For the readers who are familiar with Innebandy! Co.’s achievements, you may have noticed that it’s been a while since we’ve hung the gold medal around our necks. However, things changed on the 12th of September 2009. Yes, my dear friends, on that very Saturday Innebandy! Co. grasped the gold medal in the Rising Star 2009 Challenge. It was a day filled with teamwork and the teamwork got us the spot at the top.
List of Players.
#20 Deswyn Wan (Keeper)
#9 Ephraim Teh (Captain)
#6 Rooban Chand
List of Players.
#20 Deswyn Wan (Keeper)
#9 Ephraim Teh (Captain)
#6 Rooban Chand
#7 Valerie Yentl Tan
#8 Lee Chester
#10 Joshua Yam
#11 Jason Chew
#13 Andrew Yeap
#23 Darien Loh
#86 Nicholes Ong
Everyone reached the Balik Pulau Stadium on time, except for Andrew Yeap. ( He had things to do. No worries, he didn’t get the venue wrong. ) Nicholes Ong was the most high spirited Innebandien at 8 a.m. I could barely keep my eyes open. Captain E instructed us to suit up and we were off doing warm-ups. Everyone was tired from jumping sideways, the grand finale in our warming up. After that, we stretched and had a little team talk. Mr. Kao Lin Ken (#31) gave us a few words of wisdom to get us pumped up. We went in and watched a few interesting matches. Time passed by so fast since all the matches were nice to watch.
Qualifying Round
We were up next. We went down to the playing area and sat outside the rink, anxiously waiting for our turn. Our goal keeper, Deswyn Wan (#20) looked good in his attire. The sight of him with the keeper pants on was very ‘cute’. We were up against Contact Army. The tension was high as Innebandy was meeting one of our arch-nemesis’ really early on. We ended the game with a 2-0 win, thanks to two goals from Jason ‘the Superstar’ Chew. The players heaved a relieved sigh after the final whistle; it hadn’t been an easy match, to say the least.
We had a LONG break before the next game was up. What did we do? Watch more floorball! (and eat a little, of course.) The next game was against Frontliners Fusion. The game ended with a 2-1 win. Clearly, we didn’t have our heads in the game yet. We were still warming up. Without Nicholes’ brace, victory would have been doubtful, at best. Later, the same player was disqualified from partaking from the tournament on grounds that he had previously represented Malaysia in a friendly against India. What a huge blow to us, and to Nic himself, it was. After all, this was his first appearance in competitive floorball since the horrific accident, which rendered him incapable to play the game he loved best, several months earlier.
But, no time to mourn the past, the present was fast catching up on us. The third, and final, match was up. Innebandy!Co took on Firebrands Bak Kua. Ironically, is was without our most senior forward in which we managed to rack up our biggest score. A comfortable 5-0 win saw the Innebandien skipper leading the charge with a well crafted hat-trick. This result ensured a place in the quarter-finals as well as guaranteeing Innebandy to be paired off with a “weaker” team.
#8 Lee Chester
#10 Joshua Yam
#11 Jason Chew
#13 Andrew Yeap
#23 Darien Loh
#86 Nicholes Ong
Everyone reached the Balik Pulau Stadium on time, except for Andrew Yeap. ( He had things to do. No worries, he didn’t get the venue wrong. ) Nicholes Ong was the most high spirited Innebandien at 8 a.m. I could barely keep my eyes open. Captain E instructed us to suit up and we were off doing warm-ups. Everyone was tired from jumping sideways, the grand finale in our warming up. After that, we stretched and had a little team talk. Mr. Kao Lin Ken (#31) gave us a few words of wisdom to get us pumped up. We went in and watched a few interesting matches. Time passed by so fast since all the matches were nice to watch.
Qualifying Round
We were up next. We went down to the playing area and sat outside the rink, anxiously waiting for our turn. Our goal keeper, Deswyn Wan (#20) looked good in his attire. The sight of him with the keeper pants on was very ‘cute’. We were up against Contact Army. The tension was high as Innebandy was meeting one of our arch-nemesis’ really early on. We ended the game with a 2-0 win, thanks to two goals from Jason ‘the Superstar’ Chew. The players heaved a relieved sigh after the final whistle; it hadn’t been an easy match, to say the least.
We had a LONG break before the next game was up. What did we do? Watch more floorball! (and eat a little, of course.) The next game was against Frontliners Fusion. The game ended with a 2-1 win. Clearly, we didn’t have our heads in the game yet. We were still warming up. Without Nicholes’ brace, victory would have been doubtful, at best. Later, the same player was disqualified from partaking from the tournament on grounds that he had previously represented Malaysia in a friendly against India. What a huge blow to us, and to Nic himself, it was. After all, this was his first appearance in competitive floorball since the horrific accident, which rendered him incapable to play the game he loved best, several months earlier.
But, no time to mourn the past, the present was fast catching up on us. The third, and final, match was up. Innebandy!Co took on Firebrands Bak Kua. Ironically, is was without our most senior forward in which we managed to rack up our biggest score. A comfortable 5-0 win saw the Innebandien skipper leading the charge with a well crafted hat-trick. This result ensured a place in the quarter-finals as well as guaranteeing Innebandy to be paired off with a “weaker” team.
So, the diagnosis so far? Looking good, Innebandy getting all 3 wins out of 3 and netting in 9 whilst conceding only a single goal so far. However, I don’t think these statistics really sank in to our tired heads as we all knew that we still had 3 tough games more to go before even hoping to win the Gold. After taking a well deserved rest, we got ready for our next encounter, against the SXI Kamikazes.
Quarter Finals
At first glance, this group of mostly small boys were not thought to be of any threat to us. Little did we know that they were not to be underestimated… The Saints played well, taking into account the short duration they have played the beautiful game, but conceded defeat to an overwhelming Innebandy side. In the end, the scoreline showed that size(and experience) really does matter as we took the quarter-finals 7-1. Still, it was a very good effort on their part for scoring against the much senior Innebandy team. Kudos to you guys if you’re reading this.
Semi Finals
The tension was building up. After coming so far, defeat was simply unacceptable. We were all a little worried just in case we haven’t started our ‘engines’ up yet. The game was up against team Ztec 2011. Many spectators would agree that this was the match to watch in this particular tournament. Both teams have a rich history against each other since the latters foundation; it wasn’t only about going to the next round, this was personal. Whoever won would not only be guaranteed a medal, but would have bragging rights till the next showdown.
Back to the game. Both Innebandy! Co. and Ztec 2011 showed high levels of energy and gave tremendous amounts of pressure. As you all know, it only takes a split second to net a ball in the goalpost in the game of floorball. We kept our game tight and focused on stopping their waves of attacks, one shot at a time. The camp we had definitely played a role in strengthening our teamwork and bonding, enabling us to play as better Innebandiens. The “holy trinity” of Innebandy, comprising of Lin Ken, Sam and Nicholes, combined to coach us and giving morale support by screaming their lungs out at us. It worked, with Captain E taking full advantage of a defensive error on Ztec’s part. The ball went through a practically non-existent free hit wall and into the net for the only goal of the game. Final score, Innebandy 1 : Ztec 0. Credit to the brilliant defensive teamwork of the ENTIRE team which played a vital part in making sure no goals were conceded. The three IC’s, particularly Insane Courage, were fully put into practice in this exhilarating match-up.
This is it. The moment you’ve all been waiting for. The Finals. Need I say more?
The Finals
Innebandy faced-off with a physical Minden Titanium team. Hearts pounding, we stepped on court for the final challenge in our pursuit for Gold. Win, and we make History once again. Lose, and be condemned to mediocrity for eternity(or at least another year). Right, here we go.
It was a somewhat diminished performance from both sides as it had been a long day. Nevertheless, the teams put in their best with all they had and set up a worthy finale for this prestigious competition. Solid defender, Rooban Chand, put an unstoppable shot in the back of the net, from not far off the half way line, to open the scoring. Minden Titanium were able to pull one back, but Innebandy proved just too hot to handle with a final scoreline of 3-1.
The feeling we got when the referee blew the final whistle was simply…
Indescribable.
Prize Giving
Mr. Christopher Koh gave a short speech before the top three (3) teams received their medals. Team Innebandy! Co. gave Ztec 2011 a “Whoosh!” as they were receiving their medals. Ztec 2011 then returned the favour by singing a part of the Innebandy! Co. cheer. We were all estatic when we heard the few words that go, “And the champions are……Team Innebandy! Co. !” We then marched to Mr. Edward Lim and received our medals. Each Innebandien walked up to him with great joy and pride. The smile on our faces told the whole story. After that, the all star team picks.
Goal keeper : Dawn Tan from Minden Titanium
Defender: Rooban Chand from Innebandy! Co.
Defender: Khoo Gim Hoong from Ztec 2011
Forward : Rish Van from Minden Titanium
Forward : Ephraim Teh from Innebandy! Co.
The day came to an end. We kept the boards, chairs, and tables back. After that, we headed home, weary from our exploits but well satisfied with the results.
Thank You very much..
Many thanks to Sam, Lin Ken, Deswyn and, to an extent, Nicholes, for each putting their heart and soul into coaching us week in, week out for umpteen years. Our heartfelt thanks and appreciation to you guys for really sacrificing time and your own personal training by building us up individually as players and collectively as a team. Also, not forgetting our sole supporter on the day of the tournament, Previn, for bearing with us throughout the entire duration. I know we must have bored you terribly but we hope to make up for it by welcoming you with open arms into our big happy family, Innebandy! Co.
This section wouldn’t be complete without a proper appreciation for the Innebandy! Co. team which overcame the odds to claim the very first Rising Star Challenge Trophy. All of you guys(and girl) played an integral role in the road to glory. I fervently hope that we keep this momentum going and reach out for greater exploits to go down in our very own Hall of Fame (otherwise known as the Innebandy blog). Without every single player, the Inner Circle of Innebandy just wouldn’t have been complete. Well done, guys (and girl).
Lasty, and definitely not least, I would like to thank God for His abundant grace and mercy upon us even as we played in the Rising Star 2009 Challenge. It is truly by God’s protective hand upon each and every one of us that none of us sustained any serious injuries. And without His infinite grace, tempers would have surely been lost in the completion of the tournament. Thank you Jesus, for Your never ending Love for us.
And so…
As a conclusion, the Rising Star 2009 Challenge saw many Innebandiens realize their full potential as we took home the top honours. It is indeed true when they say that “With Great Teamwork comes Great Victories”. Many would say this was a fluke result, that it was a one-in-a-million thing. However, I can see this team rising up to even loftier heights in the not too distant future. Use this achievement as a stepping stone for times to come. Just keep on working towards the goal as a team and in your own Independent Culture. Lets prove the critics wrong and just go for it. Who knows where our next trophy would come from?
The Penang Floorball League 2010 anyone?
Special Olympics Motto-Let me win, but if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.
One Team, One Way.
No comments:
Post a Comment