Selangor Floorball League 2011/2012: Matchweek 5 Preview

SFL 2011/2012 returns for Matchday 5. Fun and excitement awaits!!!!

Match 1: Joker Prodigy FC vs Gracebandy! Co. (12pm-2pm)

Joker Prodigy FC produces one of the shockers of the season by beating BRB 9-8 last week. With Khalid as the new coach for Joker, They look more organised and played better floorball compared to before. Against a much improved Gracebandy! Co. They should continue from the way they had played previously as Gracebandy! Co. is no pushovers. But with players like Amir Pandora and Khairul Hazwan on top form, a second win on the trot is there for the taking.

Gracebandy! Co. gave a gallant fight last week against the defending champion Gang Bintang. Though they lost the match, they had shown pure determination and grit during the match. Against Joker, they will have to replicate again that spirit in order to win the match. Gerard and Phillip will again be the center point of the team and their performance will have a huge impact on the direction of the team during the match. The main talking point will be that this team do not have a coach. It has to be said, Gracebandy! Co. was outdone most of the time because they do not have a proper coach guiding them from the bench. Will they get their first win of the season or will the absence of a coach came back to haunt them at the end?

Players to watch (Joker Prodigy FC): Amir Pandora, Ery, Khairul Hazwan

Players to watch (Gracebandy! Co.): Gerard, Phillip, Mervin

Prediction: This match will be a tight one with both teams giving a go at each other. Individual mistakes will determine the outcome of the match. Joker Prodigy to continue their fine form and win the match

Match 2: Gang Bintang vs KLIUC Hornets (2pm-4pm)

Gang Bintang were made to sweat during the previous match though they had won it 8-3. Their next opponents, KLIUC Hornets will not be an easy opponent to them as well judging from previous encounters with Hornets. The experienced players of Gang Bintang will again be called to lead the line headed by Jethro, Rizal and Khalid. They will have to lead the new players of GB as they are not yet up to par with the current established player in GB. For this match, GB will need to play fast and tight at the back as Hornets are known for their fast counter attacking play.

KLIUC Hornets has been on a soul-searching mission for the past two weeks looking to bounce back after losing 3 matches on the trot since the opening match. Their task will not be an easy one as they will be facing the defending champion. Hornets will again be without their captain, Muiz for this game as he is still nursing a ligament injury but they will welcome back their Goalkeeper, Azmill for this match which will give Hornets a huge boost going into this game. Taqi, John and Azim will need to lead the team and bring the best out of them and more importantly to trust their coach, Sjaiful in his tactics and gameplay. They must play as a team from start to finish and eliminate any silly mistakes.

Players to watch (Gang Bintang): Khalid, Jethro, Rizal, Anuar

Players to watch (KLIUC Hornets): Taqi, John, Azmill, Azim

Prediction: A game for which Hornets will give a huge fight stick to stick but the experience of Gang Bintang will ensure the win is still on their side in a narrow margin win.

Match 3: Subang Rascals vs GMI Blackwings (4pm-6pm)

Subang Rascals is the team to beat currently in the league. In all their games they had managed to dominate every single inch of the court without much fuss and they will continue that against the GMI Blackwings. With Sjaiful, Hendrick, Dennis and Kamal all on top form, Rascals are almost unstoppable. The only thing that Rascals need to worry for this match is that Blackwings are a fast team thus they must ensure that their defence are tight to stop the attack from Blackwings. Their weakest link is still the goalkeeping department but if the defence play accordingly, the keeper might just keep a clean sheet for this match.

GMI Blackwings need to learn how to play real floorball quickly. Based on their last match, they were all over the place and if they continue to play like that against Rascals, the match might just be over even before the 1^st period end. Their coach, John and Hafidz need to drill into all the players that anything is possible. With the correct attitude, pure determination, correct tactics and huge chunk of luck; they can actually give Rascals a run for their money. It’s time for all the players to step up and be counted and really announce their arrival in SFL during this match.

Players to watch (Subang Rascals): Sjaiful, Kamal, Henrik, Dennis, Snake

Players to watch (GMI Blackwings): Azizi, Epul, Zizie

Prediction: An easy win for Subang Rascals in a hugely one sided affair

Match 4: KLIUC Griffin vs GMI White Knights (6pm-8pm)

The game of the week as it pits 2 rivals, Griffin and White Knights. Griffin will go into this game with only one simple mission, to beat White Knight and cement their claim as serious challengers for the top 4 places. Going back to their last game, even though they lost the match but overall they have improved tremendously which is a worrying sign for White Knights. Against White Knights, Griffin will have to play fast and tight at the same time as White Knights are well known to knick goals out of nothing. Naufal, Tariq, Medi and the rest are well aware of the stipulation for this match. Win and they will elevate themselves as a team to the next level.

GMI White Knights go into this game after a moral boosting win against Hornets. On any given day, WK can give a lot of problems to a lot of team. Against Griffin, they need to be truly at their best. They must treat it as if this is their cup final. They will rely heavily on their fast play headed by Amai, Shahir and Bard. The tactics deployed by their coach Hafidz must me spot on. If not they will face a lot of problem facing Griffin.

Players to watch (KLIUC Griffin): Naufal, Adi, Tariq, Medi

Players to watch (GMI White Knights): Amai, Shahir, Bard, Penang

Prediction: End to end stuff expected from both sides as non want to lose this match. On paper both teams are almost equal on every count. A very close encounter with both teams going on the attack. Experience will be vital and White Knights will have the edge on that. A narrow win for White Knights.

Match 5: Bangi Rusty Blade vs Salibandy! Co.

Bangi Rusty Blade suffered a humiliating loss against Joker during their last match. Slack defending and loss of concentration were the main cause for their unexpected loss and they need to overcome that going into this match. Hafidz, Kendrick, Joo Min and Malik will again be the central point for the team. All round play is their strength and they need to stick with that against Salibandy! Co. They need to beef up their defence and not to repeat their horrendous defence display as shown in the loss to Joker.

Salibandy! Co. is going into this game with a lot of confidence after chalking up an impressive win against Blackwings. But BRB is no Blackwings. Salibandy! Co. will have to dig deep and pull out every single ounce of effort if they want to win against the more fancied BRB. If the core of the team play to their strength that includes Alvin, Terence, Ricky, Song Sing and others, a win is there for the taking. They will have to be discipline in attack and defence and to keep their shape all the time because BRB can punish them even with the slightest mistake. Their weakest link will be the goalkeeper thus beware of the long shots expected coming from BRB

Players to watch (Bangi Rusty Blade): Hafidz, Malik, Kendrick, Joo Min, Amir

Players to watch (Salibandy! Co.): Alvin, Terence, Joe, Kelson, Song Sing

Prediction: Another shock victory on the cards again perhaps? BRB will come blazing on all fronts but their unconvincing defending might just haunt them back with Salibandy! taking chances at every opportunity. Salibandy! to win this match at the death.

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Match Report: Gang Bintang vs Gracebandy! Co.

GANG BINTANG v. GRACEBANDY! CO

PERIOD 1

Time	Score	Goal	Assist	Penalty
5.26	0 - 1	#3Philip	#12
12.36	0 - 1			H17 Mohd Anuar (B2) Incorrect distance
17.39	0 - 2	#8Gerard	-

PERIOD 2

33.42	1 - 2	#8Khalid	-
36.51	2 - 2	#8Khalid	-
37.21	3 - 2	#3Daeng	#8Khalid

PERIOD 3

40.23	3 - 3	#6Dorcus	-
41.53	4 - 3	#15Rizal	#9Bob
43.47	5 - 3	#12Naim	-
46.53	5 - 3			H13Qayyum (B2) Too many players in rink
52.01	6 - 3	#3Daeng	-
55.06	7 - 3	#8Khalid	#6Jethro
18.05	8 - 3	#15Rizal	#9Bob

Shots on goal : P1 (10, 9); P2 (12, 9); P3 (15 , 6)

Match Commentary

The Match Preview made a forecast that this game will be one sided affair with Gang Bintang (GB) having a stroll in the park with the struggling Gracebandy! Co (Grace). How wrong was that!! Grace stepped into the rink absolutely with no fear. They were a determined lots playing with full confidence and organized themselves well in the court. Despite having much of the ball possession GB were not able to get any clear shot at goal with the Grace. Grace players displayed a very tight and disciplined defence. Grace players played with determination not to concede an early goal. Their success in holding up the GB players for up to 5 minutes of the early period draw applause from the spectator. At 5.26min #12Mervin made a clearance to the right of the rink passing the half line. This was “pushed” in by #3Philip towards the GB goal. Okay, from what was noticed, #3Philip can’t take a shot or he got quite a lousy shooting skill (hope I don’t get a defamation writ). Having saved some better shots earlier, GB goalie #11Illyaz let the ball slip pass his thighs. It was Grace who took the lead and draw cheers and applause from the spectators most of them are players of other team. GB don’t seem to be shaken up by the early goal they conceded. GB’s #15Rizal became more vociferous in commanding the team and GB continued to dominate the game. At 12.36min Grace got a free hit just in front of the GB’s goal post. At the same time GB’s #17Anuar got 2min bench penalty for incorrect distance. Guess who stepped up to take the free hit? #3 Philip!! I really thought he’s going to tap the ball to #5 Sheeda who was unmarked. In complete contrast, #3Philip flicked the ball over the GB wall for easy catch by #11Ilyaz. Grace were managed to get some shots at goal during the power play but they completely lack the tactical ability to punish GB duing the power play. GB was still having better possession of the ball with a man less. At 17.39min, #8Gerard got hold of a clearance from Grace goal somewhere in the middle of the court. He managed to make a drag shot with a quick turn. #8Gerard do surprise everyone once in a while with his shots. That was probably his best shot ever!! The ball zoomed to the left top corner of GB’s goal at actually got stuck there. It was definitely a super goal worth boasting here. Grace was leading by 2 goals against the defending champion. The spectators was awed by the Grace players performance. Other than Rascals, no other team has put GB in such pressure. The period ended with Grace players playing their heart out to stop every moves made by GB and they succeeded.

The second period started off with Grace coming out and determined not to concede any goal to the dominating GB. GB players made several shots at goal from the middle of the court. Credit also goes to Grace’s goalie #76Gilbert who made several instinctive safe and kept his clean sheet. #15Rizal appeared to be losing his cool with some of the tactical moves of his players and often heard screaming “Mamak! , Mamak!”. Can’t really say whom he was referring as the description fits quite a number of them. At 33.42 #8Khalid with his trademark dribbling managed to beat the Grace defenders and easily scored his first goal for the day. At 16.51 #8Khalid again overcome the Grace defence with his agility and speed to tie the game at 2 – 2. Both goals were scored by #8Khalid unassisted. Grace players seems to get tired and was not quick and aggressive as the earlier part of the game. GB after equaling the score appears to play more tactically and moved the ball well. At 37.21 #8Khalid made a decent cross in front of the Grace goal for the fast running #3Daeng connect to the ball and make a easy tap in. The period ended with GB taking the lead at 3 – 2.

The 3^rd period started at much slower pace with GB holding the ball and trying to build up from the back. One wrong pass was made up only to be intercepted and cleared by a Grace player. #6Dorcus was fast enough to reach to the clearance and flicked towards GB’s goal from a short distance. #11Illyaz was least expecting the ball and missed it completely. Grace got back to tie the game at 3 – 3. The spectators couldn’t resist but applause and cheer the Grace players for their surprising challenge they are throwing at GB. Everyone was expecting the unexpected. Grace winning against GB!! Grace’s players inexperience really got into them there on. GB stepped up their game speed with fast running #3Daeng and #8Khalid outplaying the Grace line. GB’s scoring spree started with their 4^th goal scored at 41.53min. Grace players tried their best to hold back GB’s assault but they grew tired too fast. Credit goes to #5Sheeda whom had been tirelessly running in defending and also creating goal scoring opportunity for Grace. The difference in the shots on goal explains it all. GB had 15 shots at goal compared to Grace’s 6 shots at goal. GB scored 4 more goals and won the game comfortably with a final score of 8 - 3. At the final whistle, Grace players looked dejected and worn out. GB on the other hand was happy that they survived another scary affair in the league.

CONCLUSION : Grace seriously need to get a proper coach to assist them in improving their skills, tactics and fitness level. Their determination and fighting spirit displayed in this game was awesome but that alone is not sufficient to win games. Floorball will be much more fun if you could win some games. As such effort need to but put in by the players to get a coach to guide them along. GB on the other hand is a team with loads of experience to name a few #8Khalid, #15Rizal, #11Illyaz, #6Jethro, #5Alissa & #7Aisyah. These are also players with good floorball skills. However the newer generation of their players are not up to their level. Some effort need to be put in to improve the level of their newer generation players. GB could perform much better if this imbalance is addressed.

Best Players : Khalid (GB) ; Gerard (Grace) (Wolud have picked Sheeda if not for the wonder goal by Gerard)

Referees : Gerrard, Phillip, Suresh

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Match Report: Bangi Rusty Blade vs. Joker Prodigy FC

BANGI RUSTY BLADE v. JOKER PRODIGY F.C.

PERIOD 1

Time	Score	Goal	Assist	Penalty
0.00	0 - 0			Amir Umar (B2) Incorrect equipment
0.00	0 - 0			Kendrick (B2) Incorrect equipment
0.30	1 - 0	#23 Hafidz	-
2.15	2 - 0	#9 Kendrick	#7 Malik
7.34	2 - 1	#77 Fakrul	# 99 Ejat
10.10	3 - 1	#10 Joo Min	#23 Hafidz
13.18	3 - 2	#11 Hazwan	#30 Ery
13.32	4 - 2	#7 Malik	#31Ayish
16.41	5 - 2	#7 Malik	#2 Paan

PERIOD 2

26.05	5 - 3	#77 Fakhrul	#54 Amir
27.13	6 - 3	#23 Hafidz	-
28.28	6 - 4	#11 Hazwan	-
31.39	6 - 5	#77 Fakhrul	#54 Amir
34.19	7 - 5	#7 Malik	#23 Hafidz
35.53	7 - 6	#54 Amir	-
36.27	7 - 7	#77 Fakhrul	-

PERIOD 3

50.52	8 - 7	#7 Malik	-
53.19	8 - 8	#11 Hazwan	#54 Amir
54.18	8 - 9	#54 Amir	#11Hazwan

Shots on goal : P1 (NA, NA); P2 (6 , 12); P3 (9 , 6)

Match Commentary

The first period started off with both teams earning a 2min bench penalty for incorrect equipment. It is understood later that the call was made by the referees due to the players not wearing the proper team colour socks. There was too much hype between these two teams even before the match started. The first period was a complete mess. Both teams were playing like school kids with either team not being able to make more than three passes amongst them. More often than not one could observe players running with the ball and loosing it. Team tactics were non existence. Both teams lack basic floorball skills such as proper stick holding, stopping the ball, making pass and connecting with ball. In the chaotic first period Bangi Rusty Blade (BRB) scored 2 early goals and put their opponent under immense pressure. Joker Prodigy F.C. (Joker’s) got back into the game soon enough with their first goal in the 7.34min through some sloppy play in front of the BRB’s goal. BRB however ended the period leading 5 – 2.

The second period started off with the same chaotic play. Joker’s player were seen standing in the goal crease and the Referee rightly called for a penalty shot at minute 27.13. Hafidz converted with ease and BRB was having a comfortable lead at 6 – 3. BRB displayed much calmness thereon and displayed much organized play. BRB was controlling the game with better ball movement towards the mid of 2^nd period. BRB however failed to make any serious attempt to score. Joker’s on the other hand took shots from all angle whenever they had chance. The stats on shots on goal clearly shows the goal attempts made by both the team. Joker’s scored 4 goals from 12 shots at goal and BRB scored 2 goals from 6 shots on goal. At the last 5 minutes of the 2^nd period both teams appears to have settled down and displayed a decent game of floorball. The score was tied at 7 – 7 at the end of 2^nd period.

The 3^rd period started with BRB dominating the play again. BRB just could not hold the ball and build up. They kept loosing possession due to player’s inability to stop the ball or poor control of the ball. This opportunities was capitalized fully by the Joker’s to make quick counter attacks. Joker’s #77 Fakhrul was moving in and out of BRB’s goal waiting for the ball to cross his path. Fakhrul probably missed 70% of the balls came to him, however he managed to score 4 goals for Joker’s. If only Fakhrul could connect to the ball he would have scored much more goals. The 3^rd period was played with its tense moments. The Joker’s goalkeeper #99Ejat lost his cool when BRB was leading 8-7. BRB’s own #23 Hafidz made some remarks which led to Ejat pushing and shoving his own team players. The referees despite noticing the misconduct by #99Ejat decided not to punish anyone. Joker’s equalized in 53.19 min to tie the game at 8 – 8 and took broke the spirit and morale of BRB players a minute later when they scored through #54 Amir. BRB’s made final attempt to equalize but failed to take any shot at goal in the last 2 minutes. At the final whistle, Joker’s celebrated their first win. BRB were clearly disappointed with the result but surely it was a good lesson learned.

CONCLUSION : The coaches for both BRB and Joker’s failed miserably in instilling basic floorball skills into the players. Floorball is not about running with the ball or dribbling past all opponents. When the basic stick holding is lacking in some of the players, how do you expect your players to pass, stop and hit the ball. Both these teams need to brush up immediately on their basic skills first and then move on to improve on their team tactics. It is quite obvious from the way both the teams played that they hardly had any proper training. In order to improve, the coaches and players need to quickly realize what they are doing wrong and react positively. Otherwise both these teams will remain in the bottom half of the league table.

Best Players : Hafidz (BRB) ; Ery (Joker’s)

Referees : Jethro & Amai

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