Contact Bullets vs Ztec Griffins
Date: 3rd March 2009 (Tuesday)
Face-off Time: 7.45pm
Venue: Dalat International School
The Penang Floorball League Division 1 is finally drawing to a close. For Bullets and Griffins, this match will be their final match for PFL 2009. It will be a show-hand match, giving every bit that's left on this court in this game. No more second chances and no more turning back. Soon, PFL 2009 will just be a shimmering past.
By far, this match is more crucial to Bullets than for Griffins. With Bullets rather shaky position in the second spot of the table, they MUST win this game. They cannot afford to draw nor lose if they want to stand a chance to come in second in the league - No more, no less. Their closest rival, Dalat Falcons, are closing down on them real fast. If they win with a big margin, then Falcons will have a hard time topping them over. As of now, the situation still remains 50-50.
Griffins on the other hand are fighting all out for pride sake. They have had a disappointing run in the league so far coming in fifth in the table. However, what can be said of them is their persevering effort in every game regardless of how technically or tactically weaker they may be. Although they may not be contending for a medal in this upcoming match, unlike the Bullets, they will definitely make it a gruelling battle. It wouldn't be that easy to rub off the Griffins.
With a team lacking tremendously in speed, Bullets will need to rely solely on two things - experience and tactical play. They possess both of these qualities but leaving out another crucial mix - consistency. Bullets took off really well in the league but seemed to deteriorate thereafter. They've been plagued by inconsistency in performance and their lack of acceleration and speed is also an obvious weak link that has definitely made things a whole lot tougher for them. Being in a division with the likes of speedy teams such as Phoenix and Dalat, it's a real blow in the face. They will need to play real tight as a team to go up against Griffins, a team that's considerably fast as well. With key players like Sherene leading the attacking line, they will need to make every single shot count.
We've seen Griffins latest match against the Falcons last Tuesday, a match that has in a way shed some light to us in terms of their strength and their weakness. Griffins strong asset may well be their biggest liability - their confidence. In the game against Dalat, we saw them earning a 2-0 lead. They were intoxicated with confidence, which may have gotten a little too high up their heads, resulting in a backlash of 6 goals from the Falcons. Their mental strength is still low and understandably so, considering the fact that they are a pretty new team. But as mentioned earlier, confidence could be their key point. They need to learn to focus and not get distracted by taking the lead, getting too complacent and then giving in to a defensive play. They need to want to own the court.
It's the final league match for both teams. It will be a fight till' the end, one filled with passion we reckon.
Expect a stronghold of support from both teams as well.
What a better way to end the final game with the thumping of cheers and supports from the audience.
Key Player:
Contact Bullets:
Ian Khor. Although this boy and his mates were firing blanks against Phoenix, but they still displayed much desire and determination throughout the game and they didn't go down without a wrestle.
Ian, with his pace, should find himself creating more opportunities than the previous game, it is up to his own finishing and sufficient support from his team mates to see that chances are taken.
He is one of the more technical forwards found in Division 2 and on his day he can be a handful for any defender. Having said that, his form has been up and down throughout the league. Hopefully we will be able to see him perform in the last game of the league this time around.
Ztec Griffins:
Amos Lim.
The centre impressed us in the previous game with his work ethics. Though he lacks technical ability but this guy makes it up with his hardworking attitude as well as his consistency getting into good positions on court, putting pressure on the defenders.
Against Bullets, he'll once again be called upon to battle in the centre. He will lead the Griffins in their quest of getting forward and hopefully getting a goal or 2 for his team.
Predictions:
Bendy:
300's bubble has final burst, only managing a draw which leaves the medal places other than gold up for grabs.
Bullets will have the biggest say for sliver, a win would be the guarantee, anything less will open up for 300 or maybe even Falcons.
The morale of Bullets after the poor game against Phoenix, must have surely been boosted hearing the news of Saturday match. Now the initiative is back in their hands. With their squad, it should be a win, the forwards worked hard against Phoenix, against their lesser juniors, goals are expected to come.
However, history from time to time, has proven, nothing is certain in the game of Floorball. Griffins might be pitch down below, one point above Firebrand who spoiled 300's party, has should their battling spirits in games which were deemed to be lose. Their determination and tenacity often surprises opponents, catching them off guard. Yet, they lack the consistency due too inferior fitness and squad depth.
The game of sports is so fascinating, the adrenaline rush, the unpredictability and the emotion volatility that comes with it. My facts points me towards a Bullets' win but my heart wishes for a twist, in a way, making the league more entertaining and dramatic. I bet the crowd would love it!
Jose:
I'm expecting a tight encounter when both these teams meet tonight. Contact Bullets form has been consistently inconsistent, but on their day these players can play well together. Ztec Griffins on the other hand has displayed amazing never say die attitude and are never easy to play against.
My predictions will be for Contact to get a slim victory over Ztec Griffins, because Bullets are sharper in attacks compared to the Griffins. This match should be a fast paced match having fast players on both sides. Contact will have to 'wake up' and be firing on all cylinder to ensure them a silver medal.
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