Raffles Institution (Junior College) retained the boys' title by trouncing Victoria Junior College (VJC) 4-0.

But the girls from Victoria JC lifted the gloom with their 2-0 victory over St Andrew's Junior College (SAJC).

The RI(JC) boys took a one-goal lead at half-time, but were far from convincing. Their defence also looked vulnerable.

Ned Theu, the RI(JC) boys' captain, said: 'We had a very tough first half. The defence was a little relaxed.

'Somehow, things just didn't go according to plan.'

A pep talk from the coach and teachers-in-charge, however, was enough to send the Rafflesians charging back in the second half.

They went on to score three goals in a span of five minutes.

'We defended more, fought harder and put more pressure on our opponents,' said Ned, 17.

Compared to a Victorian side comprising mostly rookies, the Rafflesians could be considered as veterans because they had played the sport in secondary school. Still, RI(JC) remained cautious about their chances.

Said teacher-in-charge Gopi Retnam: 'No matter what, winning is never a guaranteed thing.'

The Victorian girls also faced uncertainty this year as they lost several key players to injuries.

Said their coach Harun Al Rashid: 'We had to make many changes in the way we trained and competed.

'I moved some of the players around from their usual positions, and they adapted very well.'

Their teammates' injuries also made them more determined to win.

Said captain Tan Si Jing: 'We can't afford to be complacent even though we've won the competition for the past few years. Especially this year, when several teammates got injured.'

Yesterday's result also meant the VJC girls kept a clean sheet throughout the tournament.

Goalkeeper Denise Ann Yeoh said: 'A lot of people have said that our defence isn't very strong, but we've improved a lot. The defenders also played very well.'

It was disappointment yet again for the Saints, who failed to get past the Victorians for the fourth consecutive year.

SAJC coach Gerard Danker, a former Singapore international, said: 'The team took it a little hard when they let in a goal after about five minutes.

'One thing they have to work on is how to handle the immense pressure in a final. I'm sure we will be back in the final again next year,.

'Until then, it's back to the drawing board.'

maychen@sph.com.sg