Medan Tour Report

Seven players, Team Manager Lina and Team Mascot Davina met up at Terminal 1 to catch the AirAsia flight, with high hopes for an event free flight schedule (pulang pergi). Soooo wrong ! With Suthee and Tiwa already in Medan (as was Dady), and Ichang to fly next day, this was the most ‘players’ ISCI had managed to assemble for a tour in living memory !

Lydia set the tone by forgetting her e-ticket (bought along a ticket to Australia, not the Medan ticket !). The non-appearance of Chris Wren caused confusion with the check-in staff, but Steve Laux got a laugh after we checked in when he sent an sms of well wishes – advising that he wouldn’t make it to Medan – as we had just assassinated his character, commented on his weak ankles, will to be there, lack of contact, etc.

The dress code for the departure painfully reflected the economic contribution that ISCI makes to the development of Indonesia with those in gainful employment (Lydia, Lina and Ken) the only ones in long pants. After Ken and Deny had assured everyone pre-boarding that on AirAsia flights there are hotdogs, polystyrene meals and BEER, the Stewardess promptly announced they were sold out of all food and no beer on the plane within minutes of starting the service. Pop Noodle was the only option so the ‘kids’ decided to sleep through the ‘meal’, turbulence and Otong’s photo session.

Got there, picked up, delivered to the hotel, and gathered in a surprisingly well appointed and quite large room (Ken’s), where Aming joined us. We head off to The Tavern but it was soon obvious they don’t need customers from out of town, with expectations of service, food as advertised, beers when requested, etc. Lina cracked the sh*ts and left after the staff queried whether Dafina was old enough to be in such an establishment, Lydia got lonely and called in reinforcements (all the way from Jakarta), which left the rest of us eating the sizzling steaks we had ordered in almost pitch darkness (steak by the light of Otong’s handphone somehow didn’t taste any better). We then trooped off to Soccer Bar which was a bit better organized, good band but eventually everyone drifted off to the hotel leaving only Ken and Otong to contribute to Medan’s economy.

Ichang tuned up on Saturday and finding four people sleeping in his room instantly upgraded to a room as big as Ken’s. He then spent the next three hours putting at beer cans in the hallway. Denot also turned, as summoned. The new tour strip was handed out and we headed to Unimed in a mixture of taxi’s, motor becaks and motor bikes.

A great set up with good looking grass, tents, sound system, lots of juniors running around, the University Rector and other dignitaries. ISCI were thanked profusely for visiting and supporting the Unimed hockey efforts.

Game 1 v U17’s 1-1

In bright sunshine and with everyone feeling good about themselves, ISCI started well but not being used to grass there were many early plays and misses. The U17’s on the other hand stopped everything ! Ijan tested the keeper several times and from our second short corner Deny scored in the first half (20 mins per half). In the second half we slowed down a bit and the U17’s got lucky with a good bounce and a fine hit to score an equalizer. Despite having many chances and about 3 short corners, ISCI could not convert chances and a draw was a fair result.

We then went into a warm down and stretching set of exercises, much to the amusement of the local spectators.

Game 2 v Unimed 0-0

A better team and we knew we would have to improve. Light rain fell from the start of the game making the grass quite slippery and Nyayan, Ichang and Denot spent quite a bit of time on their bums. Under pressure for much of the game, Otong and Dady were kept busy at the back and did admirably. Denot was also working hard and gave Lydia quite a few chances at Left Wing but with the grass, the rain and close defence we struggled to get the ball across the D. We had many short corners but could not convert. In the second half Deny moved into attach with Ijan and Ichang came back in defence. Denot (probably our youngest player) went down with cramp but played on bravely (as we had no subs !). In the end it was TJ that protected ISCI’s honour with many great saves as Unimed demonstrated much greater control and understanding of grass play.

We did more warm-downs and stretches while Lydia changed clothes under a towel. Given there had been constant rain everything was wet and squelching. We downed some beers and made the presentation of the ISCI-Unimed Cup to the winners, Unimed (as they beat the U17’s 2-0).

Dinner was in Merdeka Walk with a Table for 20 as we were joined by Jana (who umpired all of the games) and several of the Unimed people. We then went back to Soccer Bar for more of the same – others went back to the hotel and played cards until about 4am.

It was around 10pm on the Saturday night when we first heard of the flight debacle that was about to descend upon us. An sms from AirAsia advised that our flight on Sunday evening was delayed from 7pm to 1.40am ! Some elected to take that flight, others chose to change to Monday flights. Ichang quite content that his Garuda flights said he would be ‘okay’, and Lydia decided to join him.

Sunday was a bit lazy with Deny doing ‘family’ things and Ken, Ijan, Aming and TJ playing MallRats. A huge storm during the afternoon resulted in most of us seeking refuge in our rooms and napping was popular. Ichang headed off expectantly to the airport about lunchtime but came back to the hotel at around 7pm as his flight was delayed until 10.30pm ! Only Suthee and Denot had a trouble free ride on Adam Air. As it was Lina’s birthday a dinner had to be done and we gathered again in Merdeka Walk (which was open but minus the eye-candy). Those catching the ‘red-eye’ headed to the airport, fully expecting to come back to the Hotel at some stage. With beers to be consumed we drifted back to Ken’s room, drained the esky, and hit the sack when it was obvious the ‘red-eye’ had indeed left.

The final story in the saga was AirAsia bringing the Fahruddin family safely back to Jakarta, at the appointed time - but minus all their luggage ! Another fine performance by Indonesia’s budget airlines (although Garuda was no better).

Many thanks to Ibrahim in Medan for organizing everything (except the weather); Dady who now works in Medan, for playing; Lina, Davina, Tiwa for support; Deny, Nyayan, Denot, Otong, TJ, Ijan, Lydia, Ichang, Suthee for playing; Nigel and Chris for their unseen contributions.