We had 14 at Bukit Timah campus last night – Bret, Clive, IZ, Tim C, Yu Teik, Sushil and me (Reds) v Tom, Amit, Collin, Dedy, Heath, Kin and Raj (Non-Reds).
With everyone in a public holiday mood, we only got started at about 8.25 pm, with Clive, Wong IZ, Tim C, Yu Teik, Collin and me (Reds) against Tom, Amit, Heath, Kin and Raj (Non-Reds). Bret was running late due to a prior appointment, Nicolas was held up in the office (on a public holiday!) and our guest player, Russell, failed to materialize.
Despite the handicap of being one player short, Non-Reds started strongly, and took an early lead. However, once everyone arrived, and we switched to the final line ups, Reds came back strongly. Sushil, a late introduction through Tom and Teik, grabbed a quick hat-trick. At the other end, Tom hit his favourite spot – the post – before his shooting deteriorated even further. By the time we switched to Court No. 2, Reds were leading 9-4.
On Court No. 2, Clive and Sushil were solid at the back as Non-Reds pressed to close the gap. Tom’s poor finishing also infected his team mates, and most of the few chances that Non-Reds created went begging (although Collin did score a clever backheel). It did not help that Tom took his frustrations out on his team-mates, which further undermined Non-Reds’ morale.
The game finished 14-8 to Reds, one of the lowest scoring games we have had for a 2-hour session. The few times Reds got their passing game together, it was delightful, but they did not do it often enough to completely run away with the game.
All a bit flat really – perhaps the thought of having to return to work the following day after a long weekend was creating a sense of melancholy.
By the end, Tom had cheered up enough to acknowledge that the better team on the day won.
