Match Preview: The Final Lap

Firebrands vs Dalat Falcons

Date: 17th March 2009 (Tuesday)
Face-off Time: 7.45pm
Venue: Dalat International School

What a finale.

15 matches over the span of two months have indeed stirred up the Floorball scene in Penang.
From the Bullets trashing on Firebrands,
to the surprise 300 win over Bullets,
then the walk over by Falcons,
to the battling draw by Firebrands.
Dramatic and flamboyant sum up the excitement and unpredictability of the league, providing much entertainment and a plethora of emotions.

The final match sees Firebrands versus Dalat Falcons with both teams on its own hidden agenda.
Firebrands, although bottom in the league, is arguably the most improved team as they played successive matches after another. This is evident as they succeeded in snatching away 300's crucial point, derailing them from the medal course. This has always been the case with the underdogs, they come in with no experience, no expectation and above all, no fear!
That's the scary part.
Can they repeat the same feat against Falcons?

Ironically, thanks to their to-be opponent, Falcon's medal hopes have been reignited when Firebrands denied 300 a win, and with 300 losing to Phoenix in their final game, Falcon's fate is in their own hands. They merely need a draw which we'll see them tie on 5 points together with 300 but they will soar ahead of 300 due to their win against them.

As the saying goes, the enemy of my enemy is my friend, 300 might hold grudge against Firebrands for the draw, but they would be rooting for them to beat Falcons so they can get the glory. On the other hand, Griffins would be hoping Falcons to win so that they would not have to see themselves in the bottom.

Confusing and complex it is but this is all coming to an end.
So, let us savor the final moments of PFL 2009 Division 2,
say good bye,
and say hello again in more, upcoming tourney's!

There will be a closing ceremony after the final match tonight.
So to all supporters, be sure to be there!
Let's cheer em' on for the last lap!

Key Player:
Firebrands:
Bryan Koh has been one of the main pillars of team Firebrands throughout the league, although he doesn't get the glory of scoring goals like Daniel, but his heroic ball stopping is well acknowledge by the crowd and his peers.

He might have conceded the most, but without him, the figures might have been doubled. Therefore, against Falcons who would be blasting all around the court, he'll be the last line of defense, if the balls manage to penetrated James, Alex and Andrew.

With Daniel who tends to sneak around up front, the keeper's throw would proved to be Firebrands deadlest weapon in the game to initiate counters. Something 300 who be praying hard for.

Dalat Falcons:
Drew Steiret with his scoring touch back looks to be raring to go. He is now 5 points in the point ladder and must be counting how many goals and/ or assist he need, to top the charts again.

With his limitless stamina, well built physique, cheeky shots, and battling spirits, scoring seems inevitable. He would be too hot for Firebrands to handle and therefore he has so only himself to stop him from getting on the score sheet.

Predictions:
Bendy:
Interesting finale. The medals and last place will have to be decided in the final match of the day. Anxiety on both ends.

Kudos to Firebrands for pushing the league so far, without their battling displays to create surprising results, it would have been boring.

Based on facts and (self-proclaimed) professional analysis, it would be hard to not pick Falcons for the win. They are big, they are strong and they are fast, it would be near impossible to stop them. However, as a spectator, it is even harder to neglect the urge for surprises. Falcons inexperience keeper against poacher Daniel Tan; Bryan on from with Drew off form. Anything could happen.

All things go well, still, a comfortable win and bronze for Falcons.

Jose

This is Firebrands last chance to pull off an upset against the mighty Falcons as PFL Division 2 comes to a close. Firebrands have been growing and growing in confidence as the league progress. From losing 8-0 in their first game to drawing 2-2 with Frontliners 300, this team deserves some respect!

If Dalat would to go into this game thinking that the bronze is already theirs, then they are seriously wrong. This game is going to be a neck to neck battle, but i still see Dalat walking off winners by 2 goals. The logic behind this is simply because Dalat has more options upfront when compared to Firebrands who get most of their goals from their center, Daniel Tan. Without any doubt, Dalat for bronze.

Spritzer:

I think to all eyes, it's an obvious win for Dalat. Although Firebrands have shown much improvement, I doubt they have the edge to defeat Dalat in the match. Dalat themselves have been improving as well, especially their key forward, Drew. Having said that, with Firebrands recent stunt for pulling off an uncalled-for scoreline against 300, it's also hard to tell what they are actually up to against Falcons.

It will be a tough fight for Firebrands if they want to emerge out as winners. Dalat's defensive system and players are solid at the back, their forwards are like those energizer bunnies and their centres are commanding. An easy win for Dalat.