SCS Cup 2013 Match Report: OLD vs CMC (15th September)

Team OLD returned to competitive football after a hiatus of 3 years, with many team mates not seeing each other for quite a while. The team also welcomed quite a number of new faces such as Alvin Chan, Eddie Wong, Eddie Boh and Vincent Ang. Having not played together at all prior to this match, the aim was clearly to just enjoy the run-out and hope for the best. With the average age of the team in the high 40s, everyone's expectations were reasonable given the relative youth of the opponents.

Before the match, Mark Chan from CMC started the usual pre-match proceedings of devotions, and shared about his past week and the reality of God during that time.

The match kicked off with CMC only having 11 players and OLD having 14. However, it was evident from the start that the team in white were clearly going to exploit their quickness to unsettle their older opponents. The exchange in the first 5min was quite even, with both teams probing and trying to find a breakthrough. OLD came the closest during this time when a half-cleared cross found its way to Eddie Wong to rifled a fierce shot at goal, which the CMC GK was able to parry away. From then however, it was CMC who threatened more and by the 10th min, they got their first goal when a cross was inadvertently turned into his own net by Felix. Being 1-0 up, the CMC players kept on pegging away and a combination of long, short balls as well as speedy wing play meant that the floodgates had started to open, as OLD conceded 4 more times before the interval. It wasn't that OLD was playing particularly badly, as they managed to pass and control the ball in periods, but schoolboy errors in defence led to easy goals being let in. It also didn't help that Mark Leong had to limp off mid-way through the first half, leaving some re-organisation in the defensive ranks.

The 2nd half started with CMC reduced to 10 men as they had a player injured. The irony of the situation was despite being a man short, they opened the scoring when a stand-offish defence allowed the CMC striker to waltz his way right through to a one-on-one situation against Sean. This happened a 2nd time, before OLD woke up and scored a good goal, playing the ball out of defence, and Kevin threading it through to Eddie Wong, who finished nicely from the left. At 7-1, the referee decided to award CMC a penalty when Eddie Boh brought down a CMC player in the box, allowing CMC to score their 8th goal. What stunned everyone was that directly from the kick-off, Eddie Wong blasted the ball into the top corner of the net with some wonderful technique, to make it 8-2. The score stayed that way despite some good work from OLD in trying to pull more goals back, but the many crosses sent into the box by David Sng could not be converted, ending OLD's return to competitive football.

Friendly Match Report: PMC vs OLD (8th September)

It was a throw-back to 2010 as the Veterans in gold (OLD) turned up at Greenview Sec to take on the young guns of PMC in preparation for the kick-off of the inaugural SCS Cup 2013. Many familiar Veterans like Ramon and Andy returned to the pitch, hoping to roll back the years and good times, even though bodies were further aged. Team PMC was also intent to do well with a pacier brand of football.

At kick-off, the teams seemed pretty evenly matched, with some decent passing. Certainly the speed of PMC was a threat against OLD, with some long balls almost being picked up by Yi Jun and Jingzhong. On the part of OLD, the build-up play was slow and used the target men of Ramon and Martin to hold up play before bringing others into the action. Chances were few and far between in the first 10 minutes, but the breakthrough came from PMC when a ball over the top was not cleared, leaving Yi Jun with the simplest of tasks. Team PMC was clearly finding OLD easy pickings, using their speed to great effect. Twice more PMC scored before OLD pulled one back through Ramon, who out-muscled Weijie and robbed him of the ball before blasting into the corner of the PMC net. It was 3-1 to PMC at half-time.

Some substitutions were made at the break, but with limited subs for both teams, most of the players had to press on under the sweltering heat. Being younger and fitter, it was no surprise that PMC scored first after the break, Isaac Hwa stroking nicely into the net after being put clean through from a diagonal ball. 2 more goals came, one of which was courtesy of a cheeky lob by Lincoln.

Although the game ended 6-1 in favour of PMC, OLD did not play badly, but probably needed more pairs of legs in order to do well against much younger opponents. 

CRC2013 SoccerTron Report (31st August)

PMC fielded 2 teams for the annual one-day affair known as SoccerTron, a veterans team (OLD) and a youthful team (PMC). Comprising of a 7-a-side tournament and the CRC2013 finals, it promised to be a day full of soccer activities and spectacle. The day actually kicked off with the draw for the upcoming SCS Cup knock-out tournament and Team OLD drew to play CMC and Team PMC drew to play Salvation Army in the first round of the cup.

Samuel draws TSA in Round 1 of the SCS Cup 2013

Being in 2 different groups, OLD and PMC battled away valiantly in their 3 group games hoping to amass as many points as possible to qualify for the knock-stages in a respectable position. OLD finished the group stage with 2 losses and a draw. The most dramatic match was the final group game against BFEC where OLD practically camped in BFEC's half in search of the win. Unfortunately the closest OLD came to a goal was when Kevin hit the post with only the GK to beat. With that record, OLD finished bottom of its group to compete in the Vase knock-out stage. Team PMC did slightly better than their older counterparts, finishing the group stage with 1 win, 1 loss and a draw to finish 3rd in their group, qualifying for the Shield knock-out stage. 

The Veterans of Team OLD

The 'kids' of Team PMC

Before the knock-out stages started, all players gathered under the tentage for a time of Singspiration and Sharing to acknowledge God's presence during the tournament. Dr Tan from BFEC shared an interesting message of God's love and plan for our lives, through stories of his experience and travels. 

The knock-out stages kicked off with OLD taking the field first in their playoff towards the Vase finals. However, having not played for a couple of hours, the OLD players couldn't warm up fast enough and went down 2-0 to COA quite quickly. Credit to the team, they tried to fight back valiantly and pulled one goal back, but it wasn't enough as the final whistle blew. PMC was up next in their playoff against CMC and the 'kids' played very well, taking the match to their opponents and threatened on numerous occasions. The breakthrough finally came when a run down the wing by Rusydi was followed by a cross and a good finish by David Lim. The 1-0 victory put PMC into the Shield final against BENS. 

Parris, Felix and Mike prepare to defend a COA corner

Eddie on the ball

The final matches of both teams saw OLD take on TSA in the Vase 3rd/4th playoff and PMC taking on BENS in the Shield final. OLD picked themselves up well after the earlier defeat by COA. Putting in all their effort into the final match, they played well against TSA and had a number of chances that couldn't be converted. The match ended 0-0, leading the teams into a sudden death penalty shootout, which OLD won when Michael saved and Jin Yi scored in the first round of kicks. PMC was up next, taking on BENS to be Shield champions. Both teams were evenly matched with action swinging from end to end of the field. There was no breakthrough in terms of goals and PMC also faced a penalty shootout to end the day. However, in the first round of kicks, BENS scored and David Lim missed PMC's first kick to see BENS crowned as Shield champions. 

Jeremy defends tightly against CMC's Adrian

Rusydi on the ball

David starting his all out sprint

The finals of the CRC2013 league saw RLC defeat WMC 1-0 to be crowned overall champions. The prize giving session followed to end the few months worth of soccer competition. 

 Jeremy receiving PMC's participation token in the CRC2013 league

OLD and PMC's trophies from the SoccerTron

Soccer Fellowship Report (24th August)

Unlike the gloomy weather of last week, it was a scorching afternoon at Hai Sing Catholic School. At about 3.30pm, we had about 12 players and Jacob started the devotion on the topic of being a good worker. Apostle Paul defines a good worker as "one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the Word of truth" in 2 Timothy 2:15.

It was the Whites VS Other colours on half a soccer field with small goalposts. The game in the first half was much more open as players from both sides looked to exploit spaces in the wide areas. Counter-attacks were seen on numerous occasions but both sides lack the lethal finish up front. First half ended with 2-2.

After the break, the Whites chose an ultra-defensive approach by stationing almost all of their players around their own box. The Other colours had to keep exchanging short passes in front of the opponents' box in an attempt to break the defensive shell. However, on most occasions, the shots by the Other colours were either blocked by the over-crowded wall or saved by the goalie. The approach adopted by the Whites was indeed effective and eventually, the second half ended with 3-3.

Those players involved in the upcoming SoccerTron stayed on the pitch awhile more to practise their shootings and then Jacob closed us in prayer.

 Jacob sharing devotions

 3 types of stretches for warm-up

Soccer Fellowship (24th August)

Soccer Fellowship is on this Saturday, 24th August at Hai Sing Catholic School* (yes, the one in Pasir Ris). We are at this new venue as our regular fields are all unavailable. The location is still rather convenient with many buses plying between Pasir Ris MRT Station and the school. The session will be from 3 - 5 pm.

Please bring BOTH a BRIGHT and DARK jersey so that we can split the teams evenly.

Please pray for good weather! If you suspect the session is cancelled, please check the blog/email for more information before you head for the field. Cancellation of session will be broadcast on the blog and by email immediately when we are informed by Sports Council.

*The address of Hai Sing Catholic School is 9 Pasir Ris Drive 6. The entrance to the field however, is along Pasir Ris Drive 3, just across the road from E-Hub. There is a bus-stop just next to the field entrance. The nearest car park is the open air car park along blocks 406/407 Pasir Ris Drive 6.

You can view the map of the area HERE. 

Soccer Fellowship Report (17th August)

Dark skies, rain, lightning and thunder threatened to end this Soccer Fellowship session before it even started. About 12 players had gathered by about 315pm only to be told by the field warden that we couldn't play until 345pm, and only if the skies had cleared. We sat under shelter and waited patiently, even as more players arrived, most of them friends of Yi Jun and Weijie. At 340pm, Kevin started devotions, which focused on resting in God when we are tired. When Kevin ended the devotions in prayer, asking for good weather, the rain miraculously stopped, allowing the players to head to the field for an enjoyable time of Soccer Fellowship.

Playing under dark skies and on soft ground 

Weijie got his wish for some soccer action 

Waiting patiently for the skies to clear

The players were split into 2 teams of 8 each, using half the field and small posts. The players in blue took on the players in other colours and the tempo of the game was high throughout the 70min of play. Although the blues enjoyed most of the possession early on, it was the other team that capitalised on defensive mistakes and good counter-attacks to go 3-0 up. It took a while for the blues to get on the scoresheet, but they trailed for the whole match, coming closest perhaps at 7-4. By the time the session ended, about 18 players were on the field and it was a good workout for everyone. More importantly, God was good in allowing Soccer Fellowship to carry on despite gloomy skies.

Soccer Fellowship (17th August)

Soccer Fellowship is on this Saturday, 17th August at Hai Sing Catholic School* (yes, the one in Pasir Ris). We are at this new venue as our regular fields are all unavailable. The location is still rather convenient with many buses plying between Pasir Ris MRT Station and the school. The session will be from 3 - 5 pm.

Please bring BOTH a BRIGHT and DARK jersey so that we can split the teams evenly.

Please pray for good weather! If you suspect the session is cancelled, please check the blog/email for more information before you head for the field. Cancellation of session will be broadcast on the blog and by email immediately when we are informed by Sports Council.

*The address of Hai Sing Catholic School is 9 Pasir Ris Drive 6. The entrance to the field however, is along Pasir Ris Drive 3, just across the road from E-Hub. There is a bus-stop just next to the field entrance. The nearest car park is the open air car park along blocks 406/407 Pasir Ris Drive 6.

You can view the map of the area HERE. 

SOCCER FELLOWSHIP REPORT (3RD AUGUST)

"If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me" from Luke 9:23. This was the verse mentioned in the devotion that day before we start the soccer fellowship. I was sharing with everyone about Miserable Success from the Daily Bread topic on June 28. Most people, including Christians like myself, tends to forget that we need to let go of our own desires in order to be true God followers. Hence the sharing to remind ourselves that we will fail or even succeed miserably when we lose focus on God and try to achieve something without truly having Him involved in our daily lives.

After the devotion, the players were grouped as either white or other colours to begin the fellowship game. In this session, we welcomed Edwin and Danial (brought by 'Uncle Danial') for joining us. We also have players like Jing Zhong (back from his Taiwan trip) and Isaac back to join us for a good-work. The weather was good but the field is not in ideal conditions due to the different type of soil that is present in the ground compared to other schools like Greenview Sec Sch. Nevertheless, our 11 players took to the field gamely and really enjoyed themselves in a soccer game. The score was already like...5-3?...to the non-white team by the end of the first half of the session. Imagine the goal-scoring opportunities which both sides have had. In the second half of the session, both teams started in very similar fashion as they did in the first half. I left by 4.30pm so I would not have known the final score but that does not really matter. I am quite sure all of them enjoyed the session very much. I attached some photos of our players in actions so hope you enjoy them!

Bye for now......and God bless all!

Soccer Fellowship (3rd August)

Soccer Fellowship is on this Saturday, 3rd August at Hai Sing Catholic School* (yes, the one in Pasir Ris). We are at this new venue as our regular fields are all unavailable. The location is still rather convenient with many buses plying between Pasir Ris MRT Station and the school. The session will be from 3 - 5 pm.

Please bring BOTH a BRIGHT and DARK jersey so that we can split the teams evenly.

Please pray for good weather! If you suspect the session is cancelled, please check the blog/email for more information before you head for the field. Cancellation of session will be broadcast on the blog and by email immediately when we are informed by Sports Council.

*The address of Hai Sing Catholic School is 9 Pasir Ris Drive 6. The entrance to the field however, is along Pasir Ris Drive 3, just across the road from E-Hub. There is a bus-stop just next to the field entrance. The nearest car park is the open air car park along blocks 406/407 Pasir Ris Drive 6.

You can view the map of the area HERE. 

CRC2013 Match #8 Report: PMC vs BENS (28th July)

It didn't seem so long ago that the PMC Soccer Team started their season at Anderson Secondary School. On that day, a tough match against NCC ended in a 1-0 defeat and started PMC's worst run of win-less matches. 15 players arrived at Anderson Secondary to ensure that streak did not enter into its 8th match, determined to finish the league season on a winning note. 

As the home team, PMC started off the session with 2 songs and a message by Jeremy Sin, sharing about how faith in God can change our lives.

 Jeremy Sin sharing the Christian message to both teams

The PMC team united in purpose before kick-off

The PMC team stuck to its tried and tested formula of 4-2-3-1 in the following line-up:

Jeremy Tan

Kevin - Steve - Yi Jun

Kee Min - Jacob

Damien - Jeremy Sin - Daniel Low

Weijie

David Lim

For the first 20min of the 1st half, PMC clearly was the better side, having almost all of the possession and keeping the ball in BENS' half for the 1st goal. However, most attempts to threaten BENS did not even result in a shot on target. Many balls were pumped forward to Jeremy Tan to chase, but these were either cleared by the defence or Jeremy Tan fouled the defender while trying to win the ball. There were half chances here and there, but largely the final ball in the box was disappointed, leaving nothing much for the forward players to latch onto. The most positive move was a long throw in the box to Jacob, who pulled the defence apart and laid off a back heel to Kee Min which was just slightly too long for him to make a serious attempt on goal. PMC was thus, almost sucker-punched, not once, not twice, but 3 times when BENS allowed 3 golden opportunities to pass them by. First, a BENS corner found its way straight to the head of their on-rushing CB, but he headed the ball way over the bar without anyone challenging him for the ball. The next 2 were in some ways courtesy of the referees decision to play advantage to the attacking player. 2 long balls found BENS forwards beating PMC's offside line, and with the defence completely rooted, it was David Lim who saved the team twice in one-on-one situations with reflex saves. It was thus quite a relief when the referee blew for half-time at 0-0. PMC knew that they had not converted their possession into goals and were fortunate to not be 2 goals down at the half.

The half-time team talk focused the team on playing the game, and to the call of the referee, instead of being frustrated by inaccurate decisions and stopping play unnecessarily. With that in mind, and encouragement to put more balls into the box, the PMC team went back onto the field with only 1 change - Jeremy Tan coming off, with Steve moving to CF, Kee Min to AM and Samuel coming on as DM. Kevin and Damien also swapped roles to keep things fresh on the left flank.

The changes seem to work in PMC's favour as from the kick-off, it was PMC that threatened again, with most of the possession. It took a corner kick to threaten BENS firmly and another one to finally break the deadlock in PMC's favour. Damien's first in-swinging curler beat the entire BENS defence and landed right on Steve's head, only for him to head it high above the bar, just as the BENS player did in the 1st half. Damien's 2nd corner finally did it, when Yi Jun guided the ball expertly into the top of the net with his head, to put PMC up 1-0 and looking good for the win. Of course, BENS did not sit back, but continued to threaten. PMC continued to change things up, with Jeremy Sin and Jacob swapping roles, and Kevin/Damien inter-changing on the left flank. PMC also brought on Daniel Chen for Steve, with Yi Jun moving to CF. With his first touch of the ball, Daniel Chen showed his technique by delivering an accurate cross into the box for Yi Jun to almost latch on to. PMC's 3rd substitution was Joel coming on for Yi Jun, who had a good game. Joel and Kee Min continued to press for the 2nd goal to put the match away. This finally came when Daniel Low delivered a nice cross on the right. With only the GK to beat, both Kee Min and Joel got initial shots saved before Joel got the decisive touch to send the ball into the net. With the score at 2-0, PMC was breathing slightly easier, allowing Michael to come on for Damien, and head between the sticks, giving David Lim some time at LM. PMC tried to keep-ball for the rest of the match, and was also stout in defending as BENS threw everything they had at the PMC goal. It was a rewarding feeling when the referee blew for full-time, giving victory to PMC. 

It was congratulations all around during the post-match team talk and Samuel closed in prayer.