Friendly Match: Penang Women taking on the Inne-credibles!

Penang Women State Team vs. Innebandy! Co.
24th August 2009, Monday
1-5 (0-2, 1-0, 0-3)

1st period
Jason
Joshua

2nd period
Sarah Ng (Sheryn)

3rd period
Ephraim (Joshua)
Nicholas
Joshua

The PFL fever is still on a high it seems.

The Penang women's state team took on PFL third place position Innebandy! Co. for a friendly on Monday night as they continue to strive towards forming a solid Penang women's team, or Malaysian women's team for that matter.

It was a pretty low profile friendly match that drew minimal crowd into the Balik Pulau stadium. Nonetheless, an exciting match awaits us.

An empty stadium as Innebandy goes through pep talk.

The first period saw the women picking up a fast pace, full press strategy. It almost caught the Innebandiens off guard a couple of times. Innebandy on the other hand, played it rather cool and steady. The women's first line was solid in defence and it proved to be so as Innebandy found it hard to penetrate through and what more with Sharron standing in as keeper, it will be a long night for them. The forwards' played well for the first 10 minutes or so with good fore checking, keeping Innebandy's defenders at bay. Unfortunately for the women, they started off really well but somehow could not keep up with that initial burst of fire. The first period gradually stood one sided as Innebandy took numerous shots at goal, in total 17. Jason scored the first goal followed on by Joshua.

The Penang Women State team.

The second half did not show much sign of recovery from the women. Speed has always been one of the major weaknesses for the women's team and it was evident. Innebandy's quick counter attack from defence to forward penetrated their defence more than once. It was also obvious that movement was another major problem for the women's team. Movement isn't something easy to pick up for any team and so it was with the women's team. The forwards were caught standing still many times while the ball is on the go. Nonetheless, it's through matches like these that one learn from mistakes. The second period ended with surprisingly, no goals conceded by the women's team. Instead, they scored one against Innebandy! Thanks to the Ng sisters' combination - Sarah and Sheryn.

The third period saw the women's team coming in with a different spirit. The women stepped on court with a renewed vigour as they press up high with very good fore checking. At the other end, we saw a change in goalkeeper as Sharron stepped out and Suleen stepped in. Suleen displayed numerous spectacular saves that could have put the Innebandy forwards to shame. Small as is, she proved to be a solid goalkeeper with her reflexes. However, again the women repeated their 1st period mistake, which was to drop their spirit. This gave several openings for Innebandy to launch their attack and they made it count. Ephraim, Nicholas and Joshua all scored in the final period, giving Innebandy a comfortable 5-1 win.

The women's team pressing up high in the third period.

Both teams thanking the referees.

Man of the match:
For the women's team, Penny stood out with her outstanding defensive instinct. She was as solid as any men out there with her body check and cool control. She also made several laudable attacks, taking chances with her shots. She proved worthy of wearing the captain's armband as she leads this team to greater heights!

As for Innebandy, it was a simple pick. Joshua stood out. This guy chase for every ball like a bull. Hard runner, persistent and take chances at goal. Scoring two goals and assisting one, he definitely caught our eyes. Another "rising star", maybe?

On behalf of BBF, we would like to further encourage the Penang Women State team to continue their effort in improving themselves, the team and the floorball scene amongst women. You have the whole Penang floorballers behind you! Keep it up! :)

Team Review: Ztec 8cers

Ztec 8cers

Final standing: 1st/6
Goals scored: 53
Goals conceded: 7
League Form: WDWWW

Biggest win: 20-1 against Dalat Eagles
Biggest loses: NA
Highest scoring match: 20-1 against Dalat Eagles

Top scorer: Chiam Ter Min - 12 goals
Top assist: Chiam Ter Min - 10 assists

Point leaders:
1. Chiam Ter Min - 22 points (12+10)
2. Loh Jo-Wyee - 13 points (10+3)
3. Oliver Cedric - 12 points (11-1)


Best player:
To name Ter Min as the Best Player for Ztec 8cers isn't something unexpected. Topping the point chart with 22 points certainly speaks volume. However, it was the consistency of his performance that stands him out amidst the crowded team of star players.

Jeremy came close with a shout but Ter Min got the final nod due to his all round display. Offence or defence, the lad is deadly all over the court. Not only does he have a keen eye on goal, his much improved vision allows him to release his team mates into goal scoring opportunities, making him even harder to contain.


Borak says:
The Champions of PFL '09! Who don't expect them to grab that Gold medal? Even from the beginning, most teams trembled when they hear the name Ztec. With players that they have, it is obviously a threat to all teams who are aiming for the jackpot.

They came in strong crushing their opponents without mercy except for the Mighty Spartans who managed the grab a point and almost a win. Winning the first game against team Contact ('08 Champions) which such a margin has definitely boost their confidence and team spirit which carries through the end of the league.

With their solid team play and technique superiority, they entertained all present with exciting play ups and creative free hits which sometimes makes their opponents look silly. Its hard to play against a team who moves the ball so smoothly and accurately.

However, with the amount of quality and talent they have at disposal, there are times they lack the spark and creativity to open up stubborn defences. This happens especially when they are too eager to attack, the forwards tend to wander too far high and lack mobility rendering the defenders no options to pass to. At the same time, it leaves a huge gap in the centre leading to dangerous counter-attacks by the opponent.

Overall, they were the most entertaining, most threatening, most unwelcome-by-goalies and most consistent throughout the league, and deserving crowned Champions of Penang Floorball League Division 1 2009.

Team Review: Frontliners Spartans

Frontliners Spartans

Final standing: 2nd/6
Goals scored: 21
Goals conceded: 18
League form: WDWWL

Biggest win: 8-3 against Dalat Eagles
Biggest loses: 2-6 against Contact FireAnts
Highest scoring match: 8-3 against Dalat Eagles

Top scorer: Lee Su Rong - 6 goals
Top assist: Khor Kuan Yang/ Nicholas Teoh - 3 assists

Point leaders:
1. Lee Su Rong - 6 points (6+0)
2. Khor Kuan Yang (2+3);
Nicholas Teoh (2+3);
Kenny Ng (4+1) - 5 points

Best player:
It was so much of a team effort that it’s almost impossible to decide. For each match, different players stepped up, and for each match, different players fumbled. But a decisions have to be made, so at the end of it all, the Best Player goes to Kuan Yang.

In a team that was up one moment and down the next, Kuan Yang stayed steady throughout. It was consistent play in and out from him; something badly needed by this inconsistent team. He had vision, he had strength in tackles, and he still had a mean shot. It was his defensive nous and sacrifice that gave others like Kenny, Nick and Su Rong the chance to bombard forward and win matches.


Borak says:
Brilliant one half, anonymous the next… or is it the other way around?
Anything goes.
Spartans were the masters of the hit-and-run game this year; at least until suffering a major taste of their own medicine in the game against UniHawks.

If driving was an analogy for Division 1 this year, then Spartans would be the drivers who drove at breakneck speed, did death-defying stunts then slammed on the brakes just hard enough to avoid falling over the cliff to a fiery end.

Theirs was hardly a version of joga bonito, but it didn’t matter how they won, any three points gained were gladly welcomed.

It must also be said that the fixtures played a good part in Spartans’ fairytale. They were blessed by good fortune that Ztec were not at full strength, that Innebandy took long enough to get started, and that UniHawks ran out of steam; but it must be said that fortune favours the brave. No one could have seen Spartans achieving silver this year, and no one can possibly see what the see-saw Spartans come up with next year.

Team Review: Innebandy!Co.

Innebandy!Co.

Final standing: 3rd/6
Goals scored: 31
Goals conceded: 11
League form: WWLLW

Biggest win: 11-0 against Dalat Eagles
Biggest loses: 2-5 against Ztec 8cers
Highest scoring match: 11-0 against Dalat Eagles

Top scorer: Deswyn Wan - 1o goals
Top assist: Deswyn Wan - 5 assists

Point leaders:
1. Deswyn Wan - 15 points (10+5)
2. Sam Teoh - 8 points (4+4)
3. Valarie Tan - 5 points (4+1)


Best player:
Sam Teoh, a wise cracking player who is flexible in playing in almost any position, except for goalkeeping of course. One of the senior players who recovered from a bad knee injury. That did not stop him from picking himself up and coming back into the game with a good form.

With the lack of experienced defenders for Innebandy, it is the best decision to place Sam at the fort of the team. And of course he did his job well in minimizing the goal deficits and contributing the balls to the forwards. He is also one of the few defenders who earns 8 points placing him in the top ten spot of the score chart.

He's a defender, a forward, the brainchild behind the club, the coach, the one who assists and the one who scores. He is a multi-purpose guy who deserves to be called 'best player.'

Borak says:
3rd place does seemed to be too bad, for most. But not for Innebandy, who has always been on the top in the past. What went wrong?

Innebandy has always and still is relying on their old guards. They were unstoppable in those days. They still are, but circumstances have changed. The court is bigger, meaning they would not be able to sustain consistent performance for a full match, and with the playing field being levelled out each year, the gap between teams is closing in inch by inch each year where once upon a time, it seemed like a gap that could not be bridged. Well, not any more.

The team's overall experience certainly surpassed most, but the youngsters' lack of experience in actual game play (positioning and anticipation) proved to be a major weak link, hence, they were unable to compete with faster, aggressive teams. In the end, it was the usual suspects that reluctantly run the show. Deswyn often finds his passing options limited, while Sam desperately holds the defence together and like Deswyn, have no one to pass to but amongst themselves, which explains the high percentage of goals scored and assisted between the two.

On the bright side, the team boast quite a number of potential stars all around, such as Rooban and Win Shern in defence. Although technically adequate, they still needs polishing in terms of aggression and positioning. Young kids like Darien and Jason Chew too, caught the eye with their impressive display of technique and skill considering their age. When all these "Work-in-progress" become complete, do not be surprise if you find them back on top. Definitely a force to be reckon with in the near future.

Team Review:Contact FireAnts

Contact FireAnts.

Final standing: 4th/6
Goals scored: 26
Goals conceded: 17
League form: LLWWW

Biggest win: 12-0 against Minden UniHawks
Biggest loses: 0-7 against Ztec 8cers
Highest scoring match: 12-0 against Minden Unihawks

Top scorer: Bryan Looi - 12 goals
Top assist: Bryan Looi - 7 assists

Point leaders:
1. Bryan Looi - 19 points (12+7)
2. Edward Lim - 10 points (4+6)
3. Nicholas Yeoh - 8 points (5+3)


Best player:
It was a choice between the master(Edward Lim) and the disciple(Bryan Looi). Both equal deadly but deadliest when combine. But to pick one, Borak when for the one with more potential and more flair of the two, Bryan Looi.

He was easily Contact FireAnts' most outstanding player throughout the league and was in the class of his own. First an unnoticed charge down the channels to receive a pass; then going inward pass his maker with his a piece for brilliant ball control and finally sealing the move with a shot which often lands inside the net. How often have the opponents see that trademark move and yet unable to stop him? Finishing 2nd in the point chart with 12 goals and 7 assist and landing himself a slot in the All Star team is just shows how good the boy is. And the best is yet to come from the teenager, every season his going to get stronger and better, bad news for the rest, good news for Malaysia Floorball. Bet the National Coach can wait for him to come of age!


Borak says:
It was never easy to defend a title in to start with. Contact FireAnts getting off with to a slow start again certainly didn't help, especially when the first two fixtures was against Ztec 8cers and Innebandy!Co..

The two losts really dim their hopes in retaining the title but as they picked themselves up with their own brand of floorball. Plenty of great movement from the forwards and good play ups caused tonnes of problems for their next three opponents which none survived, most notable victim: eventual runners-up, Spartans.

With the gain of maximum points of 6 saw them levelled with Innebandy!Co., but the earlier defeat against meant that they will end up empty handed this season.

Team Review: Dalat Eagles

Dalat Eagles.

Final standing: 5th/6
Goals scored: 11
Goals conceded: 44
League form: LWLLL

Biggest win: 5-0 against Minden UniHawks
Biggest loses: 1-20 against Ztec 8cers
Highest scoring match: 1-20 against Ztec 8cers

Top scorer: Norman Arno Kiehl - 4 goals
Top assist: Jason Mark Selvanayagam/ Robert Nollen/Brian Richard Merusi - 1 assists

Point leaders:
1. Norman Arno Kiehl - 4 points (4+0)
2. Jason Mark Selvanayagam - 3 points (2+1)
3. Robert Thorne (2+0);
Robert Nollen (1+1) - 2 points


Best player:
Being one of the very few players with experience of the team, Edwin Ooi was easily one of the better performer. In front of a near non-existence defences, the goalie was arguably one of the two busier players in the league(the other beeing Minden's goalie) Time and again, he was called upon and performed unconventional-football-like style acrobatic saves.

Any decent goalie would have shake their heads, but it matter not, as long as the objective of keeping the ball out is acheive, who cares. In fact, Edwin, often beeming with confidence and drive, constantly barking at his defender, and doing his best to get the job done earn him a few votes as a contender for the All Star.


Borak says:
Dalat Eagles did pretty well considering that majority of their players are new to the game. And they even pulled off a surprised victory by beating a more experience Minden UniHawks with a convincing 5 goal margin, keeping their Division 1 hopes alive.

It was a pity they were unable to field their strongest side in Div 1 this year as it clashes with Dalat's summer break, but if the trend of the floorball schedule continues, do not be surprised to see a completely different line up in Division 1 next season. Their unpredictably might not work twice.

Team Review: Minden UniHawks

Minden UniHawks

Final standing: 6th/6
Goals scored: 5
Goals conceded: 50
League form: LLLLL

Biggest win: NA
Biggest loses: 1-18 against Ztec 8cers
Highest scoring match: 1-18 against Ztec 8cers

Top scorer: Sarah Ng/ Rishvan Sasidaran - 2 goals
Top assist: Christopher Koh - 2 assist

Point leaders:
1. Sarah Ng - 3 points (2+1)
2. Rishavan Sasidaran (2+0)
Christopher Koh (1+1) - 2 points


Best player:

Against big giants, Sarah Ng stood out. Against bigger giants, Chris Koh stood out. Neither of them deserved not to be named best player—not these two pillars of UniHawks’ team. Yet it must be said that when it mattered most, against the giants—Chris was the one who shone brighter.

Give Sarah the ball and she can do wonderful things with it, blindfolded. But Chris, with or without the ball, makes his presence felt.

Technically, he was as good as anyone could be. Physically too, Chris was right up there with the best. With better teammates, he could have led the team much further — but UniHawks is where his heart is. Look forward to a better, meaner Chris Koh next year.

Borak says:
Perhaps UniHawks’ last game against Ztec 8cers was a fitting end that summed up their campaign this year. Packed defensively — always playing with no less than three in their own half; a single hustler up front — most of the time chasing shadows. But somehow still have the knack of stinging you from behind if you drop your guard.
Weak?

No way. Their match against Spartans proved anything but weak.
UniHawks just missed that one jigsaw piece that would complement the dynamic duo of Chris and Sarah. These two are creators and playmakers, who would rather create an opening and watch another slam it in than to ram their way in and win the glory.
UniHawks lacked a finisher. Nonetheless, great spirit from this team, as always!

PFL'09 Div 1 Review: All Star Team

And so, PFL Division 1 2009 has finally come to an end, and what else other than the revelation the All Star Team as the perfect closure. There were plenty who made their mark this year and stood a chance to be named—but these are the best of the best; the cream of the crop; the match winners—the ones who stood out and lit up the league this year with their goals, their vision, their tackles, and their flair.

Goalkeeper: Kao Lin Ken (Innebandy!Co.)
He might not be the most worked goalie in terms of work load but the National No. 1 definitely streets ahead in terms of technique, agility and experience compared to the rest. For a title aspiring team, Innebandy's defence seems relatively inexperience for a title aspiring team, and often caught ball watching. When breach, Lin Ken will be the final hope and the goalie rarely failed to respond when called upon. He did have his off days, like the Spartan game, conceding some soft goals but other than that, he had been solid throughout the league and was exceptionaly superb when they faced 8cers, keeping the score line to a minimal 5. Next stop, APAC All Star? ^^

Right Defender: Jeremy Yeap (Ztec 8cers)
Speed, anticipation blend with flair abundance, the flamboyant defender dazzle and mazzle through defences throughout the league, just the kind of entertainment to lighten up the stadium. Unlike most, this one is no show pony, he possess not only style but also quality, as he dictated most of the teams play form the back, supply array of passes up front as well as providing support in offence. The only negative would be the fumbles that comes when the trickery fails, although he often manages to cover up with his speed and experience. No complains as long as the team wins.

Left Defender: Sam Teoh (Innebandy!Co.)
Like his All Star partner, Sam is also a true example of how a defender should be play. Decisive and brave in defence, possessing great vision and accurate passes, and not shy to take a shot when the opportunity falls on his blade. Less fancy than Jeremy and far more solid at back, the versatile Sam place himself at the back and was the Great Wall of Innebandy. The blocks and interception must have made Lin Ken boring between the post, while his forays definitely lifted some pressure of Deswyn who was fighting a tough battle at the center. There were no contenders whatsoever for his spot, best defender of the league, period.


Centre: Deswyn Wan (Innebandy!Co.)
People must be dead tired seeing "Innebandy!Co." for the third time in the list, but what to do when you have 3 National regulars in your team. And the best of the best is this one here. Pools of words had gone dry trying to describe Deswyn, the most complete player ever produced in Malaysia, so Far.(Hoping more to see more in the future) Although the centre did not shine as expected,he was the heartbeat of Innebandy, there is nothing that doesn't involve him when his on court. He and Sam, deadly duo up front, tearing defenses apart while rock solid behind, shutting up the most lethal strike force of the league, Ztec 8cers to a mere 5 by playing the full 40 mins! However, the teams over reliance on him made him an easy target as he often find himself surround, and yet he still manages to sit 3rd on the point chart underlines his superiority and ability to bring others around him into the play.

Right Forward: Chiam Ter Min (Ztec 8cers)
It is not a coincidence Team Malaysia's APAC 2009 Point Leader is also PFL Div 1 2009's Point Leader, plus joint Top Scorer and Top Assists. He is one of the best players in Malaysia, if not the best. One would question if the lad is not in the All Star Team. Although he opted to play a more forward role, Ter Min style of player differs form a typical forward, he tends to drop back slightly and that is why he is most deadly. The prefect range for his outrageous shots; in a flash it turns into a deadly pass to one of his mate; also the perfect spot to link up the forwards and the defense. And at times, when desperate time calls for desperate measures, he would step up the plate and produce a little bit of magic. The talisman of 8cers is an absolute pick for the All Star will his all round performance throughout the league.


Left Forward: Bryan Looi (Contact FireAnts)
Trailing Ter Min behind the point chart for a U-15 seems like mission impossible, not when you have Bryan Looi in your team. The boy is another undisputed pick, as there is no other better left forward in Malaysia let alone the league than the up and rising star of FireAnats. He has grown tremendously since his debut few years back, and this year, with his build up in terms of physique(meaning more endurance in body checks) and refinement in techniques. Together with his Mentor, Edward Lim, they struck fear to defences throughout the league, as they often slice through defense with some marvelous exchanges of passes. Once in awhile, the boy would also crack up a skill or two, going solo and scoring some great goals.

PFL'09 Div 1: An Overview

Final League Standings:

TEAMS	GP	W	D	L	GF-GA		P
Z8C	5	4	1	0	53-7		9
FLS	5	3	1	1	21-18		7
INC	5	3	0	2	31-11		6
CFA	5	3	0	2	26-17		6
DLE	5	1	0	4	11-44		2
MDU	5	0	0	5	5-50		0

Fixtures & Results:
16 Jun 2009: Contact FireAnts v Ztec 8cers 0-7 (0-4, 0-3)
18 Jun 2009: Minden UniHawks v Innebandy!Co. 0-10 (0-2, 0-8)
23 Jun 2009: Frontliners Spartans v Dalat Eagles 8-3 (5-2, 3-1)
25 Jun 2009: Innebandy!Co. v Contact FireAnts 6-3 (2-2, 4-1)
30 Jun 2009 Ztec 8cers v Frontliners Spartans 3-3 (1-1, 2-2)
02 Jul 2009 Dalat Eagles v Minden UniHawks 5-0 (3-0, 2-0)
07 Jul 2009 Frontliners Spartans v Innebandy!Co. 3-2 (3-0, 0-2)
09 Jul 2009 Ztec 8cers v Dalat Eagles 20-1 (6-0, 14-1)
14 Jul 2009 Contact FireAnts v Minden UniHawks 12-0 (7-0, 5-0)
16 Jul 2009 Dalat Eagles v Contact FireAnts 2-5 (0-4, 2-1)
21 Jul 2009 Minden UniHawks v Frontliners Spartans 4-5 (3-2, 1-3)
23 Jul 2009 Innebandy!Co. v Ztec 8cers 2-5 (1-3, 1-2)
28 Jul 2009 Contact FireAnts v Frontliners Spartans 6-2 (4-2, 2-0)
30 Jul 2009 Innebandy!Co. v Dalat Eagles 11-0 (5-0, 6-0)
04 Aug 2009 Ztec 8cers v Minden UniHawks 18-1 (8-0, 10-1)

Final Point Charts:

PLAYER	TEAM	G	A	P
Chiam Ter Min	Z8C	12	10	22
Bryan Looi	CFA	12	7	19
Deswyn Wan	INC	10	5	15
Loh Jo-Wyee	Z8C	10	3	13
Oliver Cedric	Z8C	11	1	12
Edward Lim	CFA	4	6	10
Nicholas Yeoh	CFA	5	3	8
Sam Teoh	INC	4	4	8
Daniel Cheah	Z8C	6	1	7
Lee Su Rong	FLS	6	0	6
Yeoh Jun Wooi	Z8C	3	3	6
Wong Ken Wye	Z8C	2	4	6
Kenny Ng	FLS	4	1	5
Valerie Tan	INC	4	1	5
Khor Kuan Yang	FLS	2	3	5
Nicholas Teoh	FLS	2	3	5
Norman Arno Kiehl	DLE	4	0	4
Jeremy Yeap	Z8C	3	1	4
Moy Wei Sern	Z8C	3	1	4
Nicholas Ong	INC	3	0	3
Jason Mark Selvanayagam	DLE	2	1	3
Algin Tan	FLS	2	1	3
Ephraim Teh	INC	2	1	3
Sarah Ng Sue Yen	MDU	2	1	3
Rooban Chand	INC	1	2	3
Sjaiful Anuar	Z8C	0	3	3
Robert Thorne	DLE	2	0	2
Joerel Marcus	CFA	2	0	2
Chung Wei Jian	FLS	2	0	2
Darien Loh	INC	2	0	2
Rishvan Sasidaran	MDU	2	0	2
Robert Nollen	DLE	1	1	2
Kew Pei Li	FLS	1	1	2
Joshua Yam	INC	0	2	2
Christopher Koh	MDU	0	2	2
Henry Cheang	CFA	1	0	1
Serene Tan	CFA	1	0	1
Mats Nordberg	DLE	1	0	1
David Alain Thomas	DLE	1	0	1
Chan Ming Hwee	FLS	1	0	1
Andrew Yeap	INC	1	0	1
Jason Chew	INC	1	0	1
Tan Jia Jian	MDU	1	0	1
Benjamin Ong	CFA	0	1	1
Brian Richard Merusi	DLE	0	1	1
Gary Chong	MDU	0	1	1
Wong Joon Han	Z8C	0	1	1

Top Scorers:
1. Chiam Ter Min(Ztec 8cers)/
Bryan Looi (Contact FireAnts) - 12 goals

3. Oliver Cedric (Ztec 8cers) - 11 goals

4. Deswyn Wan (Innebandy!Co.)/
Loh Jo-Wyee (Ztec 8cers) - 10 goals

6. Daniel Cheah (Ztec 8cers)/
Lee Su Rong (Frontliners Spartans) - 6 goals

8. Nicholas Yeoh (Contact FireAnts) - 5 goals

9. Edward Lim (Contact FireAnts/
Kenny Ng (Frontliners Spartans)/
Norman Arno Kiehl (Dalat Eagles)/
Sam Teoh (Innebandy!Co.)/
Valerie Tan (Innebandy!Co.) - 4 goals


Top Assisters:
1. Chiam Ter Min (Ztec 8cers) - 10 assists

2. Bryan Looi (Contact FireAnts) - 7 assists

3. Edward Lim (Contact FireAnts) - 6 assists

4. Deswyn Wan (Innebandy!Co.) - 5 assists

5. Sam Teoh (Innebandy!Co.)/
Wong Ken Wye (Ztec 8cers) - 4 assists

7. Khor Kuan Yang (Frontliners Spartans)/
Loh Jo-Wyee (Ztec 8cers)/
Nicholas Teoh (Frontliners Spartans)/
Nicholas Yeoh (Contact FireAnts)/
Sjaiful Anuar (Ztec 8cers)/
Yeoh Jun Wooi (Ztec 8cers) - 3 assists

Match Review: Ztec's finishing touch!

Ztec 8cers vs. Minden UniHawks
4th August 2009, Tuesday
18-1 (8-0, 10-1)

0045 1-0 Oliver Cedric (Moy Wei Sern)
0508 2-0 Loh Jo Wyee (Sjaiful Anuar)
0819 3-0 Own goal by Minden UniHawks
1008 4-0 Oliver Cedric
1017 5-0 Moy Wei Sern
1436 6-0 Loh Jo Wyee (Sjaiful Anuar)
1630 7-0 Oliver Cedric
1955 8-0 Oliver Cedric

0013 9-0 Chiam Ter Min (Wong Joon Han)
0249 10-0 Yeoh Jun Wooi
0455 11-0 Daniel Cheah (Wong Ken Wye)
0611 12-0 Chiam Ter Min
0858 12-1 Tan Jia Jian (Christopher Koh)
1027 13-1 Oliver Cedric
1151 14-1 Chiam Ter Min (Sjaiful Anuar)
1519 15-1 Moy Wei Sern
1528 16-1 Chiam Ter Min (Loh Jo Wyee)
1631 17-1 Daniel Cheah
1733 Minden UniHawks' time out
1809 18-1 Moy Wei Sern (Yeoh Jun Wooi)

BBF spoke to Ter Min (TM) of Ztec 8cers for the last time in PFL 2009:

BBF: Your last game in the league! What was the expectation against the Hawks? Based on the league table, the Hawks are the weakest team. With that in mind, what was the objective for this match?

TM: As the coach of the team my talk to the team will always be the same. Treat all opponents the same, go in give your 100% and see what you can get from the match. As for the team's objective, we wanted to reach the 50 goals in total for the whole league. So with 35 in the bag before the match, the team was aiming for 15 more.


BBF: You guys definitely expected to win with a big margin but did you guys expected for the Hawks to score pass your team? What happened?

TM: Like I said we were targeting 15 goals and of course try our best not to concede a goal but to be honest it was a good goal. After watching the video, I think it was our mistake to lose the ball in the middle and Unihawks had a very good counter attack to score. Credit to them.


BBF: What do you think is the strength and weakness of Minden UniHawks? What would you advice them to work on?

TM: Their strength at the moment is their speed. They have fast players in almost all department always ready to give their opponent a run. However, the lack of skills is visible and I think is this area that they need to work on. Their basic. When saying basic it mean ball control to learning how to pass as a team. Once they have a good basic skills, together with their speed they will be a good team. Keep on working on the basics and be more confident when holding the ball. Try not to give the ball away easily. I think they conceded most of their goals because of their own players giving the ball away to easily.


BBF: Looking back at the league, which match would you say was the hardest for Ztec and why?

TM: Frontliners Spartans. They were on form on that day. Every single player from goalie to defender to forwards all were on fire. Besides that, they have very fast players and good fore-checking and they apply very good pressure on their opponents.


BBF: Lastly, who would you vote as the man of the match for Minden UniHawks and why?

TM: A couple of them played very well that game. Sarah had a good game, always running and supplying the balls. Chris was solid in the middle giving me a tough time. haha. But if I had to pick just one if would be Rishvan. He was always on the run and he was the main man for them on that day. All the balls was directed to him and he was constantly keeping our defenders busy. Had a few chances too to score. The most dangerous man on the court for them on that day.

BBF spoke to Christopher Koh (CK) of Minden UniHawks for the last time in PFL 2009:

BBF: This is UniHawks final match and definitely their toughest match. What was the expectation? What was the strategy you set for team?

CK: The expectation for the team was to play our hearts out. Like you said, it was our last game of the league and we'll be relegated to division 2 next year. I told my team to just let it all out in this game. We want to end the league with a bang! But of course, it wasn't easy to do that against a team like Ztec (laughs). It was all in good spirit and we're happy to give our best as a team.

The strategy was to play 3-1-1. We wanted to play tight in defence while gambling with just 1 forward up front. However, looking back at the game, we played way too deep in defence allowing many of the Ztec players to take shots from every corner with their own sweet time. Aside from that, I honestly think we did pretty well against the eventual champions!


BBF: Was it hard to keep up physically and mentally against a team like Ztec? What was the main challenge you face as a coach and player in this match?

CK: Honestly, the match was really slow. Physically, we weren't tired at all. The challenge was more mental than anything else. The facts show that we've lost every other matches in the league and with that in mind, it definitely pulled the morale down for the team. Even before the game against Ztec started, I could see from the faces of my players that they weren't pretty tensed up. My job as a coach for this match or for this league for that matter, honestly speaking , isn't so much about getting the right strategy, but more so in encouraging my players, getting their confidence up and to push them to play their hearts out no matter what the outcome may be. That was the challenge to me as a coach.


BBF: It has been a tough league for you this year. What do you have to say about the league?

CK: It is a tough league for us this year. We've lost all our matches (laughs). I'm glad that in spite of that, we are all still in good spirit.

The standard of the league has definitely progressed to a higher level. Teams in Penang are improving rapidly. Take for instance, Frontliners Spartan, a team that has grown tremendously since the last league! Bravo to them! And I believe PFA has achieved another milestone this year with another job well done in organizing the league and we can see that gradually the league is shaping its way to being more 'professional' and that's a positive direction to be heading at if we really want floorball to grow. Great job guys!


BBF: As a coach, how do you think you team fare in this year's league and what do you have to say to them?

CK: As a coach, yes, I think we could have done better in some of the games but some how we didn't/couldn't. Yes, it was, to a certain extent, our own doing but if it requires us to fare the way we did in this league to improve ourselves as a team, then I believe it will be worth while.

Honestly, I'm proud of my team. I wouldn't trade Minden UniHawks with any other team in the league. I see tremendous potential in Minden UniHawks and in my players, hence, I made a decision to stay back in this club. What do I have to say to them?

Just this - We are here to build a team! Let's do it guys!


BBF: Lastly, who would you vote as the man of the match for Minden UniHawks and why?

CK: Hmmm.. Not sure.. I think I'd vote for Ter Min. He made some good runs, scored some good goals and assisted a handful as well.

********************************

Borak says:
Bendy:
Final match for PFL 2009, Ztec ending it with a bang against the helpless UniHawks; whose deep lying 3 man wall crumble to non-existence. Minden start off with an obvious intent - Shut Them Out! The 3-1-1 formation was a master piece, placing 3 defensive players, with a defensive centre, leaving a lone defensive forward up there. Logical, but much more harder when it comes to application. UniHawks literally stood still, watching 8cers run the show, which they did without second invitation.

The second half was a much better display as UniHawks came out with an improve version, a more energetic and driven one. The correct one I would say. The forwards ran like beast released form its cage and ran on 8cers defenders, applying some intensive pressure on the relax back line, the kind of pressing which was sorely lacking in the first. Although they conceded more, but there were much more encourage moments to shout for and even got themselves a bit of consolation. 18-1 in the end, not a big fuss considering playing against the Champions, but the change in attitude and game play of UniHawks, deserves much praise. Great job. And Congrats to the newly crown Champions. =)


MoMs:
Its hard to pick ONE best player form a team of good players and with everyone scoring, but after much tinkering, Borak is going for Oliver. Not much of a fancy player, but the lad works his socks off! He doesn't mind chasing for lost causes, as long as he sees the white and shiny Precision Ball rolling around. Harassing the defenders, forcing them to make mistakes; pouncing onto rebounds, charging in for 50/50s; he ignore Minden's 3 men wall and fire his shots all around, with 5 landing in the net.

Although Minden started of with a defensive mindset, Borak was impressed with their lone forward Rish, whom like Oliver, did a whole lot of running for the night. Especially well documented in the second half, the boy caused the 8cers a few headaches as he forechecked the ball handler, which created a few opportunities. The forward must have covered more miles then all his team mates' total and deserves a pat on the back for his effort.

(Big thanks to Ter Min and Christopher for their time. And 3 Cheers for Ztec 8cers for winning the league!!!)

***p/s: Much more to come form Borak, stay tune. Sorry for the delay. ^^***

Match review: Innebandy too hot for Eagles!

Innebandy! Co. vs. Dalat Eagles
30th July 2009, Thursday
11-0 (5-0, 6-0)

0022 1-0 Deswyn Wan
0157 2-0 Deswyn Wan (Valerie Yentl Tan)
0500 3-0 Valerie Yentl Tan (Joshua Yam)
1230 4-0 Sam Teoh (Joshua Yam)
1658 5-0 Sam Teoh (Deswyn Wan)

0404 6-0 Valerie Yentl Tan
0509 7-0 Darien Loh (Ephraim Teh)
0558 8-0 Own Goal by Edwin Ooi
1150 9-0 Jason Chew (Deswyn Wan)
1553 10-0 Deswyn Wan
1942 11-0 Deswyn Wan

What else can we say.
The score line speaks for itself.

BBF talked to Sam Teoh (ST) of Innebandy:

BBF: This is your final match of the league. What was the primary objective that you have set for your team? Did you guys achieve it?

ST: Our primary objective playing against Dalat was to maintain ball possession throughout the game by moving the ball around with good passes and eventually take lots of shots to score as many goals as possible. And of course to have fun. After all, it's our last game for this campaign. Obviously we did! 61 shots on target. How much more can I ask from the Innebandiens? They really surprised me and surpassed all my expectations. If I'm not mistaken this is the most shots on target for this league. I'm proud of my team!


BBF: Frankly speaking, Dalat did manage to hold up a good defence against the likes of Deswyn and yourself several times. What are some of the challenges faced playing against a team like Dalat Eagles?

ST: Honestly, we didn't feel much pressure from our opponents. But it is common for them to pressure us more as we are the most threatening players to them. However, the pressure were felt mostly by both of our younger forwards Darien Loh and Jason Chew as they are playing against "goliath" that is 3 or 4 times their size. But that did not stop them from playing their game. Both of them earned the goal they deserved for playing in such a high level game that is meant for the big boys only. Well done to both Darien and Jason.


BBF: Looking back at the league as a whole, which match do you think was the hardest for the team?

ST: Ztec 8cer for sure. Simply because they have more experience players and played to their best potential.


BBF: How do you think your team fare as a whole and what do you have to say to your players?

ST: The whole team grew tighter and stronger during the span of this league. That is what matters the most to me as a coach. Each innebandiens played their hearts out and also giving their very best to this club and to floorball. I'm really proud of each of them and I'm priviledge to have them in my team. It is my honour. However, there are always rooms for improvement. I will continue to develop the whole team and I look forward to see the younger ones to rise up in their skills and character.


BBF:Lastly, who would you vote as the man of the match for team Dalat Eagles and why?

ST: Norman. He stands out among his team mates and he was quite hardworking on court as compared to the rest.

BBF also spoke to Jason Selva (JS) of team Dalat Eagles:

BBF: Coming in for your final match of the league against a team like Innebandy, what was the primary objective that you set for your team?

JS: Play hard, have fun and watch out for Deswyn (smiles).


BBF: Although a newly assembled team, through this league, BBF have noticed some up and rising players that Dalat have. Who do you think in Dalat Eagles have made a crucial contribution and possess great potential in floorball?

JS: I think everyone on the team had a lot to do with the success. There are a few new players that stuck out but because it was such a brand new team the credit has to go to everyone . It was a team effort, it had to be.


BBF: Looking back at the league as a whole, which match do you think was the hardest for the team?

JS: I think the one against Ztec. The "old men" were just no match for the young guns with speed and skill, deadly combo.


BBF: This was your final match of the league. How do you think your team fared as a whole and what do you have to say to your players?

JS: It was great having them as team mates. I think they did an awesome job for beginners and I think they can go really far if they continue playing. Three cheers for all of them from me!


BBF: Lastly, who would you vote as the man of the match for team Innebandy?

JS: Deswyn Wan, everyone on my team voted for him. Excellent moves!


Borak says:
Spritzer:
A lob-sided match from the beginning to the end.
There really wasn't much the Eagles could do against a team like Innebandy. It was all about courage and spirit for the Eagles.

For Innebandy, their fire power up front came from the usual suspects, Deswyn and occasionally Sam. With Deswyn playing in the centre, that whole area was practically owned by him with his swift moves and speedy runs. Dalat could not keep up with this lad. However, Innebandy's line two looked pretty shaky at times, especially in their defence. Dalat had a couple of chances up front against their line two but they just could not convert them to goals.

For Dalat, it was a match that really tested their mental strength and obviously their goalkeeper. Edwin had a lot of work at goal and BBF must give him credit for his outstanding performance and his ability to keep calm even though the score line was a big one. Keep it up!

MoMs:
Innebandy relied a lot on Deswyn to bank in the goals. And he did.
However, it was Darien Loh, the little young gun who stood out the most in BBF's eyes. This young lad may look young but his floorball sense and movement on court speaks otherwise. Well attuned to the game of floorball at such an age, he is the next kid to look out for!

For Dalat, Norman played the crucial role with his tireless run. This young lad also worked really hard both up front and in defence. He's work rate is exceptional! Then again, aren't all Dalat's players work rate like that? ;)

Match Review: Stinging the Spartans!

Contact FireAnts vs. Frontliners Spartans
28th July 2009, Tuesday
6-2 (4-2, 2-0)

0358 0-1 Own goal by Nicholas Yeoh (CFA)
0548 2 mins bench penalty for Header: Joerel Marcus(CFA)
1040 0-2 Lee Su Rong (Khor Kuan Yang)
1208 1-2 Nicholas Yeoh (Bryan Looi)
1402 2-2 Bryan Looi (Nicholas Yeoh)
1422 3-2 Nicholas Yeoh (Edward Lim)
1640 4-2 Bryan Looi (Nicholas Yeoh)

0457 2 mins bench penalty plus 10 mins personal penalty for Unsportsmanlike Behaviour: Henry Cheang (CFA)
0551 5-2 Nicholas Yeoh (Bryan Looi)
0836 Time out by Frontliners Spartans
1434 6-2 Bryan Looi
1746 2 mins bench penalty plus 10 mins personal penalty for Unsportsmanlike Behaviour: Henry Cheang (CFA)

It looked like a case of the culmination of two trends: one upward and another downward. Contact FireAnts reached their peak. Frontliners Spartans hit their bottom.

Contact FireAnts, after starting poor and slow, hit jackpot that day. Frontliners Spartans, after starting on turbo boosters and having had all cylinders firing, finally grinded to a rude stop.

Too bad this game counted for nothing.
Let’s look at the different reactions from the team managers.

BBF talked to Kuan Yang (KY) of team Frontliners Spartan about the match and the league:

BBF: Your first big loss in the league. Tell us, what was the primary objective in this particular match, and do you think your team achieved it?

KY: Yes, our first loss. To some it might mean no chance for gold; a halt in our unbeaten run, but coming into this match, as a team, we have already exceeded our own expectations. Plus, realistically, I don't see Ztec throwing away their last game (laughs). Because of that, I have decided to tweak the team a little for the final match. First, is to give some of the players who have sat with the team throughout the league and yet had played little time extra game time; and also to expose certain players to different positions as it is important for me, as a coach to understand my players more and so hopefully to improve the team as a whole in the future. Did we achieve it? I would yes, to a certain extent, but as the result suggests, there's a whole lot of areas to work on.


BBF: As a coach for your team, what do you think is the biggest hurdle against a team like Contact FireAnts with the types of players you have currently?

KY: Contact strength has always been their team play. Their movement as a team, with or without the balls and their team synergy is their main weapon. Compared to Spartans, well, we have always build the team based on physical fitness and speed but we always have big headaches tactically. We often pressed up to high and failed to dropped back quickly enough or we would run around, headlessly as the ball is being move around. Which I thought was well proven in the match. FireAnts capitalised on us pressing high, and hit us hard at the counter.


BBF: Looking back at the league as a whole, which match do you think was the hardest one for the team?

KY: Hmmm.. I would like to say all games are hard (laughs). But to pick one, I would have to go for the match against UniHawks. Boy did they make us sweat. In truth, I was well aware of Minden's ability to hit us at the counter but not with that kind of effectiveness. Down by 3 goals within the first 10 minutes and crawling back up and win by a goal, it was the craziest match ever!


BBF: This is your last game of the league and it's safe to say that Frontliners, without a doubt, has been one of the few teams that have risen to the occasion. As a coach, how do you feel your team fare and what do you have to say to them?

KY: It seemed to be a trend for Frontliners to struggle and fight for our life in Penang League, and if things go too well, normally we would fall at the very end when it matters most, like last year. This year, the team faced a lot of setbacks in preparation and personally, we were expecting the worst. However, with the Spartan spirit burning and raging, it kind of gave the team an extra kick during matches, and with a few calculated gambles, it brought us unexpected results. Getting a medal was never in the plan, so looking at where the team is on the league table, I would say we have way way surpassed expectation.

As for players, congratulations and see you in training! (Laughs)


BBF: Lastly, who would you vote as the man of the match for team Contact FireAnts and why?

KY: I would have to go for Nicholas Yeoh. He together with Bryan was sizzling throughout the match and had a hand in all the goals, but I though Nick was sharp that day, getting into the danger zone, hitting rebounds and often speeding towards over goal on the counter, a real trouble maker for us that day.

**************************

(BBF could not get Contact FireAnts representative for a chat about the match, hence, the exclusion of their interview)

Borak says:
Carrard:
Contact FireAnts made Spartans look like a very ordinary, schoolboy team. Spartans simply had no answer to the attacking trio of Bryan, Edward and Nicholas, and more importantly, FireAnts’ overall teamplay.

And there’s the word-- FireAnts simply outplayed Spartans that day.
Even with not one, but two, 10-minutes penalties for FireAnts, it never looked likely that Spartans could summon up another miracle.

Why?
Maybe if there was still something to play for, things would have been very different. But with nothing to play for, FireAnts really unleashed all their potential upon the hapless Spartans, and Spartans… well, they’d already won the silver, hadn’t they?

Yet even circumstances cannot change the flavors of the game, for victory tastes as sweet, and defeat just as bitter.But for the neutrals that day, true floorball triumphed over hit-and-run floorball.And that is how it should be.

MoMs
It’s been Bryan Looi who’s been hogging the spotlight since day one, and rightfully so, but this time Nicholas Yeoh just edges him out. Take nothing away from Bryan—it was his playmaking and vision that created holes for Nick the poacher to take advantage of. However, Nick was chosen because of, strangely, his own goal in the opening minutes. Most players would not be able to pick themselves up and move on, but Nick rebounded quickly and scored three and assisted in two, making him FireAnts’ man of the match.

It was Nicholas Yeoh for FireAnts, now, it’s Nicholas Teoh for Spartans. Always willing to run, always willing to cook some trick up then try it, always willing to do the unorthodox—that’s Nick Teoh for you. Not as perfect a game as Nick Yeoh, but a good one, if held up to his team’s standards.

(A big thank you to KY for the interview!)