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.

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!)

Match Review: When size does not matter

Dalat Eagles vs. Contact FireAnts
16th July 2009, Thursday
2-5 (0-4, 2-1)

0139 0-1 Bryan Looi (Edward Lim)
0541 0-2 Own goal by Joel Steinkamp (DLE)
0700 0-3 Nicholas Yeoh
1319 0-4 Bryan Looi (Edward Lim)

0350 2 mins + 10 mins personal penalty for unsportsmanlike behaviour: Benjamin Ong (CFA)
0454 1-0 Norman Arno Kiehl
0505 1-1 Bryan Looi
0606 1-2 Robert Nollan (Jason Mark Selvanayagam)
0843 2 mins for incorrect pushing: Brian Richard Merusi (DLE)
1002 2 mins for incorrect pushing: Robert Thorne(DLE)
1234 2 mins for incorrect pushing: Mats Nordberg (DLE)

The Eagles against the Ants.
And that almost translated literally on court.
Eagles, huge and robust, while the Ants, small yet quick.
We had a quick chat with Jason Selva from Dalat Eagles and Penny Khoo of Contact FireAnts.

BBF interviewed Jason Selva (JS) of Dalat Eagles:

BBF: Firstly, BBF would like to apologize to Dalat Eagles for the 'missing' interview in the match against Ztec 8cers. We had some miscommunication in sending out the e-mails. Error on our part. Anyhow, looking back at that match, did you guys expect the score line to be that big?

JS: No, but we also weren’t trying after the second half started; it was more practice for us than anything else. I asked the guys not to worry about the score line and just try out some play that we had practiced.


BBF: After the big loss against Ztec, how did the team feel? Were you guys disheartened?

JS: We were a little disheartened but picked ourselves right back up and focused on the coming match. And was it hard to look forward to play this match against Contact or were the expectations the same like any of your previous matches, which was to have fun as a team? No it wasn’t hard. My concept is that my team has time to mourn and think over their loss and mistakes until our next practice time and then it’s all work again on getting down to business of practicing for the upcoming game….. and have fun.


BBF: Apparently, the match was pretty hard and rough out there in the court. What are your thoughts on that?

JS: I think it was as well but, like BBF said in the beginning, our team is made up of a bunch of “old men” and can’t run and if we do start running fast we can’t really stop very well. So sorry to those who were in the way. Unfortunately, because the other team didn’t know this they reacted to it.

BBF: The league is about to end with few more games at hand. How do you feel about your team and the progress that they've made so far?

JS: I think our team has done excellently well and even exceeded their own expectations of being at the bottom of the league and maybe even face relegation but to be starters and have 90% new players come out “on top” is an awesome feeling for me as a coach. I have a great
team that in due time will go places.


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

JS: Bryan Looi; great plays, great runs and great goals.
BBF interviewed Penny Khoo (PK), captain of Contact FireAnts:

BBF: The most talked about issue in this match was the hard and rough play on court. Your player, Benjamin Ong, committed a 10minutes bench penalty. What are your thoughts on the rough play on court and your player, Ben Ong, when he committed that foul?

PK: In the heat of the game there will surely be some rough playing on court. We knew it will be a very physical game based on the built of Dalat’s players and their previous matches. We are constantly reminding our players to play hard but not rough on court and not to retaliate in the heat of the game. I trust that the team has learned a lot from this incident.


BBF: As always, we would like to know your tactical game plan in this match? Were there any specific objectives and instructions given?

PK: As always we just needed to play it the FireAnts style, with lots of passes, control the speed of the game and ENJOY!


BBF: 5-2. Are you satisfied with the score line? Or do you think you guys should have put more goals in and should not have let that 2 goals beaten your keeper?

PK: There weren’t any specific scoreline set for that game though we wanted to win. Of course it will be good to put in a few more goals and not concede any. But overall it was good.


BBF: This is your second straight win after beating Minden UniHawks in the previous match. How do you think Contact is doing in the league so far?

PK: So far so good. Our chances of getting a medal are very slim now. So we just wanted to enjoy every moment of our play, and walked away from the court knowing that we have done our very best.


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

PK: Edwin. He was spectacular in his reflexes and guarded his post very well.

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

Borak Says:

Jose:
Contact FireAnts had a flying start in the first period as their quick switches caused the Eagles a lot of problems. They managed to find the net as early as the first minute and attacked the Eagles heavily in the first period, increasing their tally to 4 nothing. FireAnts had most of the possession and used it to great effectiveness, constantly threatening the opponents goal mouth.

The second period saw Dalat Eagles coming out with renewed vigour as they tried their best to look for some goals to close the gap. And their effort paid off as they managed to find the net twice poaching on some defensive errors by the Contact's defenders. As the match went on, the teams were getting more and more physical, which resulted in a few unnecessary 2 minutes bench penalties in the game.


MOMs:
Bryan Looi once again showed great touch and great control as he reaped the Eagles apart. Together with Edward and Nick upfront, they formed a deadly partnership with a lot of understanding and movement, which tend to catch defenders switching off at the most crucial moments. Got himself a hat-trick and showed class above his peers. Definitely a contender for All Star Forward in this coming PFL as the league is coming to an end.

Edwin Ooi, the goalie, showed a few amazing football like diving saves to constantly deny Contact FireAnts from adding on to their lead. Once again, he was called upon many times to help save the blushes for Dalat and he did his job well to keep them in the game. Absolutely spectacular saves that are rarely seen in the floorball scene.

Match Review: The Fast and Furious FireAnts.

Contact FireAnts vs. Minden UniHawks
14th July 2009, Tuesday
12-0 (7-0, 5-0)

0019 1-0 Bryan Looi (Edward Lim )
0702 2-0 Bryan Looi (Edward Lim )
1425 3-0 Bryan Looi
1425 Minden UniHawks' time out
1823 4-0 Joerel Marcus (Bryan Looi)
1847 5-0 Edward Lim
1918 6-0 Bryan Looi
1956 7-0 Nicholas Yeoh (Benjamin Ong)

0126 8-0 Henry Cheang
0145 9-0 Edward Lim (Bryan Looi)
0631 10-0 Joerel Marcus (Bryan Looi)
0747 11-0 Serene Tan (Nicholas Yeoh)
1030 12-0 Bryan Looi

Both teams knew they desperately needed a win.
Losing two games in a row, it was crunch time.
Contact FireAnts, last year's league winner, has been been struggling in this league. Losing two games reflected a weaker team this year as compared to last.
But of the two teams, the Hawks are the ones who are truly struggling to soar. Will they be able to punch a surprise with few of their players back from the semester break?
They couldn't.

BBF took a closer look into the heads of the coaches.


The following is the interrvew between BBF and Edward Lim (EL) of Contact FireAnts:

BBF: Contact FireAnts, like Minden UniHawks, have lost the first two games. Coming into the third game, you guys were surely going for a win. Knowing that you'll be playing against a technically and tactically weaker team such as UniHawks, as a coach, what was your approach for the game? Were there any specific areas in which you wanted your team to take advantage of?

EL: Our approach was simply to put a smile on our face, play the best that we can and have fun. Unlike the other games, we did not plan and strategize too much this time. After losing two games and the chances of even getting a medal are now very very slim, we just wanted the team to play well and enjoy themselves in the midst of doing that.


BBF: 12-0. That's a pretty huge score line. What were the initial expectations of the game? Did you expect to win this big?

EL: As mentioned, we did not plan too much this time. Honestly, while we did expect to win, I also expected it to be a rather tight game. Based on the last time we played UniHawks in a friendly, it should have been a tighter game. There were no expectations in terms of how big the score line should be.

BBF: Team Contact welcomed back Nic Yeoh and the rather newcomer Joerel Marcus. What do you think of their performance since they stepped into Contact FireAnts? And how have their presence help the team strategically?

EL: Yes, we really welcome people who can run in our team. *smile* Both of them have been asked to play center for their running abilities. Nic has grown up a little more and is now faster than we know him from the previous league, so that has helped the team somewhat. Joerel is also very fast, but has yet gotten into fully fitting in and understanding how we play. His speed however is truly an asset to the team. Without the both of them I am sure we would be much slower as a team than we are now, and that strategies would also somewhat have to change.

BBF: UniHawks have been struggling in this league so far, losing all of their three matches. Any word of advice or encouragement to this young team?

EL: Yes, keep looking ahead! The team is struggling because of their technical abilities which are obviously lacking compared to the other teams. That is also understandable because most of the players are younger in terms of exposure to Floorball compared to the other teams. So my advice to the team is for them to work on individual techniques, and be committed to grow together as a team. They can only get better and better as they play more and more.

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

EL: Christopher. He was the pillar at the back leading the defense. Without him the defense would be even more loose.


BBF also took some time to have a chat with Christopher Koh (CK) of Minden UniHawks:

BBF: Your third game and I'm sure you knew both your team as well as Contact will want a win desperately. What was your expectation of team Contact?

CK: We were definitely aiming to win. Nothing less. Like Edward, I honestly thought that it would be a close and tight match as well, especially since we have a couple of our players back from the semester break.

My expectation of team Contact was just like anyone else's - great team play and tactically smart. I knew however that we were mentally stronger than most of their players and I was banking for my team to score first just to get on to them. But turns out, they scored early in the first minute (laughs). That's floorball!

BBF: What was your approach this time around as a coach?

CK: The Dalat match proved that as a team, we just weren't there yet simply because as individual players, we lack technical skills. I approached the team differently this time around. I focussed more on the individual than the team this time. For each of my players, I specifically gave out 3 objectives for them to achieve and by the end of the match regardless of whether we win or lose to tell me if they feel they've achieved those objetives. Some did and some did not. I did this because I feel it will help them to focus a little more in the game rather than just dump a collective objective in which, some of them who are still new to floorball can't relate to due to. Having said that, I still did give them a team objective to harness a sense of team spirit and team goal.

BBF: As a coach, what are your feelings now that you've lost three games in a row with this being the biggest score line?

CK: First off, I must give credit to Contact FireAnts. They played beautifully as a team and to win 12-0, as hard for me to chew it down, it was a deserved win.

How do I feel? Depress! (Laughs). It's never easy losing three games in a row, what more with the fact that we have not scored a single goal on our part! As a coach, I must admit that it's not the most enjoyable ride and it's not easy for sure. It's not so much about losing the game 12-0 that depresses me but more so of reflecting back after each match and thinking to myself if I've made the right decisions and the right calls. That's the challenge for me as a coach. Nonetheless, I'm proud of my team. Go UniHawks!

BBF: What do you foresee for the upcoming matches against Frontliners and Ztec?

CK: It will be interesting. I'm looking forward for the one against Frontliners just to see if history will repeat itself (laughs). Hopefully we'll be able to pull off a surprise on them and bag a win back.

The one against Ztec will be interesting as well since it's the closing match. No doubt it will be tough but I think it will be good for the team to get a feel of playing against a good team like Ztec as the closing match. Tension will probably take a notch higher what not with all the supporters around. It will be quite something I reckon. Looking forward to it!


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

CK: Bryan. This lad had a key link up with Edward Lim and Nic Yeoh. He understood the gameplay well and with his technical skills above average, he made full use of it to earn himself the vote as the man of the match. Great job!

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

Borak Says:
Jose:
It was a matter of how many Contact FireAnts would score in this game. It was totally a game for Minden UniHawks to forget as they gifted some really easy goals to Contact FireAnts throughout the game. FireAnts on the end were on fire from start to finish and were all over the opponents half of most of the time. It was really tough for Minden to get out of their own half, what more taking shots at the Contact goal. The off the ball movement from the Contact line 1 really made the difference as the notched up 10 out of the 12 goals. Constantly switching caused alot of headache for the Minden UniHawks defenders who many times left a player wide open for them to score from the slot.

Minden UniHawks must keep their heads up as they continue to battle for survival in Div 1. They are the only team that has yet to score a single point on the league table and surely will have alot of hardwork to do in the coming weeks. Hopefully they can get a draw or a win against Frontliners Spartans this coming tuesday or else they will have to leave it to the game against Ztec, which would definately put the final nail in the coffin for Minden UniHawks quest to survive Division 1.

MoMs:
Bryan Looi - The boy has been a pillar of strength for Contact FireAnts and in this game got himself 8 points (5+3). Constantly threatening the opponents with his flair and good ball control definitely a player to watch in the coming years as he mature in his game. Had a superb performance throughout the 40 mins. Hope to see more of such performances from him in the coming games.

Christopher Koh - He was rock solid on in this match trying to cut out wave and wave of attacks coming from Contact FireAnts. If it wasn't for him, Minden might have suffered a bigger trashing.

Match Review: FireAnts bitten (beaten) by the Inne-credibles!

INNEBANDY! CO. v CONTACT FIREANTS
25th June 2009, Thursday
6-3(2-2, 4-1)

0651 1-0 Ephraim Teh
0701 1-1 Edward Lim (Bryan Looi)
1520 2-1 Deswyn Wan (Sam Teoh)
1928 2-2 Edward Lim (Bryan Looi)

0007 2-3 Bryan Looi (Edward Lim)
0219 3-3 Valerie Yentl Tan
0449 Incorrect Distance - Andrew Yeap (INC)
0588 4-3 Deswyn Wan - Penalty for Incorrect Hit - Kenny Khoo (CFA)
0612 Obstruction - Edward Lim (CFA)
0750 Repeated Offences - Henry Cheang (CFA)
0910 Incorrect Hit - Sam Teoh (INC)
1827 5-3 Sam Teoh
1940 6-3 Valerie Yentl Tan

SOT 16-21

Intense.
Controversial.
Anger.
Frustration.
Goals.

That basically sums up Innebandy versus FireAnts match.
BBF decided to have a chat with Innebandy's coach, Sam Teoh, and FireAnts captain, Penny Khoo, for more insights on the game.

Sam Teoh (ST) of Innebandy give his thoughts on the game:

BBF: It was a really tight match, especially in the first half. Did you expect the game to be that tough?

ST: Honestly, I do. Playing Contact is never easy. As described by BBF they are the team with a great mind behind the sticks. But I was quite confident of my team as we are prepared for a tougher match playing against FireAnts with Nic MIA. It was good 1st period for us though, all the innebandiens gave their best and play their hearts out and FireAnts were left catching up with our goals.


BBF: You were awarded a penalty shot in the second hal when the score was tied at 3-3. Frankly, do you think it was a penalty? Do you think it turned the game to your favour or you would have won the game regardless of the penalty?

ST: It was a very hard one to judge as I didn't have a clear view of it. Maybe a slash maybe not. It's all up to the referees discretion to make the call. I think we will still win the game regardless of the penalty. We can't even score when they had 3 players on court. But only score all the goals when they had their full squad back.


BBF: The game got a little messy after the many sending offs. What's your take on them?

ST: I feel the referees are doing their job just fine. They tried to be as professional as possible. Sent-offs are normal for a tight game, cuz both team wants to win. I got one myself (laughs).


BBF: 2 wins in a row, Innebandy are in fine form. All the way for gold?

ST: Yeah that's for sure, who doesn't? But playing against Ztec will be a tougher match. That game will decide whether the gold is ours or theirs.


BBF: Lastly who do you think was the Man of the Match for team Contact FireAnts?

ST: Edward Lim.


The following is the interview between Borak Borak Floorball (BBF) and team Contact Captain, Penny Khoo (PK):

BBF: It was a tie by the end of the first period. What was the strategy going up against a team that hit 10 in their previous match?

PK: We just needed to play our game. They have good individual players but I think that on paper we are tighter as a team. So if we play our game, we should win.


BBF: Much were debated regarding the penalty shot which obviously turned the game around and unfortunately for your team, it proved to be the downhill point. After which, the intensity increased and it was translated through the body language of the players. Players played harder, to a certain extent, rougher, which resulted in more sending offs. As a captain, what is your view on the penalty as well as the rest of the sending offs?

PK: From my view, as well as the view of others in the team and spectator’s stand, the penalty shouldn’t have taken place. It was first of all not a slash; secondly Kenny was at Ephraim’s side when the ball was taken away from the latter. Besides that, I feel that it was not a goal situation to warrant a penalty because he was still a long way off from the goal line. If we are a goal down, we obviously have to play harder. But I think that the intensity increased from both sides. It is just unfortunate that our players got sent off more than their players.


BBF: Correct us if we're wrong, but it seemed to us that team Contact did not just loss focus on the game but also between team mates after the many controversial incidents. Understandably so. As the team captain, was it hard to motivate yourself as well as your team as a whole to stay positive? What were some of the things that went through your mind during those moments?

PK: Without shadow of doubt, the penalty call against us, and subsequent calls after that got us loss focus. Understandably it was hard to regain momentum when that happened. There was really not much time left for us then, except to play harder till the very last whistle. The only thing that floods my mind then is who to fill in when we are down with 3 or 4 players. And I must say this as applause to my own team mates for guarding their post well. No goals were concede during that few minutes when we were playing with one less player.


BBF: 2 losses in a row, surely a big blow to FireAnts' Campaign. What now?

PK: 2nd loss was unexpected but we also knew that the championship is harder to retain this year. So we have other objectives for the team. We just have to play every game the FireAnt style!


BBF: Finally, your take on the Man of the Match for Innebandy!Co. and why?

PK: Sam Teoh. He played a good defensive role, controlled the ball well from their end.

Borak Says:
Jose:
Both teams were neck to neck as they entered into the break with the score at 2 a piece. Nothing could separate both these teams until a penalty shot was awarded to Innebandy! Co. for incorrect hit, which Deswyn Wan cooly finished off. It became the foundation for Innebandy! Co. to build on as their confidence of winning the game increased.

Meanwhile, in the Contact camp, players started to lose focus after a few 2 minutes were being showed to their players for various offences in a short span of time. Innebandy! Co. took hold of the game by capitalizing on the mistakes from the frustrated defenders and extended their lead in the dying minutes of the game. In the end, it was Innebandy! Co. who came out victorious in what was being labelled as one of the top matches in this years Division 1 campaign.

Innebandy! Co. will be beaming with confidence marching forward after this game knowing that they are another step closer to the gold medal they have been vying for. It is always tough for any team to play Ztec and Innebandy! Co. back to back. Contact will be desperate to get back to winning ways, which they are accustomed to against Minden UniHawks. Watch out Hawks, the Ants are coming for you! Be prepared to see a backlash when Contact play Minden.

Bendy:
Both teams were determined to get the better of each other in the first half which Inne drew first blood. Inne led twice but FireAnts answered both with equalisers from Edward, supplied by Bryan.

FireAnts then stung Inne with a surprising lead, 7 seconds from the restart only to fine the game tie once again by some sloppy defending. From there on, the tides changed and the sending off start to fly all around.

Andrew, the first casualty was sent off for incorrect distance, but an Inne counter won them a penalty as Kenny was deemed to foul the forward who was goal bound. Des slotted the ball and temper flares as Edward was then send off for obstruction, followed by Henry for repeated offence. Sam followed soon for incorrect hit as he defended desperately.

Inne took advantage of the situation and increase their lead, and sat back defending. A decision they might have regreted if not for FireAnts missfiring. FireAnts with nothing to lose, was on gung-ho mode, testing the Lin Ken but unsuccessfully, with shots flying high or wide.

In the end, Inne came out victorious but not after withstanding an onslaught by the Fireants with waves of shots. To a certain extend it was a good game of floorball where both teams, almost equal in strength trying to out do each other but it was spiced up by decision deemed dubious and controversial, which FireAnts mostly on the receiving end. But that is the nature of the game, uncontrollable situations and luck play a part. The furious Ants will be looking on the next prey to lashed out their rage. Watch out!


MOMs:
From Inne it was an obvious pick. Sam Teoh. Constanly on the move through out the match. You cannot fail to notice him. Hard and uncompromising in defences as he neutralised FireAnts attacks and threatening their goal instead with his pacey runs and array of passes to his forwards.

Inne's defences certainly looked more stable and calm with his presences; offenses on the other hand, looked more lively and deadly as he would constantly supplied them passes which often end up with disappointing finishings. His goal tally would certainly increase if he would take more shots.

FireAnts' MoM was a way harder task, it was a tussle between Edward and Bryan as both of was the heartbeat of the Ants offense, creating and scoring all three of their goals. Both were a joy to watch as they passes and movement were top class, which opened up Inne's defence on numerous occasions, only to see the shots ending up anywhere else other than behind the net.

After much consideration, Borak decided to go with Bryan. Reason being the youngster was more frequently found in threatening positions and had more shots on goal. Maybe some weight training on the wrist will see more SOTs converted into goals in the future. Keep it up!!

(Cheers to Sam and Penny for sharing their thoughts.^^)

Match Review: The Young Guns Mean Business

CONTACT FIREANTS v ZTEC 8CERS
16th June 2009, Tuesday
0-7 (0-4, 0-3)

0049 0-1 Jo-Wyee (Ter Min)
0058 0-2 Ter Min (Jo-Wyee)
0915 2mins for incorrect distance: Sjaiful (Z8C)
1014 0-3 Jo-Wyee (Ter Min)
1404 0-4 Oliver Cedric (Jeremy Yeap)

1226 0-5 Jo-Wyee (Ter Min)
1454 0-6 Jo-Wyee (Ter Min)
1454 Contact FireAnts Time out
1826 2mins for incorrect hit: Henry Cheang (CFA)
1917 0-7 James Looi (OG)

SOT 5-30

THE GAME IS ON!!

The long awaited Division 1 PFL 2009 finally kick started on Tuesday night at the Balik Pulau Indoor Stadium at 8pm that saw an intense game between team Ztec 8cers and team Contact FireAnts.

What a way to officiate the league with a match such as this - last year's champion, Contact FireAnts, facing this year's much talked about title contender, Ztec 8cers.

BBF has decided come up with a new approach for the match review for Division 1. Instead of the usual summary-type match review by our team of pundits/reviewers (refer to Division 2 match review entries), we decided to let the team managers, coaches and even players to speak for themselves and share their thoughts on their game through our list of interview questions. We want to vary our style of approach this time around just to keep things a little interesting. Also, through the questions and answers, we hope to provide new insights to all avid floorballers to widen their perspective on the game.
We hope that this will benefit you guys in one way or another!

For Tuesday match, we managed to get hold of both the team managers. Representing team Ztec 8cers would be Chiam TerMin (TM) and for team Contact FireAnts, Edward Lim (EL).

The following is the interview between Borak Borak Floorball (BBF) and Chiam TerMin (TM):

BBF: How does it feel to kick start the league against Contact FireAnts?

TM: We already knew way before the league that our opponents were going to be last year's champions due to the format set by IFF. For me and the boys, we feel great to kick start our campaign against a tough opponent (Fireants) as we have now clear one tough hurdle out of the way. Beating a good team at the start will give us the much needed confidence. However we knew it was never going to be easy. What more coming head to head with the genius of Coach Edward's tactics.

BBF: Obviously, Ztec is currently the most feared team due to the number of national as well as capable players they have in the team. Is it hard to come out on court with that kind of expectation, especially on your first game?

TM: Yes, yes it's very hard. The expectation is high, the pressure as well. To be honest, I feel more nervous before yesterday's game than any of my other games I played before (even my games for Malaysia). With a strong and young team like this, I'm sure people expect us to deliver in every game. So once again, the pressure is high.

BBF: The score was 7-0, was it what you'd expected?

TM: We knew it was not going to be an easy game. Because their first line has been playing together for very long time so they know each other's game and they are also a team with good passes and movement. We targeted to score 7 goals but expected to concede a couple.(Thank God we didnt concede)

BBF: What was your strategy against a team such as contact?

TM: The strategy was to go in the court and try to score as early as possible to kill the game off. I think we did score 2 goals in the first minute and it was always hard for them to catch back as the mind will be affected. After that it was mostly passes and controlling by the defenders to frustrate the opponent. We expected them to play tight and go for the counter attack so we started playing rather wide. I think the plan worked pretty well.

BBF: Who would you vote as man of the match for team Contact?

TM: I would say their goalie, Joshua. Although conceding 7 goals, he made a couple of great saves. If it was not for him, it could have been more.


At the opposite end, we got hold of team Contact FireAnts's Captain and Coach, Edward Lim (EL):

BBF: How does it feel to kick start the league against the young, vibrant and much talked about Ztec team?

EL: It was not something that we had hoped for, knowing that our team had a habit of starting slow in every tournament. It was also unfortunate that the system that PFA employed placed Ztec, which was a strong team in Division 2 last year. That sort of messes up with the league format that IFF proposes. Anyway, PFA did warn us about this and that it will take 2 years to rectify, so it should get better next year. We would have loved playing them later in the league. I am sure then that there would be greater Floorball displayed and it would be a better game. That does not mean that we will win the game, but it will definitely be better for Floorball.

BBF: The age difference between Contact and Ztec was obvious. What was Contact's strategy to curb the young Ztec team?

EL: It is obvious that we were no match for their speed. We just needed to play our game, play it harder and hope for the best.

BBF: The score was 7-0, was it what you'd expected?

EL: No, defensive errors on our part as a team created a bigger margin in the score line than we expected. A narrower loss would be a more realistic expectation. We just did not play hard enough.

BBF: What's your take on the disallowed goal by Edward Lim? Was it a good call by the referees or a bad one?

EL: It is always sad when a goal is not allowed. But we have to admit that the whistle did go off just before the shot was taken and it is the responsibility of the referees to make a call. And when such a call is made, there is nothing much you can do about it.

BBF: Who would you vote as man of the match for team Ztec?

EL: Jo-Wyee.

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

And there you have it! Both teams with their head man having a say at the game. What are our thoughts on the game? Below are our personal take on the game.

Borak Says:
Spritzer:
In a game such as this, the separation between these two teams falls heavily on speed. Ztec basically ran all over Contact. No doubt they are a skillfull team but I personally feel that it was speed and the quick change of pace that kept Contact shaky. Also, I felt Contact could have played a little harder physically. They weren't as strong as I thought they'd be.
But overall, still a laudable performance by them.

Ztec has definitely proven their point in that game - they simply mean business. Great job! But can they truly withstand the pressure of expectation and continue their seed of excellence in the league?
We shall see!

Bendy:
Total domination.
It was thought to be a win for the "Champions-in-making", but not in such a one-sided manner. The "Champions" were left chasing shadows throughout the match.

The much built up hype about the mind games were rendered ineffective as the quality of 8cers proved to much for FireAnts to handle. Early goals in quick succession, meant that 8cers took initiative leaving FireAnts for the chase.

There were moments FireAnts looked solid as they fought hard, keeping 8cers at bay, but the Ants barely got out of their half, with Choon Hun, saving 5 shots on goal compared to Joshua's 30. The deep defending didn't help much as their defence was constantly caught ball watching, leading to numerous one on one situations leaving only for Joshua to deny them a bigger margin.

As a neutral, it was a joy to watch; but to the opponents its a strong signal of intent: You are next!!

MOMs:
This is a classic attacking vs defending.
Attacker vs Goalkeeper.

Borak's pick for the match - Jo-Wyee(Z8C) and Joshua(CFA).

The lanky forward of 8cers, improved tremendously since his APAC outing, was the deadliest amongst a team of stars. Without the ball, the forward made intelligent runs deep and wide, distracting the defenders and opening gaps for his team mates. With the ball, he expressed wholeheartedly his array of cheeky skills, and breaking angles with his cunning turns. Combining best with Ter Min, whom supplied him with quality passes, which he did not disappoint, sending 4 past Joshua.

The goalie, Joshua Lim, who was on the receiving end, was much to be blamed for early goals. He did however, responded with a string of superb goalkeeping thereafter. Constantly called upon, he replied almost everything Ztec had to offer (other than the goals), denying shots after shots. There were even moments where he had to make consecutive saves from rebounds and difficult angles. A remarkable come back in terms of form for the young goalie.

(NOTE: A heartfelt thanks to both Chiam TerMin and Edward Lim for giving their time for this interview. )

Team Preview: Contact FireAnts

Contact FireAnts

Last season: 1st/4

Presumably, the team with a great mind behind the sticks.

They are back again this year with the intention to defend the title. Consisting a good mix of youths and oldies, most of them are all quite seasoned and decent players who have played in last year's league as well. Trained and coached under “The One”, this is the team to watch for its movement and plays.

Contact, as everyone would know by now, possess one thing that almost every other team lacks - team work and good team play. Their strength is how they move as a unit and how they stick as a unit to whatever plan the coach has laid out for them. Speaking of coach, that's their other strength. They have a coach with the knack of using whatever he has in his team and push it to its full potential on court, be it a new team or not. Strategically speaking, Contact FireAnts is probably the only team who can come up with a solid plan.

However, the downside to this team is probably their lack of speed. The need for speed in floorball is as essential as getting your technique right. With the likes of younger and faster team in the league this year, it will definitely be a tough competition for the reigning champs to fight for their spot again. To add a little salt, this year every game will be played at Balik Pulau indoor stadium, at least twice the size of last year's venue. In order for Contact to go far, they have to play their cards right.

The big question everyone is asking by now is, "Can team Contact do it again this year?". Can they win it the second time round?
With the likes of Ztec and other teams rising up, it will be hard for Contact to keep their winning streak. However, BBF wouldn't rub them off as title contenders. With the FireAnts, you better keep an eye out of them.
If not, they'll be stinging you just when you're not looking.

Key player:
The wits and grits of FireAnts - None other than Edward Lim, the man himself.
The player/coach of the team, although lack the pace and fitness he once had, certainly make up with his cheekiness up front and from the sidelines.

The boss surely knows majority if not all of the players in PFL, strengths and weaknesses, and definitely showing no mercy against his disciples in using what he knows for a victory for his team.

Will the Master triumph over his Disciples effortlessly and flawlessly?
Or will the Disciples over power the Master in rebellious fashion?
PFL has never been so entertaining.
How dull it would be without his mind games!

Rising Rookie:
Joerel Marcus.
Never heard of him?
You will soon enough.

The FireAnts import from Sabah, has been training secretly with the boss, and is now ready to be unleashed upon in PFL.

Rather pacey and adequate in skills, the boy will provide an extra man for the thin line up of the FireAnts. Maybe some beginner's jitters in the games, but the boy certainly has what it takes to survive at the (current) highest level.

Prediction:
Bendy:
Last season, they were the most entertaining FLOORBALLING team, deserving the crown.
This season? Tough! Especially with Innebandy around, ready for vengeance. Ztec too, having an eye on the crown themselves, not to mention coming in strong with a solid squad.

With their current weakened squad, defending the title seems hard, but not impossible. This is still a team with a handful of state/ national players and coach by the national coach. They are still one of the most experience team in the league.

All points considered, 2nd looks promising.
They might disagree though.
Especially last year's point leader, Nick Jr. who flew back from Aus just to bagi the goalies in Penang.
You guys better watch out!

Spritzer:

Personally, I still think Contact FireAnts is the team to lookout in this competition. Sure we have other faster and more tenacious looking teams, but somehow my gut feeling is telling me Contact will be pulling another stunt this year.

A team with probably an engine that runs like a team and not out of impulsion. Having said that, it will be really hard for them to defend their title this year.
My bet is for them to finish first or second though.

Jose:

One of the more tactical teams around Penang, which has the best chance of upseting the odds by beat Ztec 8cers. However, their squad depth is not as good as compared to Ztec 8cers, which will surely prove to be the difference when both these teams meet in the opening fixture.

Unless they break the minds of the Ztec players, there is little chance for them to retain their Division 1 title this time round. However, they should finished 2nd above Innebandy!Co and beat the rest of the teams in Division 1 without much effort.