ISCI
Hockey
26-28
February 2010
Pre
After a huge initial commitment of numbers we eventually left with only 7 Men and 9 Ladies, which actually made the pre-arranged fun game against the ANZA Tornado’s a bit redundant and thankfully ANZA stuffed up and forgot to book a pitch. So we ate and drank instead. The Hostel crowd went to Geylang Serai hawker center, while several of us attended the Captains/Managers meeting (inclusive of drinks and snacks). We then we met everyone at Clarke Quay (albeit the SCC drunks were about 1.5 hours late !).
Saturday
Thomas and Jade were no-shows (about 1 hour late) for reasons still unexplained, and Putri was fainting with stomach pains and in the hands of the tournament doctors. A few anxious moments as the clock ticked down but the Ladies team assembled with seconds to spare and Buyeng press-ganged into service wearing Solihin’s pads.
8.40 Ladies v Cairns Sapphires 0-1
A game against
some jailbait from
9.20 Men v Penang Sports 0-2
The ‘usual suspects’ at tournaments we visit but they had obviously come to play ‘Cup’ and their younger guys (ex-Nationals) put in hard. We had chances but the alcoholic haze had not lifted.
10.40 Ladies v Wongan Boomers 2-0 (Jean, Sil)
Against a bunch of slower older ladies from Oz, ISCI were good in attack, solid in defence and created many untaken changes. Jean and Sil eventually took their shots and put the Boomers away.
12.20 Men v
Some older Aussies from Rockhampton QLD were no oppo for Shervo in full flight and with pace and strength he took them apart (including a pass in the D to Scotty).
13.40 Ladies v Hollandse 1-2 (Jean)
With Jade in goals the backline looked solid but the taller Dutch girls took their shots at goal high and early giving no chance. A late consolation goal flattered us.
14.20 Men v IG Markets 0-3
Buoyed by our most recent outing but having had a couple of beers, the lads let down their guard and some easy goals to a bunch of old farts resulted. Embarrassing really.
16.20 Men v Sri Langka 2-1 (Shervo, Scotty)
Almost as disgraceful as the game before us on Pitch 1 in front of VIP’s and sponsor as the oppo simply did not want to win (they wanted to go through to the Bowl). So we took full advantage and another uncharacteristic Shervo pass in the D gave Scotty a goal and a Shervo goal minutes later had us 2-0 at half time. The oppo played for about 5 mins and scored a goal but then they settled back into “lose gracefully” mode. Terrible for spectators.
16.40 Ladies v Sri Langka 3-0 (Sil 2, Buyeng)
Similar to the boys game it appeared the opposition didn’t really want to win. The ladies organized themselves well and sealed the deal early.
So we finished the day all square for the Men (2 wins, 2 losses, and 6 goals for and against). The Ladies at least had a positive goal difference with 2 wins, 2 losses, 6 goals for and 3 against. This we knew would see us into the Plate for the Sunday games.
Saturday Bollywood Party
Ken in Maharaja ‘frock’, complete with bindi, looked the part although he claimed to have sent an email alerting everyone to the theme for the evening (which apparently no-one got !). Ava handed out bindi’s to all the girls and a well recovered Putri participated in the “I dunno-change the light bulb-pat the dog” routine (ask Putri). The party was spectacular with dance routines, skits and a drum performance that had everyone up and dancing.
We then broke up with Shervo, Ambar, Ken and Ava off to meet Mitch and Lynne at the new Casino (“absolute crap” to quote), and others heading to
Sunday
9.00 Men v Vietnam Tornados 1-0 (Shervo)
The Tournado’s coached by James Chew were younger, faster and presumably fitter but ISCI had the better of the first half and Ken could have won this game twice after uncharacteristic but fantastic Shervo passes into the D, however bouncing balls and a complete inability to stop, hit or see the ball meant the chances went begging. Shervo had a great shot saved off the line, and was lucky to stay on the pitch after one of the oppo tripped him at full pace - glasses went one way, his stick the other and a couple of tumble rolls later Shervo bounced up and pushed the culprit in the back sparking a minor melee. A bit of agro ensued but we were definitely the better team. Thus we drifted into the ‘dribble off’ penalty shoot out. Shervo calmly (well he looked calm) slotted around their keeper, then Solihin brilliantly saved (possibly his first ever dribble off). Felix was clear past their keeper but missed the goals, then Solihin saved again ! Otong failed miserably and it was Solihin again who saved the day !
10.00 Ladies v Tim’s Angels 0-0 (3-4 penalties – Lillian, Galuh, Susi)
Playing against the Thai National Ladies Captain was a bit daunting and she had her moments but the girls defended well then counter attacked to create their own pressure. In the end a 0-0 full time score was appropriate and penalty takers stepped forward (or rather, were pushed forward). Lillian was taken out by the keeper so a penalty goal was awarded, then Buyeng (who had kept very well in goals) was beaten all ends up (1-1). Galuh scored and so did Susi as the Angels also scored (3-3). A second lot of 3 players was selected but Tiffany, Ipeh and Sil all missed, while the oppo scored one goal to seal the deal.
11.20 Men v YMCC Perth 2-0 (Ken, Shervo)
Shervo continued his bullocking ways against rather more sedate older players. ISCI took the lead early from a short corner with Ken deflecting a pass from Otong under the diving keeper. Shervo topped a shot from the edge of the D which dipped under the keepers foot and went in (2-0 at half time). The oppo attacked in the second half but with Shervo never giving an inch and having taken out 2 of the oppo he then charged through Ken (who was in the wrong place at the wrong time). Confusion reigned as Ken tried to find his glasses (only to eventually realize he was wearing contacts) – slightly concussed obviously.
12.40 Men’s Plate semi final v
Boatpeople
This was the hottest part of the day and the more fancied Germans (plus a couple of Singapore Belanda’s) looked better on paper but the first half definitely belonged to ISCI and Felix, Otong and Shervo forced good saves from their keeper especially from the short corners we created. However the second half was mostly in our defensive half with the Hamburgers in control at the back but Atir and Otong holding them out. Shervo was as busy as always making fast breaks across the D but on grass a long pass is always a raffle and we ended 0-0. A dribble-off followed, with Shervo missing, as did the Germans, then Atir was clear past their keeper but his push missed the goals. The Germans scored but then so did Felix. With the game on the line at 1-1 Solihin made a fantastic save, diving backwards to push the ball around the post. We went to sudden death dribble-offs but Otong missed his chance and the Germans put it away.
Enough was
enough and we settled into drinking and watching quality hockey, communing with
Tornado’s,
Ladies team : Susi, Silia, Tiffany, Ipeh, Putri, Jade, Buyeng, Galuh, Lillian, Jean (coach Thomas)
Goals : Jean 2, Sil 2, Buyeng, Galuh, Susi, Lillian
Difference : 8 for, 7 against
Men’s team : Ken, Otong, Shervo, Scotty, Atir, Felix, Solihin (coach Thomas)
Goals : Shervo 6, Scott 2, Ken, Felix
Difference : 10 for, 8 against
Thanks to all who came along, helped out and supported. A good showing by ISCI boys and girls in the hockey, quality, participation and drinking divisions.