About Us

What is Borak-Borak Floorball?

Borak-Borak Floorball (BBF) was initiated by a group of three avid floorballers from Penang, Malaysia. The interest sparked off due to a certain passion for the sport and a keen desire to share that passion to others. With that, came the idea of 'borak-borak'.

What does the term "Borak-Borak" actually mean?

"Borak-borak" is a Malaysian lingo that equates to the English word "chit-chat". The phrase is commonly used and has somewhat the power to identify one's identity as a Malaysian. BBF is passionate to 'chit-chat' about the happenings and events of floorball, first in Penang and then the other parts of Malaysia. With that in mind, Borak-Borak Floorball came into existence.

Who are we?


BBF comprises mainly of three suspects under the pseudonyms of Jose, Bendy and Spritzer. However, BBF has also taken in hired-for-free reporters in their effort to cover as many grounds as possible.

NOTE: BBF is not an official website to any organization or governing body. We are merely a group of passionate floorballers who seek to share this passion to others. We strive to be courteous, neutral and honest in our opinions, thoughts, reviews and analyses.

Our vision?

BBF sought to 'talk big' and 'talk much' about floorball. We hope to represent the floorball community in Penang as well as the nation, Malaysia, in the bigger picture. We want to be a voice for floorball in the present and future generation, a voice to be heard not for recognition but for the ultimate growth and development of floorball in Malaysia.

Friday, February 20, 2009

Match Review: Tonight, we dined in peace!

Ztec Griffins vs Frontliners 300
1-2(1-1, 0-1)

First Period:
04:21 Michael Cheah
05:21 Gim Hoong

Second Period:
10:11 Michael Cheah (Julian Tan)

Bench Penalties:
Ztec Griffins 2mins x 4
Frontliners 300 2mins x 1

In the golden era of the Roman empire, a battle between two gladiators foreshadowed one definite ending - there can only be one winner.

One arena, two gladiators and a wave of spectators - The Griffins and the 300 knew it was going to be a fight to the death in the great Colosseum of Dalat International Indoor Court last Tuesday.

As expected, Griffins were without their first choice keeper and Captain Leo Nard. Amos had to take up the amour of a goalie and stand-in for Leo Nard. An interesting spectacle for the crowd but a nervy move for the Griffins. Never tested in a real match, it was hard to tell if Amos could withstand the pressure. However, Amos proved he could as he saved a shot taken by 300's Julian. A good save to lift up his confidence.

300 was suited up to kill that night. Geared with numerous spearing shots at goal, Amos proved to be a solid goalkeeper. Michael of 300 controlled the centre well and took many opportunities to shoot from there but came off wide a few instances. Mekanath, the Hokkien-speaking-Indian showed why he's dangerous when he received a pass from Julian and release a first-timer but went up high. Griffins were finding it hard to cut 300's constant shooting escapade, even from a free hit. Michael attempted a shot at goal through a free hit but was saved once again by Amos. Great effort from Mikey, splendid save by Amos once again.

It was hard for Griffins to get their foot settled on the battle ground as they struggled to shield themselves from the 300. Griffins just couldn't bring in the shots. 300 was catching on the rhythm of the game but Griffins weren't. Having said that, 300 had their own struggle - They just couldn't get those shots on target. Numerous attempt but none came close enough yet.

Mike won the ball in Griffins half took his chances and shoot but again, the keeper stood firmly as the last line of defense and save the shot with his helmet. Who said only the King Leonidas wore helmet.

For Griffins, the first period was getting really frustrating. Gim Hoong was the first to lose his cool and was sent off for a slashing offence against Megan. The free hit was taken but once saved once again.

Just when the 300 thought it wasn't their day, Julian who had the ball cross it over to the centre where Mike was. Michael, the captain of 300 took a shot that went low right of Griffins' goal, beating the opposing captain, Amos.
That was it.
Finally, 300 got the well deserved lead.

1-0.

It wasn't looking too good for the Griffins by then. Gim Hoong, one of Griffins key players, made a run into the centre with a good fake. He managed to turn to his forehand and released a shot at goal. Lady luck was on his side as his shot went low and straight through the keeper's legs -
GOAL.
Things were back at square one again.

1-1.

Though Griffins revived back the scoreline, they still didn't seem to confident to load in the ammunition at goal. Very few attempts were taken by their forwards. Something just wasn't right. 300 took this to their advantage and savaged their defense. Michael, Julian, Tristan and Megan were constantly tormenting Griffins defensive line and with Mikey controlling the centre, it was easier for 300 forwards to get the passes and opportunities to shoot at goal. If Griffins want to win, they have better do something before it's too late.

It wasn't too long before Griffins succumbed to a hit-and-run-game. They began to play the long ball into the hot zone. Gim Hoong once again proved to be strong as he dribbled the ball up into the centre and unleashed another shot that went high and wide. Bit by bit, the Griffins were getting their eyes at goal as Dominic finally attempted some shots at Soon Khai. Gim Hoong, however, was the danger man for Griffins. Over and over again, he made several good runs into the centre. Picking up a lose ball, he dribbled dangerously into 300 half.

Towards the end of the first period, both teams were feeling the fatigue. Possession wasn't played well on either side. From floorball to ping-pong.

The first half ended with both team leveled at 1 a piece.

The second half began with a bang for the 300. Winning a free hit in the middle of the court, it was clear that Mike was going to take a chance at goal. Julian tapped the ball to Michael and he pulled off an uncanny resemblance of Kuan Yang's famous "Death-turn" which resulted with an awesome goal. The ball went straight to the top left corner, leaving Amos mesmerized with awe.
Great goal and the 300 got the lead back.

2-1.

The second half saw Griffins taking more shots at goal. They managed to work Soon Khai more at goal as compared to the first period. Dominic and Gim Hong shook 300's defensive line on a number of occasion and with just a one goal lead, it was nerve wrecking for Soon Khai and his army of defenders.

And then there was an interesting power play situation, with a 300 player being sent off first, it was an advantage for the Griffins. However, the table turned the other way around when Griffins made a fumble and got two of their players sent off. It was a 4 against 3 powerplay with the advantage back to the Spartans. Great opportunity to take a bigger lead with at least one more goal.

Mekanath took a shot from a free hit that went low and was saved. Then their advantage took a bigger edge as Julian came back on court which made it a 5 against 3 situation. They should have scored at least one more. Unfortunately, they didn't.

Disappointing.

Mike tried a far shot but was saved. As much as Mike attempted several shots at goal, he also delivered several good passes. In the power play, he made one good pass across the court to Megan but Megan just couldn't click the pass and in the end, missed a great opportunity to shoot.

Somehow, after the powerplay, 300 slacked a little. Griffins came back with a full 5 out field players strongly. With just a one goal lead, 300 switched into defensive mode, allowing Griffins to charge at them.

At one point, Megan tried to dribble down the side but lost the ball to Gim Hoong who dangerously made a run and pass to Amelia. Amelia whacked the ball but the shot was palmed away by Soon Khai. 300 was letting their mental concentration down.

Brandon also joined in the forwards with numerous shots at goal. He took a shot from a free hit but went up way high. He has a knack for shooting the ball high up as he repeated those type of shots several times. Good effort but needs a little more practice.

With just few minutes left on the clock, Griffins let every single pellet that's left out into 300's half. Shooting and pushing as hard as they can. Call it luck, call it fate, they just couldn't break down 300's defense nor the goalkeeper.

As the final whistle was blown, only one victor emerged out of the court.

That night, the spartan dined with peaceful satisfaction.

Ztec Griffins:
The Griffins, without their Captain and keeper, Leo Nard, entered the match against 300 looking at a certain defeat. All three pundits were well convinced that 300's forwards, who were in rich vein of form, will penetrated the post guarded by stand in Captain and goalie, Amos with great ease.

The script was written, the ending, a win for 300. Indeed it was, but they refused to succumb to destiny and came out fighting.

Gim Hoong was pushed up front as a centre as Griffins attempted to dominate the center. As the game progresses, defender instinct kicked in as the boy drop too deep down, gifting 300 acres of space in the middle to run the show.

Somehow, 300 were not willing to hold on to the ball as well, and generously return the ball to Griffins, vice versa. It was nothing close to a floorball match, more like ping pong, as both teams keep hitthing the ball back to the opponent that gave them the ball in the first place. Weird.

Amos, the stand in keeper, should by much applauded for his saves through out the game as 300 fire long shots quick and far away as if they were time boom ready to explode, on target they were, but saved by the keeper.

Dominic and Yuh Ting who were the more regular forward pairing for the night, worked hard in their defensive and both had attempts on goal but, as much as we hate to repeat it time after time, finishing was severely lacking. Especially in the second period when 300 were holding on to the slender one goal lead, the forwards had far more chances to put the game away, unmarked as 300 defenders ball watched, but the finishing... need we say more?

Though it was a battling display by the Griffins, their deep defending, generousity for gifting possession so freely and yes, mentioning it again, bad finishing cost them game. It was underserved, but thats what will happened if you don't take your chances. More finishing trainings Griffins!!

MoM:
It keeps us wondering whether this is really his first time between the post because Amos has gotten our nod for the MoM.

Regardless of whether this is his first or not as a goalie, he certained performed with great confidence and was rather solid. 300's long attempts were fruitless as Amos saved most of them without a sweat. Maybe slightly lacking in the legs and throws but certainly not the agility and anticipation.

Beaten twice on the night the first was a rebound the second was from a free hit. Both not really to be fault. A great performace for the captain as he filled Leo Nard's boots seamlessly and keep Griffins going.

Considering to go full time?

Frontliners 300:
From the beginning, the winning bet was placed for the 300. The Spartan made sure they did not disappoint their supporters.

300 biggest advantage in this game was their ability to take control of the centre zone. With Michael in the middle, it was pretty much his room for creativity genius. We could see that 300 dominated almost 2/3 of the first period because of their ability to win 50-50 ball situation in the centre zone. Mekanath who made several runs also spooked Griffins defenders a little. So far, the M&Ms (Megan & Mike) combination has proven to be a good asset for the 300.

Their setback, however, would be their defensive line. Still very shaky at the back. Additionally, they should have scored more but their lack of confidence shifted their mindset into defensive mode several times. Even in the powerplay of 4 vs 3 and 5 vs 3; They should have scored another goal with that type of advantage. They have to start believing in themselves if they want to show the other teams that they aren't afraid to put up a fight. 2-1 is a win but could have been better.

Their second half was disappointingly poor. They started off well in the first period but somehow fall back into complacency. The defenders were a little haywire at the back. The forwards and the centre drop down too deep, displaying fear in which Griffins took advantage. This was obvious in the last few minutes of the game.

300 has got to trust themselves and their team members.
The first step to unleashing great potential is the act of believing in one self.

MoM:
Although it wasn't Mikey's best performance in a game, nonetheless, he proved to be the key link to 300's strong gameplay in every single match.

At only 15, he has already developed a great floorball sense, gained tremendous experience as he captains his team and not to mention, already showing signs of a great successor to his coach Kuan Yang with that carbon copy "death-turn" shot. Great, great potential.

Having said that, he seemed a little off in terms of positioning himself in this match. Though at most time he managed to dominate the centre court, he however seemed to fall back more into defense rather than supporting his attacking line.

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