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.

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. Then his momentum went into the defender and they clashed, but we have to respect the umpire’s decision,” said VJC coach Nordin Manaff.

Despite the contentious circumstances, he was glad to be