Al-Zaytun Match Report – 15 Dec 2010

For many ISCI players the name ‘Al-Zaytun’ brings back memories. Memories of a day in July 2009 that seemed to last forever… A 7.30am departure, a locked gate, circumcision parade, nasi bungkus beside the road, tight corners, bumpy roads, a broken spring on the first bus, straight from the bus to the unisex changing rooms and onto the field, running out of gas, breaking down on the toll road, people jumping fences to get taxi’s, a second bus (that didn’t have a reverse gear), getting back at 3am - and that’s all before we even mention the actual hockey. Yes, last year we ventured down to Al-Zaytun (the biggest Pesantren in South East Asia), somewhere Indramayu, and it was ‘an experience’. So much so, we haven’t yet wanted to go back ! But last year we did draw the Ladies game 2-2, and won the Men’s game 4-3 (the first time they had ever been beaten at home !).

The good news this time, is that they came to us, Wednesday 15^th December 2010.

The Ladies were up first and almost the whole squad turned up to play. The girls took to the field eager to end a good year on a high note. We started the game at a great pace, exploring deep into the Al-Zaytun half. The pace was at times a little bit too fast and passes didn’t quite go to sticks. ISCI opened the scoring early in the half through Susi with a scrambled goal after desperate Al-Zaytun defending at a short corner. Creating lots of scoring chances, ISCI kept the pace up and were playing well with Nienke down the left and Susi through the middle controlling play. This allowed lots of opportunities for the large squad to be involved, with everyone playing well and slotting into different positions. The quality and depth of the squad really allows this flexibility and eases the coach’s decisions. ISCI scored another 2 goals in the first half through Sil, and then Tiff got in the act with a bouncy shot that evaded everyone, and dominated in defense with Kat, Sant, Ipeh and Tiff impassable and Lillian working hard down the right half. Ambar didn’t touch the ball all game, which is definitely a credit to the defensive personnel.

ISCI were in complete control and never really looked troubled. We should have scored more from the chances created in the second half, but it was difficult with Al-Zaytun defending with, at times, 9 players in the D. It was still a good performance all round by the whole squad. Well done to the Ladies, who finished the year with a good 3-0 win. Roll on 2011 and the next Jakarta League.

Goals: Susi, Sil, Tiff

The Men also came out in numbers for this big game that had been hyped by the spin doctors on the Committee such that even Faizal turned up ! With a great squad, full of depth, and very focused right from the first whistle, we were confident of a good performance. The game started at a frenetic pace with both teams working hard, and Al-Zaytun full of pace, quick reactions and running out of their defence and through mid field. ISCI were moving well down the flanks and created several chances early. The front 3 of Ichang, Shervo and RJ were working hard, terrorizing the Al-Zaytun defense. Changes were made regularly in the first half and players slotted in well to their new positions. ISCI opened the scoring with a good team move and Koplak scored with his first touch and celebrated with his customary “salute”!! This was followed up with a second Koplak goal (great substitution guys !), this time a carefully place flick to the keepers left. The midfield were doing a good job, rotating and covering each other as we took on the Al-Zaytun forwards. The ISCI defense was also in fine form dealing well with the speedy attacks from Al-Zaytun, and keeping entries into our D to a minimum. Unfortunately one such attack led to a goal from Al-Zaytun, with a hard, flat cross that was deflected straight onto an Al-Zaytun stick and into the goal - no chance for anyone to stop that one. Unlucky as it was, it was definitely a case of the ball hitting the stick, not the other way round. Deny tried to help them equalize as he gifted a dolly of a pass to their centre forward, but credit where credit is due, he put his body on the line and got it back when it seemed inevitable that a shot would eventuate. ISCI completed the half with a third goal, RJ stationed on the back post for a good team goal. So the first half ended 3-1, with ISCI having had many chances to extend the lead further, in what had been a torrid game of fast moves, pass interceptions, and lots of running in both directions.

The half time team huddle was a happy and buoyant one. With praise all round, word was spread about a potentially difficult second half due to the fitter Al-Zaytun youngsters having to chase the game. The second half started off much the same as the first, both teams going off quick. Great work by the forwards was creating loads of opportunities which were unfortunately not finished off. One special mention has to go to Koplak, who’s one handed spin (when he left the ball behind) fooled everyone, including himself !! Never a dull moment, nice one Koppers!! Ichang grabbed the fourth goal with a looping deflection off a Deny through pass. The Al-Zaytun steam evaporated a bit and they played a few of their younger players in the dying minutes. Andy made it 5 with a blast from just inside the D and that’s how it ended, 5-1 to ISCI.

A strong all round performance by ISCI who really dominated the game from start to finish. Challenges were hard, but fair, passes were crisp, touches good and moves were completed with speed and precision. Yes, we had many more chances to score and it should have been about 10-1 but we can’t have everything.

Goals: Koplak 2, RJ, Ichang, Andy

Well done ISCI, with two good performances that cap off a great 2010 for ISCI Hockey.

Ladies: Ambar, Ipeh, Kat, Agatha, Sant, Lillian, Martha, Iwet, Tiffany, Susi, Nienke, Galuh, Debee, Buyeng, Diona, Sisilia, Putri.

Men: Solihin, Nigel, Deny, Rob D, Faizal, Thomas, Andy, Nyayan, Gaddy, Ken, Koplak, RJ, Shervo, Ichang, Johan