Firebrands vs Ztec Griffins
1-2(1-0, 0-2)
1-2(1-0, 0-2)
First Period:
11:34 Daniel Tan
Second Period:
27:33 Dominic Ewe( Brandon Pereira )
33:35 Daniel Boey ( Amos Lim )
Bench Penalties:
Firebrands 2mins x 6
Ztec Griffins 2mins x 1
Two of the bottom teams fought as if they were the best in the league - tough and rough, dramatic and heart-wrenching, fouls and more fouls...
That was the scene at Dalat International School Indoor court last night.
Both teams started off considerably slow. As predicted, both were too conscious about letting in the first goal, thus, succumbing to a defensive and passive gameplay. What was prominent though was the amount of slashing that was called for - uncountable. It definitely disrupted the rhythm of the game and distracted the attention of the spectators.
Griffins though deemed by many the better of the two, showed little signs of a champion. They showed little zest in bringing the ball forward and taking very few shots at goal. Players were seen walking around showing the lack of urgency to smash in the first goal. Firebrands punished them with a rather messy goal. Firebrands little mischief, Daniel Tan, who did the work of two up front, pounce onto a defensive mixed up, catching Griffins' keeper, Leo Nard, offguard as the ball awkwardly fumbled and calmly rolled into the goal, much to the horror of the keeper.
The Baby of the league grabbed the lead.
Surprise, surprise indeed.
Truth be told, the referees had a hard time on court. Numerous fouls were made by both teams as tension escalate; incorrect distance, pushing, and the foul of the day - slashing. The goal by Firebrands was the turning point of the match, slapping Griffins to wake up from their aimless runs and firing Firebrands with greater confidence.
Griffins began to show signs of desperation and urgency, executing shots from every corner. Several close calls but they just couldn't find the extra edge to put the ball at the back of the net.
Frustration started to manifest through their body language.
Just before the half time whistle was blown, number Joshua Tong of Firebrands was slammed with a bench penalty for incorrect distance. Soon after, Griffins' Brandon joined him for playing without a stick. 4 vs 4.
The first period ended with a surprising lead by Firebrands.
The second half started with 4-a-side. Both teams had a bench penalty awarded to them. Firebrands started off viciously with Chan Per Yue, taking a shot in front of goal that made the spectators screaming "GOAAAAL!".
From the spectators view, it seemed as if the ball has rolled in, much to their disappointment.
Griffin lack of concentration almost gave Firebrands a second goal advantage as they fumbled numerous times in front of goal. Poor defending by the seemingly more experience team.
Alex Low of Firebrands received a bench penalty for incorrect distance and it almost cost his team dearly. Amos quickly took the free hit by passing it straight to Dominic, who was left unmarked Firebrands defenders. He unleashed a very hard shot but once again, luck wasn't on their side as the ball went straight to the cross bar, leaving nothing but a resounding gong.
Soon enough, Griffins caught the rhythm of the game.Players were more comfortable pressing harder up front.
Dominic once again was granted an open chance, literally.
He stood about few inches away from the goal mouth when Bryan, Firebrands' keeper, was already out of position to recover. All he needed to do was to tap the ball in but inexperience paid the price. He took way too long to release a shot and by then the ball was scrambled away.
Danger wasn't over yet as the ball conveniently landed at the stick of Yuh Ting who took a good solid shot but only to be saved by the hands of Bryan.
The intensity on court was at its peak by now. Players were lunging in against one another.
Coaches were giving orders to every player.
And a crucial mistake by Firebrand's Capt, Alex Low for pushing a fellow Griffin cost him another 2 minutes bench penalty.
This time, it cost even his team.
Brandon took a free hit and pass it to Dominic who was standing in front of goal wide open, unmarked, and with sheer power, bank the goal into the net. A much deserved goal for Dominic who worked his socks off up front.
No chance for Bryan. Firebrands' rather messy defending and lack of concentration left them leveled out with Griffin.
1-1.
Coach Oliver and Jo-Wyee of Griffins calls for a time-out. With a 50-50 chance now, it was time to give his players the pep talk they needed to win it back from Firebrands after trailing behind for almost 1 and a half period.
After the time out, both teams were head on.
The match was swinging left to right as both showed a hunger to grab back the advantage. Shots were taken from both teams from almost every corner of the court. It was like a ping-pong match.
Daniel took a shot that went past the right post by just an inch. At the other end, Gim took a shot from the centre which Bryan saved. Dominic worked Bryan again with a dipping shot.
Then there was that bizarre goal.
Griffin was awarded a free hit from their own half and Brandon, excitedly took the free hit with a really good shot that somehow ended up in the net.
What a goal!?
Unfortunately, Brandon took it a wee bit too early. The referees disallowed the goal. This goes for now reading the rule book. Apparently, it was a sending off situation as Daniel Tan's repeated slashes finally earned him a bench penalty. The ball is to be played by the referees whistle after the sending off is dealt with. It was good sport though.
Just into the last 8 minutes or so, Daniel found himself at the right place at the right time as the ball rolled on to his stick. It was now or never for the Griffins. Daniel exerted every bit of energy that's left in his body into his hands and translate it to his stick, discharging a shot that left the net judder.
The Griffin did it. They bounce back from a 1-0 scoreline.
1-2.
But the game wasn't over. Firebrands still manage to press hard as the last few seconds ticks away. Their effort came close but just wasn't close enough. The final whistle was blown. Expression of joy and relieve from Griffins, dejected faces from Firebrands.
The final score 1-2.
Though it was a painful give away for Firebrands, they manage to keep the scoreline tight. But with a series of sending off by the inexperience Firebrands, the Griffins' took their chances in the second half and made them count. A price they play for lacking of knowledge of floorball rules, a total of 6 expulsions compared to 1 for Griffins.
Though loads of foul were committed, it was still a very entertaining match. Great sport from both teams. A a kind reminder by the refs, revise the rule book!
Firebrands:
The following matches will be tough for them. Losing two games straight won't make things easy.
However, credit must be given to them for their enthusiasm on court. Sometimes, a bit uncontrolled but nonetheless, great spirit.
In defense, their lack of experience and knowing where to position themselves proved to be the weak link. So many times, one or even two Griffin players were left unguarded in the hot zone. Defenders were too concern of "shielding" the goal post rather that closing in on the attackers. Although it was the silly sending off that brought them into that situation in the first place, both goals converted by Griffin was the result of such defending.
Offensively, forwards were taking chances with loads of shots. Whether the finishing is crucial enough or not, it's hard to judge as most of their forwards are still rookies.
Good effort by their young players though. However, they could learn and try to release the shots quicker for the upcoming matches. Sometimes, the forwards may take too long a time to unleash a shot.
Firebrands will have to continue to stay mentally strong for upcoming matches. Learn from previous matches and move on. Continue the great spirit on court and you may just clinch your first win in the following match!
MoM:
The Man Of the Match for this game will have to be Daniel Tan for constantly running at the Ztec Griffins defenders. He managed to caused alot of confusion for the Ztec defenders as he was everywhere on the court.
His effort and speed makes him our choice for Man of Match. With better ball control and shots, he should become a dangerous player which will terrorized opposing team's defenders.
Ztec Griffins:
Started off the game rather disappointingly. Displayed lacklustre performance in the first half. A team with good potential and with experience in hand, it should have been a breeze for them. Over confident, maybe.
It took them quite a while to get their game going.
The surprising goal by Firebrands was their wake up call.
Defensively, rather poor. Gim Hoong could have commanded his defenders to be a little more organize but somehow it didn't happen and this resulted to several scramble and fumble in front of goal. Good thing Leo Nard was on form.
Offensively, Dominic and Amos seemed to possess good chemistry. However, their finishing could have been much better, especially Dominic. Their pressure on top was good.
With their first win, it will definitely boost their spirit. But still a lot of work to be done. Looks like Coach Oliver and Jowyee's pep talk worked!
MoM:
Without a doubt, Dominic Ewe. Like Daniel Tan of Firebrands, he was running his lungs out and constantly putting himself in 'danger' by getting stuck-in with bigger sized defenders. Never afraid for a challenge as he put pressure on the Firebrands defenders throughout the match.
His good positioning warrant him the equalizer which his team so badly needed at that point of time. Well done, Dominic!
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