Royal Bangkok Sports Club 41^st Annual Hockey Gala, Bangkok 7/8 December 2013

Summary

Good morning ISCI ! Your team won hearts and trophies and our behaviour was exemplary on and off the pitch (that's our story, that's what we'll stick to !).

We played 7 games, won 5 and of the 2 we lost, only 0-1 in general play (the other on flick-off - RJ hit the bar twice !). MVP of the tournament was RJ who was a livewire all weekend and scored our first goal (altho he probably can't recall it). He got better when he didn't wear contacts or glasses !

Kevin (20.30) got a huge whack on the knee that slowed his weekend; Jez (Pommie ring-in) failed to rise on Sunday morning leaving us with 10 players for 2 games; Todd (RBSC stalwart) only showed up after lunchtime both days; Chris (Wren) failed to take the pitch; Otong was solid all weekend; Connie impressed with early beers; Koplak was mostly noted for NOT talking to his wife (so she sent messages to others !); Ken threw the toys out of the cot several times after dodgy umpiring calls; Muru was "huge" in goal making several great saves, especially in the flick offs; and Lutz (German ring-in) still reckons he 'plays on grass' !

A great weekend was had, the trophy is in RJ’s house, and hangovers are clearing.

Match report

Saturday

Playing in uncharacteristic "white" with a dash of red. Animal (HK Police) was in support but could not be tempted to play.

G1 at 9.40am. 1-0 against kids (The Boys), as usual we arrived later than planned and had to rush onto the pitch. RJ was still pissed but scored in a scramble in the D. We were in control and should have scored 5 ! Charan Singh (PSC) cameo'd

G2 2-0 (Lutz and Jez) v Valley (seemingly most had American accents). Comfortable win with a spectacular Jez drag and flick from the top of the D in general play. And Lutz got a touch on a hard hit into the D (from Jez) that looped over the keeper.

G3 1-0 (Rj) v Old CUD, a deflected shot put them away in an even contest. Todd arrived late but still turned out for ISCI and nostalgia.

The lads looked resplendent in their batik vests provided by Chris as we ventured out on Saturday evening. Several beers were partaken of parched throats.

Sunday

Playing in black t-shirts kindly provided by Kevin and 20:30.

G4 0-1 should have won with only 10 players, gave away the short corner in the first minute, had 2 shorts of our own but no conversion. Lutz played like a man possessed, not of hockey skills, something else.

G5 0-0 (1-0 in flicks, Rj scored, Muru made a great save). Kevin took a huge crack across his already dodgy knee and that was nearly the end of his weekend (eventually pulled a hammy!). Again only 10 men but still Chris could not be tempted to pick up a stick (or put down his beer).

G6 1-0 Rj crashed a thunderbolt into the middle of the goal from the top of the D, so fast even the referee didn't know what had happened. Scotty plucked the ball out of the net to show everyone and the goal was duly awarded.

G7 semi 0-0 (0-1 on flicks). Scotty had several attempts at bruising the keepers legs, but no goals in general play. Todd finally showed up so we had 11. Rj went first in the flicks – it bounced off the left post half way up. The other guy shot wide. Rj tried again - off the top bar this time ! The other guy scored.

G8 playoff for 3rd place against RBSC 1-0. Jez finally turned up (after an sms pleading for fresh legs), and scored after the keeper kindly pointed out that the ball was at Jez's feet after a scramble in the D.

Knackered, sore, gave up ! RJ was lively all weekend and was voted MVP. Koplak's efforts at being the "tour virgin" failed miserably (didn't even talk to his wife at all while on tour). Scotty failed to hit anyone this year.

Don Healy was in fine form at the Hockey Party with ISCI picking up a plaque (to be on display at RJ's house) and Animal picking up a bad back from (literally) picking up a young lady in the 'games' event. Chris won a "pass the paper" (between knees) contest then dithered over the prize and took 2 minutes to down the glass of beer awarded.

Thanks to all for a great weekend.

Team: (L-R) RJ, Chris, Ken, Kevin, Connie, Koplak, Lutz, Nara, Scotty, Otong, Muru,

Missing: Jes, Todd, Charan.