had only one objective heading into the National School Games A Division girls' football final. Win, and make it 11 titles in a row . And they did exactly that, defeating their opponents Hwa Chong Institution 4-0 at the Jalan Besar Stadium on May 21. The commanding scoreline did not paint the full picture, however. While VJC unsurprisingly dominated possession early on, they found it difficult to create any clear-cut chances, such was the dogged nature of Hwa Chong's strategy, which was to 'soak up pressure and hit them on the counter-attack', according to coach and teacher-in-charge Patrick David. But it was swiftly undone in the 12th minute. After finding herself in space on the edge of the penalty area, VJC midfielder Ruby Tjipto curled the ball into the top corner of the Hwa Chong net to open the scoring. 'If the thing (defence) holds, then you can frustrate. But (the first goal) forced them to come out of their shape,' said David, 59. 'That's what happens sometimes. So I went for a more aggressive (approach), but we still could not break through.' Going into the break, both teams knew a lot more was required in the remaining 40 minutes, and it was VJC who stepped up, showing just why they are serial winners in this competition. Following some scrappy defending after a VJC corner, Thanya Kathiravan popped up outside the box to stroke the ball past Caryl Chong for their second goal just five minutes after the restart . Ecstatic, the 17-year-old ran in the direction of the VJC supporters. 'Like one of my teammates said, I'm not just playing for myself. I'm playing for my teammates, for everyone who's behind me and supporting me. So I think my goal was more for them than it was for me,' said Thanya after notching her eighth goal of the campaign. VJC's Thanya Kathiravan (right) tussling with HCI's Amy Tan (left) for the ball. ST PHOTO: GIN TAY When asked how she managed to get the shot off in a crowded area, she said: 'Coach always says, 'If you see an opportunity, just go for it'. I saw the space there, so that's what I did.' The third goal came shortly afterwards in the 53rd minute . A Hwa Chong clearance saw the ball roll into the path of VJC's Tia Foong , who let fly first time, arrowing her shot into the bottom corner. Tia, 17, who is also the team's vice-captain, was glad her goal marked an improved second-half performance, saying: 'It feels so exhilarating to be able to put my teammates' efforts into the goal. 'I think after the team talk, it gave us more motivation to continue fighting on. I wanted to give my everything for my final game and put my team firmly in the lead.' With seconds left, they made it 4-0 as VJC captain Charity Satchy dribbled half the length of the pitch before sending a cross for substitute Ayra Azman Ta n to tap into the net moments before the final whistle. VJC captain Charity Satchy (left) crossing the ball past HCI's Lee En Xian (left). ST PHOTO: GIN TAY 'When the last goal went in, we were all in the centre (of the pitch) already. So when the whistle blew, we just all fell on each other. A lot of them were quite emotional and sentimental also because it's their last game,' said Charity, 18. 'I never expected that I'll be able to lead this team. It feels like a fever dream. I'm so proud of them because they work really hard, like (training) four times a week. 'It's not easy, honestly, but I think everyone was very driven and played their best today.' VJC players celebrating after the final whistle was blown. ST PHOTO: GIN TAY Despite the result, Hwa Chong captain Clarice Lim had no hard feelings. 'I think we came here for one goal, which was to enjoy and celebrate our successes and victories from the past year. I think this team of 23 did their best and we all fought till the very last minute,' she said. Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Straits Times
08-05-2025
- Sport
- Straits Times
Hwa Chong navigate major injury blow to win back-to-back A Div girls' badminton titles
SINGAPORE – When Joelle Chee injured herself in training before the National School Games A Division girls' badminton semi-finals on May 6, a sense of dismay swept through Hwa Chong Institution (HCI). The school's hopes of retaining their title suddenly appeared in peril, given her status as a national team player who had won the BWF Iberdrola Spanish Junior Open in March. The 18-year-old recalled: 'I did a jump smash and when I pushed off (the ground), I tore my heel muscle. I'll be in a cast for one to two months.' Despite the setback, Hwa Chong rallied and went on to beat Nanyang Junior College 5-0 in the semi-finals. And on May 8, her teammates again rose to the occasion by defeating Eunoia Junior College (EJC) 3-2 in the final at Choa Chu Kang Sports Centre to seal back-to-back titles. Sonia Pho got Hwa Chong off to a bright start, beating Chloe Jng 22-20, 21-17 before the pair of Li Zheng Yan and Qiu Yuxi defeated Eleanor Chan and Nikita Pratap 21-13, 24-22 to extend their lead. However, EJC narrowed the deficit through second singles Amanda Boh, who downed Chang Hui Nee 21-8, 21-17 to up the stakes. And in the second doubles match, EJC were on a roll, as Elisabeth Kam and Louanne Tan took the opening set against Khloe Lim and Michelle Zan. But national player Michelle raised her game in timely fashion to carve out a 19-21, 21-13, 21-16 comeback victory and help Hwa Chong retain their maiden title from 2024. Michelle Zan (left) and Khloe Lim (right) celebrating after winning their second doubles match. ST PHOTO: TARYN NG Michelle, 18, knew she had to step up after they lost the first set. 'They (EJC) were basically just hitting to my partner so I had to take the initiative, and use my experience from the national team to guide my partner, who is one year younger,' she said. Captain Yuxi, 18, was very proud to lead Hwa Chong to their second title in as many years. 'Our team is full of very strong players. Although our line-up wasn't the best today, we still pulled through.' Joelle, who watched her team from the sidelines, added: 'I think they managed to cope very well and I'm very proud of them as they didn't make (my injury) affect them. Even without me, they're still as strong.' Joelle Chee (wearing ankle brace) of Hwa Chong Institution could not be involved in the final but was happy to see her team attain victory. ST PHOTO: TARYN NG In the inconsequential last match, EJC's Jessie Lua overcame Meiya Bayraktar 21-19, 21-16 to narrow the overall score to 3-2 in what was a first A Div girls' final for the school. EJC Vice-captain Elisabeth Kam said: 'I feel that today we definitely exceeded our expectations. Losing 3-2 shows our efforts and that all our extra training and the hard work that we've put in has made us come this far.' 'After our semi-finals, a few of us got minor injuries here and there from overwork,' said Elisabeth, 18, who added that she and partner Louanne were not in 'good condition' but they did not give up. Elisabeth Kam (behind, in blue) admitted fatigue played a factor in their defeat but did not have any regrets over the result. ST PHOTO: TARYN NG Meanwhile, in the A Div boys' decider which took place on the adjacent court, Anglo-Chinese School (Independent) came from 2-0 down to defeat Raffles Institution 3-2 in dramatic fashion, putting an end to their five-year final losing streak against the same opponents. ACS (I) captain Wong Zee Hern, who won the third match to spark the fightback, said: 'I felt that I gave my team a big motivational push to keep fighting for the next two matches.' 'This means a lot to me. This is my last NSG and as captain I feel really happy. We've been getting silver medals for the past five years so I'm really happy to be able to win my first-ever gold medal,' added the 18-year-old. Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
