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.

You Win Some, You Lose Some

JANUARY 2 2009
TAN THIAM PENG

They say you only shed tears for the greatest disappointments.

On a day when the tide turned against a champion, we also saw anger, frustration and disbelief.

A fairytale has fallen. Defending champions of Inter-Hall Games Badminton, Hall 4, succumbed to Hall 10 in a surprise exit. The winners advanced to the last four of this year’s tournament.

To retain the gold was already seen as a mighty feat this year, due to the exodus of key players. But the end came at a stage earlier than expected.

Last year’s captain Alex, veteran players Damien, Shuying and Vicki have graduated; top female player Lisi is no longer in the hall. Although our guys are still considered a force, the team lacked enough girls of quality.

Even though Hall 10 may not be as strong as some of the other quarter finalists, captain Edwin did not want to sound complacent before the tie either.

“This year the quality is well spread out across the halls. We have a fight on our hands today.”

Our electrifying male singles, Paul, breezed through his match, as expected, though it was after a minor hiccup in the first set as his energetic opponent made him sweat. Once the Hall 10 player ran out of gas, it was Paul all the way.

The expected good start was followed by a much-anticipated and exciting match, as our top girl Shihui clashed with theirs. Both halls did not change strategy and kept faith with their top female singles. Shihui pushed the Hall 10 girl quite a bit, but as she was better polished and more aggressive, the match went Hall 10’s way.

Then came the decisive point.

Our hall was banking on taking the three male points as our girls were weaker. This meant Paul, doubles pair Johnson and Edwin, and mixed doubles Zhiye and Shaline had to win. But before the last point, which was a sure win, could be played, the tie was over.

Our male doubles put in an uncharacteristic display, often guilty of overdoing it, with the intention to kill the opponents early. The Hall 10 pair was calm and eventually our guys made many unforced errors. When they lost the first set, the supporters went into hyperventilation.

It was almost the same story in the second and it was bye-bye 2008 for us.

Although we were still only 2-1 down, the next point, the female doubles, was a no-brainer. Qiyun and Sharmin bravely took on the pair from Hall 10 but it was a case of different class.

The score read 1-3. Zhiye and Shaline did not even hit a shuttlecock and it was over.

Earlier in the day, there was better news.

Our water polo team defeated Hall 7 against the odds to reach the quarterfinals as runners-up in the group. It was a nail-biting finish as Hall 4 held out for a 3-2 victory.

The team of Andy, Mark Chew, Mark Teo, James, Hsi En, Gary, Chunrong, Kelvin and Walter took to the pool against an expectedly stronger opponent.

Our star player Andy was like a beacon to the players, as they looked to him for almost everything.

And he justified it all.

Andy was dangerous every time he received the ball in attack, as opponents would swamp him in twos or threes. Two beautiful shots, plus an incredible assist for Mark Teo out of nothing, gave the hall the three goals.

Hall 4 held out as the clock ran down with goalkeeper Gary making many crucial saves in the dying seconds. As the umpire counted down the game’s last minute, Hall 7 pelted our goal endlessly, but to no avail.

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!