Complacency against Determination

Firebrands vs Firebrands Patriots [ 10-1 ]
by Daniel Tan #5


On paper, the defeat to firebrands was inevitable. Secured in 1st place on the league table, Firebrands saw ourselves another victory against our juniors-perhaps too over confident? But how do you measure victory? On the score board it was 10-1 by the end of the second half but ultimately it was Patriots who were the winners for the match by displaying sheer determination and a never say die attitude although trailing by a somewhat large margin-if you do not take into account the score. Although outmuscled by our team, patriots kept on pushing hard by maintaining defensive gameplay and had often cause our lines to lose momentum in team play. Being in the Firebrands team, it was a disappointing outing for us as our defensive play was loose in the first half which saw Donovan slotting in a goal for Patriots. However, after team talks from Coach Jason at half time, we began to put into practice the gameplay learnt during training and had managed to perform better during the second half. Comfortable win for us Firebrands? NOT.

First half.
The whistle was blown and it was showtime. A derby. Firebrands had higher percentage of possesion compared to Patriots. However, the eagerness to score and the lack of team play saw no breakthrough for Firebrands in the first few minutes of the game. One would imagine the score line with a few goals by the fifth minute but Patriots took things to the other end of the spectrum by playing hard and never allowing Firebrands to fire shots from the goal mouth. Finally, a pass by captain Gary to Indy who unleashed a drag shot from the left side of the court saw the ball zooming pass Patriots keeper, Joyce Lim. 1-0. Sarah Khoo from Patriots almost scored a goal and possibly a tie for her side when a defensive blunder by the defenders allowed the centre to be open for Patriots' Chan Per Yue to carry the ball forward and Sarah having been in a rather strategic position only had to fire a shot towards the goal but clear vision, calmness and quick reflexes by Firebrands goalie, Nicholas Choong, had beautifully saved the what could have been a nice goal by Sarah.

Firebrands continued to control possesion of the ball and had taken a few shots on target but goalie Joyce was up to the task by saving the shots taken far from the goal mouth. The time was 9 minutes and 15 seconds when a missed pass by Joyce to Patriots defender Jesher Lim gave me the opportunity to score and bring the score to 2-0.

Firebrands forward Zephaniah then slotted in another goal after a time out was called by Patriots official, Alex, and the score was 3-0.

15.35, a long and goal-less drought and finally Steven Ong brought the score line to a 4-0 lead by
releasing a drag shot towards goalie Joyce.

Towards the end of the first half, Firebrands kept a steady tempo by controlling the ball outside the box-as adviced by Coach Jason. Playing a slow paced game then gave Firebrands Loh Vern Sern who scored his first goal for Firebrands by releasing a slap shot after a pass by yours trully.

5 goals in the first half. Time to relax? NOT! Towards the dying minutes of the first half, Patriots' Donovan who bears a jersey with the name Donova because of a printing mistake managed to score a goal for Patriots with his signature solo effort and release of a wicked slap shot towards the goal. From the sidelines, we could only watch as Patriots celebrate a hardworking effort. Nevertheless, we were so proud of you guys!

Half time from Firebrands point of view.
"Always respect your opponent regardless of who they are" -Coach Jason.
lesson learnt.

Second half.
Second half saw a rather convincing start for Firebrands as there were faster and quicker releases and more shots towards goal. Within a minute and a few seconds, Captain Gary scored another goal via drag shot. 1.15 into the second quarter, 6-1.

Seconds after the goal by Captain Gary was scored, a combo from Andrew Chan and Sherwynd then brought the score up to 7-1. Patriots still kept pushing on despite the goals scored by firebrands. Patriots' Per Yue, Shaun and Joshua had many times managed to break through the centre contributed by steals. However Firebrands defenders had outrun the juniors and managed to prevent another shot on target.

Indy Toh then managed to bring the score up to 10-1 by scoring 3 goals for Firebrands, all assisted by Sherwynd. One in the 3rd minute while another in the 12th and 16th minute. Indy's effort in offensive play rewarded him with a hat-trick.

Conclusion.
There are times when you will face a giant and there are times when you will be the giant. How you play and how you win it will be the difference between champions and just winners on the scoreboard.
Good job to all Firebrands and Patriots' players! I love you guys.