Matchweek 17 report

Salibandy!Co vs Joker Prodigy (6-4)

There was only one way to bounce back from a thrilling Labour Day, and that was another match week full of hot fixture, and surprising results! The day begun with 2^nd Place contenders Salibandy!Co against the bottom-of-the-barrel Joker Prodigy. But the Jokers were not going to come into the game with their heads down and wanted to maintain the momentum they had ever since winning the bottom scrap with rivals GMI Blackwings. The match began with Anis serving a 2-minute penalty for Joker with the call of incorrect equipment. Salibandy did not take advantage, and 10 minutes later, their new signing, Jiri received a benching of his own for incorrect distance. He could be forgiven as he wasn’t quite familiar with the rules. But what was truly shocking was that no goal were scored (or conceded!) in the first period, leaving both teams going into their break in a deadlock.

            Joker began the second period by being denied by the framework several times along with an alert Serb (forgive the pun). Salibandy took the lead in the 6^th minute and tripled it in the next two, thanks to Terence, Jiri, and Ricky. Joker replied quickly through Khairul, but Jiri was clearly working hard to exorcise that ‘Incorrect Distance Demon’ from the first period as he netted another to make a brace as the second period came to a conclusion.

            Naqi began the final period by providing Joker with a glimmer of chance to knock down the Titans of UTAR, and Ruben followed through, making the score 4-3. But Sali grabbed two more with Alvin and Colin hitting the mark. Khairul pulled one late in the game for Joker, but the game had already effectively been won, as Salibandy kept possession tidily.

Man of the Match

Salibandy!Co- Jiri: Made his debut (correct me if I’m wrong) and what a debut that was, scoring two and assisting one to make his family proud.

Joker Prodigy- Khairul: This time, Ruben did not get the spotlight as he had a very lackluster afternoon. Instead, Khairul did well to organize Joker’s attacks, grabbing a brace and assist to his name.

           

Bangi Rusty Blade vs Subang Rascals (2-9)

            Definitely an interesting game to watch, as Bangi Rusty Blade were one a three-win trot and were looking to extend that run to maintain their place in the top 4, but faced a stern test at the helm of Subang Rascals, who were inviting long-time absentees Aki, Kamal, and Zahir back into the team. The ‘Men in White’ started the game with Snake in the goal crease, for only the first period. Hendrik managed to pull Rascals ahead first, but some sloppy defending saw Dany of the Green Army penetrate and round the goal to level the game. Skipper Sjaiful gave Rascals the lead again before Dennis slammed it home by the end of the first period. However, BRB were looking very threatening and their tight defense could potentially lead to Rascals not scoring double figures for only the second time in the season (first being against Gang Bintang).

            Rascals didn’t want to think of that as they scored immediately through Sjaiful, earning him his ‘Expert Marksman Patch’ for incredible accuracy. BRB immediately inhibited their opponents lead with a team goal courtesy of Apit. Kamal and Mikko ‘Stone Cold’ netted for the already champions.

            The third period was the lowest scoring one, with Rascals scoring all three. The first was a solo effort by Snake. The second was by Hendrik a minute after a set piece. BRB captain Faz argued that the referee made the wrong call, and when the goal was scored, Faz blew his top and accused the referee of biasness. He was booked for Protesting, and was certainly lucky neither referees were carrying a card, as a match penalty or a personal penalty may have been in order.

Man of the Match

Bangi Rusty Blade- Sashi: At the heart of defense for BRB and contributed to such a low concession of goals.

Subang Rascals- Hendrik: Scored two and created one for Rascals and outmuscled every obstacle he faced.

KLIUC Griffins vs KLIUC Hornets (4-4)

            Another low-scoring game, with both sides playing with the framework often, lest we forget how the custodians of both sides protecting their sides from conceding. Ariff Halim took his side to the lead, with Taqi doubling that lead before Humaidi grabbed on for the ‘Black and Yellow.

            Naufal equalized for the Griffins after the break, and Aqil helped himself to a goal to take KLIUC Griffins in the lead for the first time in the game. The second period belonged to Griffins. The third was probably the most eventful, with quick-footed Azim scoring for KLIUC Hornets to tie the game once more. Hornets took the lead once more through the one of the ‘Little Orange Man’, Norman, but Amirul would have none of it as he pulled Griffins back into the game. Soon, Muiz was penalized for apparently pushing a Griffin who held possession, but he may have tripped and carelessly clipped his opponent. Griffin did not take the initiative to take the lead through their only advantage throughout the game, and it ended in a stalemate. A roller-coaster of a game saw the derby end on a high-note, though, as both teams accepted their result with a smile on their face.

Man of the Match

KLIUC Griffins- Humaidi: He was the driving force of many of KLIUC Griffins attacks and was unlucky that many calls went against him.

KLIUC Hornets- Azmill: Kept the Griffins at bay with a string of spectacular saves and proves yet again why he is touted to be a contender of Malaysia’s custodian job.

Gang Bintang vs GMI Blackwings (24-5)

            Gang Bintang was looking to maintain their position in the table, and what an easy way to do so for one more week; they took on GMI Blackwings. But the world shook as Blackwings took the advance after just 30 seconds through captain Hazizi. Gang Bintang didn’t stutter as Khalid netted immediately. After that, it took a while for anything to happen, but Khalid scored another thanks to John. Jethro got himself on the score sheet as well, along with John, Na’im and Alissa. Khalid even managed to complete his hat trick within the first period to shut the critics up about his recent form. Gang Bintang dominated the first period and were looking to improve on the highest scoring game of the season, against Gracebandy (16-3) in early April.

            In the second period, Na’im (3), Khalid (4), Jethro (2), Alissa, Anwar, and Hafidz all got goals in throughout the second period, with Amirul pulling on back for Blackwings. Gang Bintang’s scoring form certainly took a stride from their last game. John started the third period, with another transfer player, Hafidz finding the net. Amirul was still working hard for Blackwings, and scored another past Bob. Na’im got another, clearly he had a good day in the office. Rezal and Hazizi attempted to restore the pride of Blackwings, but Naim just bagged another before John rapped up the day.

Man of the Match

Gang Bintang- Khalid AND Na’im: This one was definitely a tough call. Two of the day’s top-scorers tallied up 15 goals for GB, with Khalid etching out just one more than his teammate. But as a defender, to score that much is amazing, so it’s a joint-choice.

GMI Blackwings- Hazizi: Hazizi is one of the players his teammates look up to, and gets the respect he deserves without demanding it. He is resilient, strong, and technical. It wouldn’t be a surprise to see other teams vying to buy his this summer.

GMI White Knights vs Gracebandy!Co (8-4)

            Gracebandy!Co had a great game last week and were looking to continue their stretch of good form, but a formidable opponent stood in the way in the form of GMI White Knights. But within 1 second(!), the White Knight Haidar was penalized for incorrect distance. Kevinder and Joo Minn pulled Gracebandy ahead. Joo Minn looks to be another very enterprising buy during the mid-season transfer window. At the end of the first period, the ‘Big Man’ Mervin was penalized for an incorrect hit.

            It took 8 minutes in the second period for a defense to breach, with Wilson pulling Gracebandy further into the lead, but White Knights weren’t going to sit down and let their opponents run the show; the needed a win to maintain their valued fourth spot. They began fighting back, and previously booked Haidar kicked off the comeback. Gracebandy responded badly with Kevinder protesting and being benched. White Knights took full advantage, and through their captain, Aizuddin, leveled the game. After that, it was the GMI White Knights show. Bard and Haidar inflicted further damage in Gracebandy’s hope.

            Aizuddin scored again at the start of the final period, followed by teammate Amarol. White Knights had a four-goal advantage with 10 minutes to go, and were well on their way to secure their seventh win of the season. The stuttering Gracebandy pulled one back thanks to the hardworking Joo Minn, but it proved to be too little, too late, Aizuddin completed his hat trick within 10 seconds. Afiq received bench time for high stick, but that changed little as White Knights stood firmly at their fourth spot. One has to think if Gracebandy were so easily susceptible to complacency early in the game that could’ve led to them slipping their lead away.

Man of the Match

GMI White Knights- Aizuddin: The captain showed why his team has faith in him, with a hat trick and a classy display.

Gracebandy!Co- Joo Minn: Did well bombarding forward, and if he had more support, could’ve gotten a few more behind Azizul.

WEEKEND OVERVIEW

Salibandy!Co grabbed a gritty win as Joker Prodigy must be commended for playing as though they themselves were competing for the third spot. A few more good games for Joker will see them go into the Premier Cup with great spirit. A convincing run in the cup might be what they need after a dismal season if they are looking to stay in the league and fight more determinedly next time round. Bangi Rusty Blade certainly wanting the fourth spot, and proved to be very tough competitors for the already crowned champions. Subang Rascals, however, will be disappointed with such a low-scoring win, but the return of vital players will see them going into the last stretch of games with full force. The KLIUC Derby had two teams that wanted the same thing, the fourth spot, but a draw was all that was scraped out of the game, and it is unlikely that GMI White Knights will lose their next two games, against bottom teams Joker Prodigy and GMI Blackwings. The game between White Knights and Gracebandy!Co had very high stakes for one club while little for the other. If White Knights had lost, they would’ve dropped down to 7^th place due to goal difference, as they have a far inferior one compared to the others that are vying for the fourth spot. Gang Bintang had a great game and will be looking to win the next two games to hold onto their second spot, but may find it tough against the likes of BRB and the Rascals. On a lighter note, Rascals will be looking to achieve the 300-goal mark set by teammate Arizal, and will hope to score at least 16 in the next game to achieve such a bench-mark.

#Fun fact: Salibandy!Co can make up an entire line of outfield players who wear glasses, with Alvin, Terence, Kel Sern and several others.

#Na’im of Gang Bintang may possibly have scored the most number of goals by a defender in one game (6) with Khalid possibly scoring the most for any player in one game (7). But statistics only refer to the 2011/2012 season of the Selangor Floorball League.

Have a good day! Viva la S’gor Floorball!