Match Review: 300 vs Bullets

Frontliners 300 vs Contact Bullets
3-0(1-0, 2-0)

First Period:
05:29 Michael Cheah

Second Period:
21:43 Mekanath ( Julian Tan )
23:10 Michael Cheah

Bench Penalties:
Frontlienrs 300 2mins x 3
Contact Bullets 2mins x 2

Frontliners 300 vs Contact Bullets was a match that definitely wasn't a cut and dry. People were cracking their heads over who would triumph and who would get trumped. Coaches were juicing out their heads over what to do to get their noses in front of the other.

It was an awkward start to the game as the referees blew a bench penalty foul exactly after the face off -- Apparently, 300's Mekanath was sent off for incorrect numbering. First ever of it's kind as long as the pundits can remember!

Not an ideal start for 300, to be down to 4 players and to defend a power play so early in the match. However, slow starters Bullets, like their previous game against Firebrands were unable to find their rhythm. Lacking flow in passing and movement, none of their attempts on goal looked threatening, which made life easy for 300 as they survived the nervy start.

Bullets' sluggish start proved costly when a full-strength 300 punished them on the break. The counter attack from an intercepted blind pass was converted by Michael Cheah who pounced onto the rebound, after Kenneth Yeap's shot from the left flank was blocked by Lawrence.

1-0 with the home side taking a surprise lead.

The goal bolstered 300's confidence and it showed in their obvious aggressive forechecking after the start. Bullets continued to struggle in possession and were impatient, as they pushed for an equaliser. Both teams were now playing hit-and-run, with attacking runs and scoring opportunities all around the court.

300's overall inexperience showed itself, when they were subsequently reduced to three men after two were sent out for incorrect distance when a free hit was awarded against 300 as Soon Khai launch a quick throw outside the crease.

3 vs 5: an overwhelming advantage for the Bullets, but again, in what would become the theme of Bullets' game, they failed to capitalise on it. Hasty shots, no rebounds, and giving up too soon on loose balls made life surprisingly easy for 300. Other than the odd long shot which was comfortably saved by Soon Khai, he remained a relaxed spectator.

With the bench penalties served, 300 upped a gear but lacked the lethal injection needed to add a second goal. All their shots were either off target or saved by an on-song Lawrence.

An eventful half ended with a 1-0 lead for 300.

300 resumed the game in the same manner and almost doubled their lead when Michael's swift retake of Khai Sheng's illegal free hit reached Julian Tan but with only the keeper to beat, his weak shot was saved by Lawrence.

Moments later, Michael's block from Sheryn's free hit sent the ball down the right flank for Julian to chase, and the boy's desperate blind pass somehow reached Mekanath. With the goal and defenders behind his back, he held firm, made a quick turn and drove the ball low past Lawrence's right. There was no denying 300 this time.

300 increased in confidence while Bullets increased in frustration. Lacklustre, half-hearted defending led to the third goal. Michael, winning a tussle with Isaac Ng, stumbled past charging defenders and buried his second, and his team's third, as the ball past Lawrence's near post.

The Bullets continued to press on but were evidently frustrated by a resolute 300 in search of a breakthrough. Temper flared as Ian Khor lost his cool, refusing to back off when a free hit was awarded against him and so got himself sent off for incorrect distance.

With the points almost in hand, 300's main men, Michael and Mekanath were rested more often. This meant that 300 was contained deep in their own half, making things difficult for themselves. Bullets were firing on all cylinders: Isaac Ng came close with a couple of chances; Benjamin Lim and Charmaine also had chances as 300 fumbled defensively.

Bullets again found themselves down to four with an incorrect substitution, giving 300 a rare breather. They were happy to defend their lead and wasted precious seconds holding the ball.

Although reverting to an ultra defensive approach, 300 still looked dangerous on counter attacks. Solo runs by Mekanath and long throws from the goalie often caught Bullets' backline off guard and forced them to backtrack.

In the dying moments, Sheryn, who was always their most lethal forward, came the closest when her audacious, dipping shot hit the post; giving 300 a mighty scare.

Final Score, 3-0. A match that proved to be the most interesting and entertaining by far; what with the bench penalty dramas and pumping adrenaline and end to end Floorball from both sides, but it was Frontliners 300 with the more clinical finishing, who came out tops.

Frontliners 300:
Apparently, the defeat by Falcons last week seemed long gone and forgotten. What made the difference between 300 and Bullets was that 300 were willing to die for every ball; following orders and staying compact. That early goal was definitely a morale and confidence booster that gave them the fire they needed to last the game.

In defence, occasional concentration lapses could prove worrying against more on-fire opponents. The entire team would sometimes just zone out after clearing the ball (which was still in play) and stand around looking. Lucky for them in this match that Bullets also, unexplainably, stood still.

And in offence, 300 sure need some better finishers. The scoreline flattered Bullets, when 300 could have had so many more goals if there had been someone in the center to slot in all those loose balls. Tristan and Julian showed flashes of brilliance, doing all the hard work to get free, but constantly shot anywhere but into the goal.

With a win in hand, can they build on their momentum and upset the odds in coming fixtures?

MoM:
Michael Cheah. He ran the whole show and probably saw more of the ball than all of Frontliners 300 combined. Marshalled the defence as a center as if his life depended on it, and always dangerous on the counter with his drag shot.

Waltzed through Bullets' defence as if it was nonexistent at least twice. Two goals and a win; thoroughly deserved.

Contact Bullets:
While Frontliners 300 seemed more like a two-man show, Bullets made the effort to play as a team. Bullets were supposed to be high on confidence after their 8-0 thumping of Firebrands, but lacked the extra kick in most instances. Hesitant tackling, blocking and failure to compete with 300's energetic display all contributed to their loss.

Although they were a much more balanced team compared to 300, incisive passing and flow was lacking. Clear cut chances were rarely carved out and they could only come up with snap shots and half chances. Creativity was lacking against a stubborn 300. Even when 300 generously gifted them opportunity after opportunity from defensive errors, their finishing was poor and it proved costly.

Overall, the Bullets continue to be slow starters, and to keep their medal hopes alive, they need to up their pace early in the game and make use of the chance that they have.

MoM:
Lawrence. The goalkeeeper came back strong from a not-so-good game against Firebrands and kept the Bullets in the game.

With Bullets' defenders often caught stranded by 300's fast forwards, the keeper made use of his big size and good positioning, denying Julian and Tristan several one on one chances. He was also up for 300's long shots from range.

Although he conceded three, Lawrence saved Bullets the blushes as he saved more than he conceded. A good response from last match's dip in form.