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	-	-

 

IHRG Update – Weiqi

DECEMBER 20, 2008
- Tiong Hwee

The remaining two preliminary matches for Weiqi were played out at the Hall 8 Multi-Purpose Court from 9am today.

As Hall 4 had already lost four of its first five preliminary matches during the first day of games yesterday, it was indeed a long shot for Hall 4 to progress into the semi-finals, considering the odds at stake. Nonetheless, our team was determined to give it their all. After all, the team comprised of relatively inexperienced players, some of whom only picked up the game less than three months ago, and any games against stronger opponents will prove to be invaluable experience gained for them in future IHRG seasons.

Alas, Hall 4 lost its two matches today, against Hall 14 and Hall 9. The final tally read 1-4  for both games.

While being prematurely knocked out of the competition, we are sure our Hall 4 players had utmost fun through the course of training and the matches against opponents from other Halls. It was truly a commendable job by our Hall IV Weiqi team.

IHG Update: Tennis (LP) – Hall 4 v Hall 9

Date: 12 December 2008
Time: 1300hrs
Venue: SRC Tennis Court 

Hall 4 v Hall 9

It was Hall 4’s second tennis match of this IHG season. Having narrowly lost to Hall 14 three sets to two in our first tennis match, this loser bracket match is make or break for our tennis team this IHG season. Win, and we will proceed to a third game where the winner will take a place in the quarters. Lose, and we will prematurely leave the competition in the preliminary stage.

 

Under the afternoon blazing sun, the following players from Hall IV clashed with Hall 14 at the SRC tennis court:

• Men’s Singles – Tiong Hwee (lost 3:6)
• Women’s Singles – XuePing (lost 1:6)
• Men’s Doubles – Zhong Liang & Jayden (lost 4:6)
• Women’s Doubles – Shaline & Winnie (lost 0:6)
• Mixed Doubles – Li Feng & PeiYu (won 6:3)

 

In our men’s single match, Tiong Hwee challenged the opponents with many great strikes and serves. However, Hall 9 proved more consistent and made fewer errors, and we lost the set 3:6.

The mixed double is Hall4 players’ best game today. The duo of PeiYu and LiFeng oozed confidence both in front of the net and at the baseline. The set ended 6:3 in Hall 4’s favour.

For the Women’s single, Xue Ping played with great effort and made a few excellent plays. However, she eventually lost to a stronger opponent, finishing the set 1:6.

In the Men’s double, the duo of Zhong Liang and Jayden gave Hall IV supporters a glimpse of hope as they led the early few rounds. However, too many unforced faults and inconsistent serving eventually cost their game. The final score is 4:6.

Having already lost three sets, it was already a lost cause as elimination from the tennis competition this IHG season has been guaranteed even if we emerge victorious in the final set. Nonetheless, Shaline and Winnie had a good time on the court, playing decently and had a few great serves which caused their opponents some troubles. The final score is 0:6.

While the final scoreline was 4 sets to 1 in favour of Hall 9, thereby eliminating Hall IV from the tennis competition, the indomitable spirit of our Hall IV players is commendable. Kudos to our Hall IV players!

 

- Kai Wen