Defeated by Man and Nature

JANUARY 11 2009
- TAN THIAM PENG

Football is a game played by 22 men. Usually the numbers are split equally; today you could almost say it was 10 against 12.

One of the most improved sports this Inter-Hall season for Hall 4, the soccer team has been knocked out in the quarterfinals by the talented Hall 12.

The team deserves much credit, undone only by another golden goal, after clawing back from two goals down.

Of course, we didn’t play with only 10 men. But you could almost say that. Not once but twice in the match, Hall 4 only had 10 players on the field against the opposition. First, when we kicked off without Jayden, who arrived late, then into extra-time, when Jevon was away due to a call of nature.

In his absence the 10 men could not hold back Hall 12’s onslaught, resulting in their captain unleashing a superb left-footed strike from just outside the box.

We were not looking forward to this match. Lying in wait was a strong team who won their group, including beating Hall 6. We had also tasted defeat against them in a friendly.

Captain James tinkered with the formation for a more conservative midfield, shifting Jayden to the wing and positioning centre-back Colin as anchorman. His instructions were also simple – to attack down the left, linking up Colin, Jayden and striker Zhongliang.

But as expected, after a nervy start for the favourites, they settled into the game and dominated proceedings. Hall 4 could only play with half chances.

Before the break Hall 12 was already 2-0 up, courtesy of a header off a cross and a goal resulting from miscommunication by our goalkeeper Vinson.

On the sidelines, both benches looked like they already knew the outcome of the match. However, the Hall 4 team had other ideas.

Just before the break, a typical punt up by Hall 4 put Zhongliang through, and for the third time this season, he finished off the through ball with a left-footed strike to keep us in the game.

That gave us the morale-boost and James tried his best to keep our heads up during the short rest.

It was a difficult second-half. While Hall 12 kept their shape, we were running all over chasing the game. It was a painful sight with many of our players unable to keep up with the opponents. Our lacklustre centre midfield, especially, was being eaten up by theirs.

Hopes for the semi-final were kept alive when Weisheng delivered another trademark long free kick which sailed over everyone into goal, whilst David distracted the opposing keeper.

The referee blew for the end of normal time. Jevon left for the toilet. When he returned, the match was over. In the short period played, Hall 12 delivered the sucker punch.

Did they have 12?

By the end of the match several senior players in the Hall 4 team were furious with the referee and his handling of matters. He was strict and hard-handed, but at times was OTT. He reprimanded players who made excessive noise during the game, and reiterated to leave the calls to him. But when it mattered, he could not make the right calls.

Hall 4 had come very far. The team held much promise with good performances during pre-season. Experience against some of the best hall teams in NTU proved we were up there with them. It might have been a dream to reach the semi-finals, but we fought and lost to a strong team today. I am sure we have earned the respect of many halls this year.

Manager Chunxiang and Yiyong summed up the effort of the team the best: “This was the sport that trained the hardest, with a fair turn-up every time.”

Graduating players Colin and Weisheng believe the team is left in good hands. “With the Year 1s, we have a very good squad and frankly with the players we have we can beat any team.”

Colin asked us to look forward to next year, that we can only get better. “By coming back from goal deficits (0-1 vs Hall 3, 0-1 vs Hall 5, 0-2 vs Hall 12) it already shows we have the fighting spirit.”

Lastly, Weisheng left golden advice for us: “You need to enjoy the game more when you’re on the field, even if it’s serious, then you’ll play better.”

What An Exhilarating Game!

JANUARY 7 2009
- WALTER 

The HALL IV Hockey Girls Team emerged victorious against Hall 12 to progress into the semi-finals this IHG tournament. This follows a tight match where we edged out our opponents 2-0 on penalties after the game ended 0-0 after normal time.

The fervent team of supporters were understandably jubilant after the victory, as this is the first time Hall IV progresses into the semi-finals this IHG season. Indeed, the quarter-final “jinx” that seemed to have befallen upon Hall IV following knock-outs in badminton, sepak takraw, table tennis and volleyball girls was lifted. Hopefully, this is a sign for better things to come in our future matches.

Furthermore, the victory definitely came against the odds, as our players looked relatively unprepared prior to the match kickoff. Even at the eleventh hour, the team was scrambling to find enough players to fill the team, and had to use inexperienced players such as Ai Jia and Angeline Tang to fill up the numbers.

As the game started, team manager Yi Yong stepped up to the mettle and was precise in his tactical instructions to the team, proving instrumental in procuring a tight defence for Hall IV, as the Hall 12 players bombarded our goal with waves of attacks.

Lubin, easily the Player of the Match, contributed to the impregnable fortress that is the Hall 4 goal, as the goalkeeper for the team. Blocking shots after shots, the Hall 12 team became visibly frustrated with their missed chances. This was especially so when one of their shots at goal was judged to be cleared off the line, muting celebrations on their end.

As the players were unable to find the net at both ends of the court by the end of normal time, the match proceeded into penalties. Even then, Lubin managed to maintain her composure to block both shots from the Hall 12 penalty takers, as our players scored their penalties against Hall 12 to secure a place in the semi-finals.

The team will next meet Hall 16 on 21 January 2009 (Wednesday), from 2030 to 2100hrs at the NIE Hockey Pitch.

Table Tennis (18 Dec 08)

DECEMBER 18 2008
- Andy 

Venue: SRC Indoor Court

Team Manager: Pei Yu

1st Match: Hall 4 Vs Hall 12

Aggregate Score: Hall 4(3-0) Hall 12

Men’s Single: Zhou Ke (Hall 4) Vs Chian Haw (Hall 12)
Result: (3:1) Win

Zhou Ke        15 11 10 11 -
Chian Haw   13 5 12 7 -

Woman’s Single: Louisa (Hall 4) Vs Xin Hong (Hall 12)
Result: (3:0) Win

Louisa 11 11 11 - -
Xin Hong 4 3 7 - -

Men’s Doubles: Sahil &; Ankit (Hall 4) Vs Nathanael & Terrence (Hall 12)
Result: (3:0) Win

Sahil & Ankit 11 11 11 - -
Nathanael & Terrence 3 3 9 - -

Women Doubles: (Pei Yu, Li Yen) Na
Mixed Doubles: (Gary, Nellie) Na

On 18 Dec 08, Hall 4 table tennis team faced off with Hall 12. We came into the match brimming with confidence. For the men’s single, it was a rather close match with Zhou Ke (Hall 4) fending off late challenges posed by his determined opponent Chian Haw (Hall12) by hitting some powerful smashes that leave his opponent with no chance to counter.

In the women’s singles, Louisa (Hall 4) was cool and composed throughout the match as she steamrolled her opponent to achieve a decisive victory.

Moving to the men’s doubles, a victory here would mean that the women and mixed doubles matches would be redundant. Sahil & Ankit did not disappoint us by displaying great teamwork and good communication skills with one another to take all 3 sets.

2nd Match: Hall 4 Vs Hall 16

Aggregate Score: Hall 4 (3-2) Hall 16

Mixed Doubles: Gary & Nellie (Hall 4) Vs Foo Suam Woo & Godfrey (Hall 16)
Result: 3:1 (Win)

Gary & Nellie 9 11 11 11 -
Foo & Godfrey 11 8 5 9 -

Men’s Single: Zhou Ke (Hall 4) Vs Zhi Chao (Hall 16)
Result: 0:3 (Lose)

Zhi Chao 11 11 11 - -
Zhou Ke 5 2 4 - -

Woman’s Single: Louisa (Hall 4) Vs Clarissa (Hall 16)
Result: 3:0 (Win)

Louisa 11 11 11 - -
Clarissa 0 2 0 - -

Women Doubles: Pei Yu & Li Yen (Hall 4) Vs Audrey & Yanni (Hall 16)
Result: 3:0 (Win)

Pei Yu & Li Yen 11 11 11 - -
Audrey & Yanni 5 10 2 - -

Men’s Doubles: Sahil & Ankit (Hall 4) Vs Jiwen Bin & Bo Hai Bo (Hall 16)
Result: 0:3 (Lose)

Sahil & Ankit 7 5 7 - -
Jiwen Bin & Bo Hai Bo 11 11 11 - -

For our second match, we faced off against hall 16 which was a rather tricky tie. According to Hall 16 game plan, their make or break match is the mixed doubles, which they must win at all costs in order to win as they have not enough skilled female table tennis players. Therefore the first match mixed doubles started with much fanfare and anticipation. Both sides displayed grit, determination and the desire to win with Hall 16 taking the first set before Hall 4 won two sets back. The last set was all the more exciting with the doubles Woo & Godfrey (Hall 16) racing to a 9-5 lead, before Gary & Nellie(Hall 4) came from behind to win 11-10. Both were equally skilled as they caused their opponents to make forced errors.

In the men’s singles, Zhou Ke (Hall 4) was unfortunate of having to play against Zhi Chao; a former IVP player. Despite Zhou Ke’s valiant attempts, his opponent was simply too strong as he took all 3 sets. In the 3rd match, women’s singles, Louisa faced off with a relatively inexperienced opponent Clarissa who only learned table tennis that day itself. Louisa simply overwhelmed her opponent as she finished strongly in all 3 sets. The men’s and women doubled were played simultaneously, with our men’s doubles losing by a narrow margin. However, in the decisive match, our women doubles which comprises of Pei Yu and Li Yen soaked up the pressure and achieve a decisive victory winning all 3 sets, thereby paving the way to the next phase of the competition.

Well done Ohmers!!!

IHRG Update: Snooker – WE’RE THRU TO THE QUARTERS TO BE HELD ON MONDAY!!!

December 12, 2008

The day dawned bright and early in the fourth day of competition with an intense match of snooker between Hall 4 and Hall 7 at Nanyang House.

The first game is between Yong Hsin of Hall IV and Francis of Hall 7. A relatively easy game for us, as Yong Hsin did not trail behind the entire game. Despite playing with an injured left foot, Yong Hsin played in a dominating fashion combining skills, power and accuracy. The final score line is 36:15.

 

Second game is between Wei Sheng from Hall4 and Song Wei from Hall7. Just like the first game, the Hall4 player dominated the game throughout. Song Wei tried to force a comeback in the late stage of the game, however, the cool strikes from Wei Sheng denied any challenges and the final score is 66:49

Third game is Yew Han from Hall4 versus Jonathan from Hall7. Despite trailing largely in the early game, Yew Han surged in mid game trying to catch up. However, Jonathan finished a couple of key strikes. Final score is 43:64

 

In the Fourth game, both players, Alvin from Hall4 and Jeremy from Hall7 didn’t have the best game. Errors and mistakes led to the low scoring and final score is 5:21, the Hall4 player lost out.

 

In the decisive fifth game, Mark from Hall4 was trailed far at behind at the beginning. However, 3 consequent fouls made by the Hall7 player Benjamin gifted Mark the chance to force a comeback. Since then Mark hit another couple of key strikes and was never trailed. The thrilling game ended 40:30.

Winning the match against Hall Seven 3 sets to 2 was a real morale-boost for our players, as the victorious Hall IV Snooker team then proceeded to play against Hall 12.

AND Hall IV won the later match against Hall 12 3:1 to move on to the quarter finals!

 Great job to our snooker players!

 

- Kai Wen

[ED: Congratulations to our Hall IV Snooker Players for a job well done!]

IHG Update – Badminton (Hall 4 v Hall 12)

The morning dew dripped on my arms as I walked pass the trees on the way to the SRC. On this peaceful morning, NTU was awakened by the roar of the crowd. Today – 11 December 2008 – marks yet another round of fierce battle in the IHG badminton tournament. The screeching sounds of athletes as the soles of their sports shoes rub against the tarmac of the badminton court, with the smashing sounds of shuttlecocks intensified the atmosphere. Game On, Hall 12.

Hall IV sent her first athlete for her first game against Hall 12 – the female singles game. High hopes were pinned on the veteran player, Shi Hui, who trashed her opponents in the preliminary round. She did not disappoint the crowd this time round, sealing the game over two sets, 21-4 and 21-6 without flinching. Her victory boosted confidence for the next match.

The 2^nd round was the highly anticipated men’s doubles. Our very own home boys Johnson and Edwin marched out to receive the challenge. This time, the opposition team player gave our guys a hard time trying to test their agility, by smashing into corners of the court. But this only gave our players a chance to perform how good their agility was.  It was a very good show of sportsmanship between the two halls and they showed respect for each other skills through a good game. A tough fight had to end. Hall 4 bagged the game, 21-18, 21-18.

In the 3rd match for the mixed doubles, Hall IV seemed to have run out of lady luck. The opponents managed to tip over a couple of drop shots and a couple of aces, playing in class and style and winning our representatives Lu Bing and Chee Yong.

Shaline and Beifen took the court in the final battle of the day – the women’s doubles. They lost the first set 13-21, and our hopes seemed to have been diminished when Beifen sprained her ankle during the end of the first round. But, our girls showed the true wit and perseverance characteristic of Hall IV, by attacking the opponent’s weak points by delivering sly drop shots to the opponent, who could not cope with our changing tactics between smashes and drop shots. We managed to win the last set in a tough fight, 13-21, 21-7 and 21-19.

With this, the Badminton Team from Hall IV are through to the quarter-finals, which will be held on 2nd January 2009 from 3pm to 6pm. Do join us there to show your support to our competitors!

- Cheng Jie