When you mix fire and spears..

..you get flaming spears.

...................

okay nvm ignore that, just read the report:


And so it was time for the clash that was touted as the match of the league, Spearhead being the only contenders that stood a fair chance against fireBRANDS' run to the gold medal (on paper at least).

Both teams are 100% male driven (as far as players are concerned), but one had more experience and training than the other. Spearhead on the other hand were fresh, new and had a few promising talents.

Warming up:





With a full tank of petrol and the engine revved up and ready, time for one more briefing from Coach Jason:


And so the match started on even ground:

Only one thing left to do: sound the horn.

The reds and the whites started off strong with Spearhead doing admirably well in keeping up pace. The fireBRANDS definitely launched more attacks but the shots just weren't getting through (or the slaps just weren't hitting the ball). Early on Vern Sern was sent out for 2 minutes, leaving the favourites one man down.

But as soon as it looked like the power play would manage to fend off Spearhead's valiant efforts, captain Daniel Boey sent a drag shot past Bryan into the goal, just as Vern Sern was stepping into the court.

1-0 to Spearhead.

But well the match is 20x20 so there's plenty of time left. After what seemed like ages, Daniel Tan finally equalised for the fireBRANDS and things were looking up.



Half-time, even ground, 1-1.

Team talk.

While the voluntary ballpicker waited patiently.

So again the game kicked off with both sides spirited up.

Breaking the drought, Indy then took advantage of a fumble at Spearhead's defense and scored a beautiful top corner once the Spearhead keeper dived out. So the pressure on the fireBRANDS eased a little and their play visibly improved.

Taking the lead.

As the pressure lowered, their play stepped up and the one-hit passes were quick and accurate, paving the way for teamplay which led to more opportunities to score. The crowd didn't have to wait long as Daniel Tan poached another goal, widening the goal margin and it definitely seemed like this match belonged to the fireBRANDS.




But no, Spearhead weren't going to go down easily and had a few stabs at the goal, but none penetrated. They provided a few heart-attack moments for the crowd as their quick counter-attacks forced fireBRANDS' defenders to backtrack lintang-pukang.

So after a lot of ball-feeding to the forwards, and more shots taken, the final goal was scored by Daniel, completing his hattrick.

Final score.

So that was it. Spearhead, good game. Although new they definitely put up a good fight, and both teams gained valuable experience from this match.


Another step closer to the goal: gold.