What An Unfortunate Day At The Games…

DECEMBER 30 2008
- Andy 

On Dec 30^th, Hall 4 was involved in a series of IHG, namely women’s hockey, soccer and table tennis.

For the women’s hockey, Hall 4 came up against Hall 6 which was the strong favourite to take the match. Just barely into the match, Hall 6 threatened to score when they managed to breach through our defences, luckily our goalkeeper Lu Bin, was composed enough to made a good save. Spurred on by their raucous supporters, Hall 6 began wave after wave of attack, but the make-shift team from Hall 4 managed to hold on despite the onslaught. This included a late scare when Hall 6 was awarded a penalty corner, luckily it was cleared to safety. Karen in particular was the star of our team and even had a goal disallowed when she strike the ball outside the D ring. The tension and excitement were prolonged as the match ended in a goalless draw, with penalties coming up next. Both sides were awarded 3 penalties.

Karen was our first penalty taker; however she sent the ball just wide of the goalmouth. Next was Hall 6 turn to shoot, they too sent the ball wide. Next up, is Hazel. However her effort was also just wide of the mark. It was Hall 6 turn again; Lu Bin came to our rescue again by saving the penalty and forcing both sides to the decisive third penalty. Li Jing, our final penalty taker also sent her target just wide of the mark. Finally Hall 6 managed to convert the last penalty and won the match. In the end, we lost due to experience; however the girls performed well beyond expectations despite the odds.  Final Score Hall 6 (1:0) Hall 4

                  Meanwhile in the SRC stadium, our guys were up against Hall 3 in the game of soccer.  Both sides went into the match looking for a win as the winner would top the group and become top seed. This would be beneficial as the top seed will then play against the second seed from the other groups. Both sides were relatively evenly matched, with most of the action taking place in the midfield. Jevon was the defensive rock of the team, as he helped to clear many imminent dangers. Meanwhile on the other half, Jayden was the team’s playmaker as he tried to exploit every opportunity to feed our lone striker, Zhongliang. However, Hall 3 went one up, after some intelligent build up play on the left, which led to a pinpoint cross followed by a marvellous half volley which sailed beyond the arms of our custodian, Vinson, into the net. We then ended the first half trailing one goal down to Hall 3.

The 2^nd half, we began to attack with more fervour and eventually allowing us to grab a dramatic equaliser.  It happened when Hall 4 was awarded a free kick at the edge of the throw-in line. Our free kick specialist, Wei Sheng stepped up and curled the ball into the top corner of the net, silencing everyone. Hall 3 was left shell shocked and dumbfounded as they could not believe their eyes. Spurred on by the equaliser, Hall 4 began to play with more passion. We almost grabbed a dramatic victory when Daniel, our late substitute ghosted past 2 defenders, however his shot was well saved by the keeper. Hall 3 was on the verge of self imploding as tempers threatened to boil over. The match eventually ended in a 1-1 draw. Just when everyone thought that that match would be decided by penalties, Hall 3 scored against the run of the play in the dying moments of the 2^nd half of extra time, leaving us needing a win against Hall 5 in order to qualify to the next phase of the tournament. Final Score:  Hall 3 (2:1) Hall 4

                  Moving on to the last part of the segment for today, is the table tennis event which see our hall pitting against hall 9 in the quarterfinals.  There was some reshuffling in the ranks as our Indian doubles flew back to India. They were replaced by Zhou Ke and Lin Sujin. Jevon was the team new addition with him playing the men’s single.

                  The final aggregate is as follows: Hall 9 (4:1) Hall 4. Despite the team’s valiant effort, they were outplayed by their opponents from hall 9, except for Louisa who overwhelmed her opponent for all 3 sets. We were unlucky to lose in our doubles matches, nevertheless the team from hall 4 is sure to mount a serious title challenge in the next IHG. Well done Ohmers!!!

 

Men’s Single (Lose)

 

Jevon (Hall 4) Vs Danny (Hall 9)

 

Jevon	6	5	7	-	-
Danny	11	11	11	-	-

  

Women’s Single (Win)

Louisa (Hall 4) Vs Xiao Yun (Hall 9)

Louisa	11	11	11	-	-
Xiao Yun	5	1	3	-	-

 

Men Doubles (Lose)

Zhou Ke & Lin Sujin (Hall 4) Vs Jun Wen & Lip Jun (Hall 9)

Zhou Ke & L.S	6	5	9	-	-
Jun Wen & L.J	11	11	11	-	-

 

Women Doubles (Lose)

Pei Yu & Li Yen (Hall 4) Vs Li Wen & Bood (Hall 9)

Pei Yu & L.Y	5	8	8	-	-
Li Wen & Bood	11	11	11	-	-

 

Mixed Doubles (Lose)

Nellie & Gary (Hall 4) Vs Jun Xiang & Adeline (Hall 9)

Nellie & Gary	5	8	12	-	-
Adeline & J.X	11	11	14	-	-

 

Looking Back

December 29 2008
JEVON SEE 

It has been an arduous journey for the basketball team. Trainings scheduled at 8am during the holidays when everyone is sound asleep. Short jogs to SRC from hall with our eyes still barely opened. Cruel runs that take half our lives away. As the captain and also on behalf of the manager, Dennis, I would like to thank the players for their commitment and efforts to the team, especially enduring the long journey back to hall just to train.

Hall 4 came up against Hall 3, runner-ups of Group A in the Quarterfinals of the IH competition. It looked set to be a tough battle, with the physique of the Hall 3 team looking superior. Our consistent 3-point shooter and manager, Dennis, was also out of the country.

It spelt trouble right from the jumpball as our team looked way different from the one that won the qualifying matches. Hall 3 showed more aggression and energy as they outmuscled and outplayed us in the first quarter. Hall 4’s starting 5 (Lucas, Weilong, Jevon, Hanlong, Zhenxing) played sloppily and were unable to score a single point in the first quarter and it ended 12-0 in favour of Hall 3.

Morale dropped even further when many of the decisions of the referee went against us. We managed to break the scoring duck at the start of the second quarter but were still unable to match Hall 3’s energy and stability. As our usual manager was absent, we had some problems tactically and made the error of not substituting anyone until later in the game.

Indeed, with substitutions made, the new 5 players (Yewhan, Walter, David, Yang Jie, Jevon) on court looked more energetic. Raymond also impressed with his 3 point shooting. Chunrong frustruated his opponents with his aggressive defence and Gary made slick runs down the court. If we had played like we did in the fourth quarter, I am sure it would have been a totally different ball game.

Hall 4 played their hearts out to make the final scoreline respectable as Hall 4 lost 55-33 to a fitter and bigger Hall 3 team.

Next year, we would definitely come back fitter, stronger and better. Stay tuned!

IHG Update – Squash LP v Hall 3

DECEMBER 26 2008
- Qinwei 

In the second round of competition, Team Hall 4 squash team put up a brave fight against a better opponent despite losing the tie. Having lost the in the previous round, Team Hall 4 need to secure a win against Hall 3 to stand a chance to progress. Despite being the underdogs of the tie, Team Hall 4 started off brightly. Hall 4’s senior hall fellow Prof. Yap and his wife, Mrs. Yap put the team 2-0 up after beating their opponents 9-1, 9-1 and 9-0, 9-0.

However, Hall 3’s strength in depth proved to be the difference in the end. Hall 3 won the remaining 3 sets to complete the comeback and took the tie, winning it 3-2.

Although Team Hall 4 was drawn into a tough group, the team showed no fear in the presence of better opponents and did their best for the hall. Kudos to the team!

IHG Update – Volleyball/F (WP v Hall 3)

DECEMBER 17 2008
- JAMIE 

Following the initial euphoria over Hall IV’s first match win on Monday, Team Hall 4 was brought back down to earth.

Up against a really strong Hall 3 team, there was little chance for Team Hall 4. The team from Hall 3 settled quickly into their stride and dished out a volleyball lesson to our players. Despite their best efforts, it was to no avail as the team from Hall 3 was way too strong. Final score – Hall 3 two, Hall 4 nil.

Qualification for the next stage is still within grasp – all Team Hall 4 needs is to do is to win the next match on Saturday. All the best, Ohmers!